Facial care is a process that involves steps such as cleansing, toning and moisturising, using a variety of products and routines, to maintain the health, appearance, and radiance of skin.[1] The effectiveness of a facial care regimen depends on various factors such as skin type[2], sensitivity[3], age[4], hyperpigmentation[5], and acne[6]. To achieve the best results, choose products that are suitable for your specific skin type and that address any particular skin concerns you may have. There are many different forms of skin care treatments, each offering unique benefits for the skin. Some popular forms of facial care include a variety of different types of facials[7], facial massage[8], and the use of masks[9]. These treatments can help to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling refreshed.
Cleansing is the process of removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin.[10] Lathering cleansers, a common type of facial cleanser, generate lather when used, thanks to a surfactant level greater than the CMC (critical micelle concentration). These cleansers contain surfactants with short hydrophobic chains, enabling faster and higher levels of lather.[11] Most lathering cleansers on the market use synthetic surfactants designed to be mild to the skin, reducing skin damage compared to naturally derived surfactants. However, they may be less effective at removing oil-soluble makeup. Liquid lathering cleansers clean through the chemical process of emulsification, suspending or emulsifying dirt and oils, thus allowing them to be removed from the skin during the rinse process. Exfoliating Cleansers are used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin twice per day, in the morning and evening.[12]
Toning
After cleansing, toners can be used prior to moisturizing and can have a number of benefits, depending on their formula and should be chosen to suit an individuals skin needs, such as reducing pores (using toners that have salicylic acid) for oily and acne skin types, brightening complexion (with toners that have vitamin C), soothing inflammation (via toners with ingredients such as aloe vera) for sensitive skin types or using toners that include retinol for aging skin, which can help to improve fine lines.[13][14]
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is a crucial aspect of skincare, particularly for areas prone to dryness or that have impaired barrier function.[15] Moisturizing skincare can contribute to preventing and treating skin diseases and disorders.[16] The term "moisturization" holds different meanings depending on its intended purpose and how it is applied. Essentially, moisturizers are used to hydrate dry skin, improve and prevent rough, cracked skin, restore the natural feel of the skin to make it soft, silky, and smooth, or alleviate skin conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, or rosacea. In essence, most people use moisturizers to ensure their skin feels and looks nice without any discomfort.[17]
Sun protection
Sunscreen is an important skincare product designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of chronic exposure to UV radiation. UV radiation can lead to skin thickening, wrinkle formation, inflammation, and even carcinogenesis. These effects occur due to the continuous oxidative stress state induced by an excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from UV irradiation. This oxidative stress ultimately leads to cell apoptosis events and degradation of collagen[18], resulting in the undesired morphologic changes in the skin. Therefore, sunscreen helps prevent these harmful effects by providing a protective barrier against UV radiation, reducing the risk of skin damage and associated skin conditions.[19]
Exfoliating
Exfoliating is a skincare process that involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting skin renewal and rejuvenation. Chemical exfoliating (such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid), causes controlled destruction of the epidermis, leading to subsequent rejuvenation of the skin. Chemical peels are a form of targeted skin exfoliation, with different depths of peels inducing varying degrees of outer layer removal of the skin. Superficial peels, for example, reduce epidermal melanin and are used in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Additionally, exfoliation can be achieved through physical scrubbing using additives such as oats or coffee grounds.[20]
Technology
LED (light-emitting diode) facemasks
Facemasks using LED technology can help treat a number of facial skin concerns. Blue light can decrease acne problems, whilst red light can help to stimulate collagen production and decrease hyperpigmentation.[21] LED therapy uses waves of light which can brighten, firm and calm the skin, whilst reducing signs of aging.[22] LED has been used within medicine to reduce psoriasis, sun damage, acne and eczema. LED stimulates skin cells via a process known as photobiomodulation. At home LED facemasks are becoming increasingly popular.[23] Research has shown that such devices improve skin-brightening and anti-aging.[24]
Davies, Catherine, and Richard John Miron. PRF in Facial Esthetics. Batavia, IL: International Quintessence Publishing Group. 2020, 2020.
Sachdev, Mukta, and Niti Khunger. Essentials for Aesthetic Dermatology in Ethnic Skin. CRC Press, 29 May 2023.
Zoe Kececioglu Draelos. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Chichester, West Sussex; Hoboken, Nj, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2016.
Wilfried Rähse, and Wiley-Vch. Cosmetic Creams: Development, Manufacture and Marketing of Effective Skin Care Products. Weinheim Wiley-Vch, 2020.
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