Benefits of facial treatment, massage

CEBU, Philippines - Dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek (melasma), freckles brought about by having lower concentration of photoprotective melanin, and other types of blemishes triggered by environmental factors, stress and hormonal changes – name it, I have it!

This is the very reason I haven’t initially demonstrated any interest at skin care products flooding the market or seeking facial treatment – because I know that my skin imperfections are, sort of, congenital.

So when my trip to Beauty and Grace Regimen, Inc. shop (at the second level of the Parkmall) recently for a foot massage turned out to be a facial treatment, I myself am surprised at the result of the first session.

“Well, first I don’t claim that I am a dermatologist, to be safe,” explained Virginia “Bing” Catigan, president of B & G Regimen, Inc. “I always remind clients that I am a professional facial therapist who had my training in Singapore at Immortelle Atelier School.”

“We do non-surgical facial treatment. If clients ask us further treatment on their skin condition, we refer them to visit any skin clinic with a [certified/licensed] dermatologist. But so far, like in acne cases for example, it is something that we can handle,” Catigan added.

“We offer them our non-surgical acne treatment services with good results, so far. This is so because I, myself, love doing facials with people who have acne problems. This is because with the procedure I observe, I can see results right away.”

For my skin problems, Catigan began with a cold brush of placenta gel on my face before applying the 24K Gold Anti-Freckle Treatment. “I use both products with ultrasound to penetrate on the skin, thus generating new cells as well as toning the skin. For 24K Gold, the purpose is to lighten up the pigmentation, like the freckles,” she said while I submitted to the procedure.

After which, an algae soft mask covered my face. “The purpose is to hydrate, soothe and strengthen natural defenses. It is good for dehydrated skin type,” Catigan said. “Collagen soft mask is intended to strengthen elasticity of skin. It also has firming and lifting effect.”

Along with the facial treatment comes European-style facial massage meant to detox, firm, relax and pamper the skin.

Benefits of European-style facial massage

All day long, our face is working hard to show our emotions, to help us eat and to talk. All of these strenuous works can lead to tight and fatigued muscles.

Taking the time to exercise our facial muscles can help strengthen them against the rigors of our everyday emotional, communication, and nutritional needs. And facial massage, well, let’s just say that every part of our body deserves to be pampered!

•Detox – One of the greatest benefits of facial massage is that it helps increase blood flow, thereby improving circulation. Better circulation means more blood pumping through the areas of our face, whisking away any impurities. Tight, stiff muscles can hold those impurities, so Catigan began the detoxification process with a few simple exercises/strokes.

•Firm – An added benefit to facial exercise is that along with becoming stronger, the muscles help firm up the skin that lies over them. One area in particular that people struggle with as we mature is the jowl area (the area around and underneath the cheeks and chin).

•Relax – Have you ever gotten one of those really killer headaches right between your eyes? Or the kind that wrap around your forehead and feel like a vice? Those headaches can actually be caused by muscle tension in our face. Just like with the rest of our body, facial yoga can help easily stretch and relax. The moves are as simple as rubbing our palms together until they’re warm, and then cupping them gently over our eyes.

•Pamper – Massage is an excellent modality for relaxation, helping increase blood flow and soothe tense muscles. Facial massage is typically something that we get at a spa, but we can also perform some basic massage on our own face. First, select a light, gentle, hydrating lotion to use as a massage cream, because we don’t want to leave something heavy on our face that might clog our pores. Catigan said: Remember to begin at the bottom and work your way up, lifting the facial tissue with each stroke.

Beauty and Grace Regimen, Inc. is a multi-faceted company which seeks to implement the motto “Beauty plus grace equals elegance”.

B & G sells beauty products such as Bio C-Ziwi, Maria Galland (from Paris, France) and Soley (originally from Iceland). “We offer non-surgical facial services by using organic products; manicure and pedicure, foot massage, foot spa, body massage - Swedish, Thai, aromatherapy and volcanic stone massage. We will be launching new products and services soon,” she also announced. - MEEV