Do you get facials on vacation? Esthetic beauty rituals are practiced worldwide, with the facial being one of the most customized treatments a spa can provide. Your after-facial glow can vary depending on where on the globe you have your treatment, which is very exciting for an esthetician. For instance, if you were to have a facial everywhere you’ve traveled, you’d see how the treatment tailors to the needs or customs of that region. Several factors include air quality, sun exposure, climate, cost, accessibility and culture. Let’s embark on a jet-setting spa journey.
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Do you get facials on vacation? Esthetic beauty rituals are practiced worldwide, with the facial being one of the most customized treatments a spa can provide. Your after-facial glow can vary depending on where on the globe you have your treatment, which is very exciting for an esthetician. For instance, if you were to have a facial everywhere you’ve traveled, you’d see how the treatment tailors to the needs or customs of that region. Several factors include air quality, sun exposure, climate, cost, accessibility and culture. Let’s embark on a jet-setting spa journey.
The Facial of Paris, France
Did you know the French pioneered the facial? A facial in France incorporates more massage techniques and touch compared to a facial in the U.S., which tend to acquire less ambiance and more equipment. To get a facial in Paris, you’ll experience an aromatic, more drawn-out and relaxing massage technique. They don’t consign to the idea that breakouts will follow massage and instead focus on the renewal benefits of relaxation. Some of the most luxurious products hail from France, so you can expect your skin to feel velvety rich leaving the spa. A natural face, with hair almost unkempt is the norm here, so you can hit the streets of Paris directly from your appointment and blend right in.
The Facial of Seoul, Korea
A facial appointment is just another week in Seoul, where Koreans view facials as part of their beauty routine versus the idea of a special occasion splurge. Bathhouses and spas are on every corner here, and a facial renders for as little as $40. This normality is thanks to the centuries-long incorporation of self-care that Koreans adhere to. Koreans will make a facial appointment every one-to-two weeks as a maintenance ritual; the benefits are undeniable. You’ll experience a similar cleansing, steam and finishing process, but a multi-layered mask treatment will replace an exfoliation segment. Also, the massage will be more technical and intentional. Pressure point massage techniques are standard, and extension to the neck and décolletage areas are essential in these facials. Pore extractions will occur only in the most obviously clogged areas, relieving you from hitting the city streets with any inflammation. SPF is always happening.
The Facial of Tokyo, Japan
There are a few need-to-know massage techniques that come from Japan that I hope you experience at least once in your life. Kobido is a massage technique that requires very specific training, so you’ll have to seek these estheticians out. The combination of fast and slow movements of kobido is designed to improve deep circulation so effectively that it has been deemed a non-surgical facelift. Shiatsu follows the principles of acupuncture and involves a long pressure point of the meridians of the face using the fingertips and weight of the arms. Acupressure is similar, but uses the weight of one’s whole body to apply pressure to specific points. These pressure techniques can treat body issues and are an excellent method for stress relief. You’ll experience skin care lines that use rice bran (komenuka), which acts as a very gentle exfoliant, soothing matcha and antioxidant-rich vitamin C.
Related: 7 Creative Beauty Treatments From Around the World
The Facial of Cape Town, Africa
Welcome to the joy of Digui. Digui is a popular massage technique using the palms of one’s hands to release facial tension, increase circulation, drain lymph and improve skin clarity. Oils and raw shea butter are paired with this technique to create a smooth massage flow and and immaculate after-glow. Aside from palms, massage stones and rollers are also incorporated, making a great travel souvenir for at-home practice. Since shea butter is derived from the karité trees of Africa, you’ll be delighted to experience the anti-inflammatory and ultra-moisturizing properties of it.
The Facial of Melbourne, Australia
Some great Aussie qualities are incorporated into skin care treatments here; environmentally friendly, organic and cruelty-free. You’ll have no problem finding an esthetician who uses vegan skin care, and the holistic experience is rewarding. Discussing protection against environmental factors, including the sun will occur in your consultation and skin analysis, as Australian estheticians are raised knowing the havoc the environment can wreak on our skin. Natural springs are abundant here, so take advantage of one (for free) while visiting.
The Facial of Moscow, Russia
Russian spa treatments take real pride in what is trending as “R-beauty” or Russian beauty. Here, estheticians are pros at managing what extreme weather can do to the skin. Herbal baths and all-natural remedies are used frequently in spas and skin care routines to rehydrate and lock moisture into the skin against frigid temperatures. Massage is an essential aspect of any facial here to really get circulation going on a routine basis. They love unique massage techniques here. You may have heard of the buccal massage technique, which is performed on the inside and outside of the mouth and cheeks. This “mouth massage” is prized for softening the facial expression lines of the lower face, such as the lips or nasolabial folds, and can also relieve temporomandibular joint pain.
The Facial of Brazil, South America
Brazil is well known for the abundance of surgeries performed here, but make no mistake, the non-surgical treatments are just as satisfying. Here, they are results-driven. Lightening and tightening facial treatments are very popular, and will make it hard to choose a treatment that doesn’t sport some notable laser equipment for highly effective results. Product-wise, facials rich in oils provide a luxurious glow here. Coconut is the natural ingredient of Brazil, so you’ll love any treatment that uses it topically or aromatically here. Almond oil is another popular and accessible ingredient. You can add on a makeup application following your facial for the full Brazilian beauty experience before you venture out.
Skin Care on the Plane
There’s something about that plane air that can really zap that international facial glow in an instant. Take care by arriving at the airport makeup-free. (Pores clog so much quicker in the harsh plane environment.) In your personal item carry-on, you’re going to want the following things:
- An eye mask to reduce dark circles and orbital puffiness. If you don’t mind getting a few looks, a stone roller is incredible in-flight.
- The air at high altitudes is arid, so a thick face balm that can be applied like a mask and set or rubbed in as a moisturizer will do wonders for you. (I like Clarins Beauty Flash Balm).
- Finally, please use a hydrating facial mist if you plan on using any humectant-rich ingredients like hyaluronic acid for your flight. This is because hyaluronic acid must be applied to damp skin. Otherwise, it will pull water from your skin and evaporate into the (desert-like) air. An alternative to avoid this mishap is to use products rich in ceramides.
The Facial of New York, United States
A facial in the United States typically focuses on pore extraction and enhanced exfoliation for a purified effect compared to facials elsewhere in the world. Of course, this varies, but “fresh and clean” is a generalized appeal of a facial in the U.S. Incorporating equipment is also favored, think high frequency, galvanic current, microdermabrasion, etc. In a big city like New York, you’ll see more lunchtime peels and mini treatments for people on the go, which is great when routine skin care is important to you, but you can only carve out a little time for it on a trip. The products will be rich in antioxidants to fight the free radicals of big city air. Quick but effective results are key here.
The Facial of London, England
Your best facial in London will be one that is complimentary to an atmosphere of rain and fog; think illumination. A great facial here offers lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, a vitamin C serum, a radiant moisturizer and sunscreen. Like most of Europe, estheticians in London are a happy mix of Eastern and Western specialties. At the right spa, you can enjoy a facial rich in Asian massage techniques like Shiatsu and advanced equipment like laser therapy. The facial steps here are similar to what you’d experience in the U.S., but the pinky is up on vacation here, making it much more indulgent.
Talk about a Vacation Glow!
Bon voyage and report all your favorite facial experiences for future itineraries, so we can all be a little more esthetically well-traveled.
Erika Lauren, L.E. is a licensed esthetician and airbrush tan artist from Massachusetts with over 15 years of experience. She currently operates her business Art + Sol in Virginia and implements her writing degree by contributing literature to the esthetic community.
