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Saturday, July 4, 2009

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Clarin's researcher says facials may be bad for your skin

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Last week I posted some excerpts from a rather long press release announcing Clarins's latest creation, Younger Longer Balm. Naturally, I'm a big Clarins fan and I can't wait to get my hot little hands on this new number. But something in the release's Q&A between a member of the PR team (I assume) and Lionel De Benetti, Clarins Global Director of Research and Development, caught my attention. When asked what else customers could do to improve their skin (besides using the new product, obvs), part of his answer was this:

Schedule regular facial treatments for yourself that do not include the use of steam and extractions.

Please sir, can you spare an elaboration? I emailed Clarins publicist Megan Dennen and begged her to humor me by asking Lionel to explain why he personally does not recommend facials.

Well, you facial junkies out there ain't gonna like it, but here, straight from the horse's mouth:

Steam is very damaging to the skin if it is applied for a long time and at a high temperature. Lionel uses a steak to help explain this. If you think of a piece of meat when it is raw, it is very firm and has a nice pink texture. If you take that same piece of meat and then apply hot water to it, it starts to turn brown and break apart. The same thing happens to your skin. It weakens your skin and makes it more susceptible to damage and wrinkles. He also says not to do extractions because you are breaking apart the top layer of the skin. It can increase the size of the pore and cause scarring. It can also lead to further infections if there is any bacteria on the top of the skin.

You know, I never thought of it before, but my face does slightly resemble an overcooked chunk of filet mignon today! Heavens! Now, it's not like I've never heard the age-old duel that usually occurs between estheticians and derms before: Just like "tastes great," "less filling!" the argument for and against facials is a battle that wages on. (Not to mention the whole extraction controversy, but that's another post my friends.) Yes, the scientists have a point and all, but facialists have changed the lives of so many people I know!

What's your take? To steam, or not to steam?

--Erin

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Comments 1-10 of 21
  • cristinasimo...'s Avatar
    Posted by cristinasimo... Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:55pm PDT

    Okay, Yahoo is pimping this site as 'great writing for women'. Ahem. It's "scarring" not "scaring", "temperature" not "temperate", and can we have at least one more scientific opinion?

    This looks like it took two seconds to write. No offense, Product Fiend - I don't know if they're paying you the time it takes to research or proofread. But Yahoo people: this writing is not exactly top-notch.

    Report Abuse
  • Nia's Avatar
    Posted by Nia Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:01pm PDT

    I'm calling bull s--- on this one. My face is indeed like a steak , a steak that's covered by a terribly useful protective layer of skin. If you were to peel back the skin and apply steam well of course that's not going to make me look any younger.

    Report Abuse
  • saysolongtostress's Avatar
    Posted by saysolongtostress Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:17pm PDT

    aristinasimo... do not bully

    What's your take? To steam, or not to steam?

    moderation!

    Report Abuse
  • mountngirl17's Avatar
    Posted by mountngirl17 Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:37pm PDT

    I've been an Esthetician for 8 yrs, and that is bull____. If you go to someone who knows what they're doing, steam that should be at least 25" away from the face, and only applied for about 3 min., opens the pores, it doesn't cook the face, and extractions (if done correctly) are very beneficial!!!! then apply a mask that is appropriate for your skin type, and will tighten the pores & the right moisturizer will feel soothing, and give you a great feeling, and should leave you very rested, and give your face a glow

    Report Abuse
  • lhua154's Avatar
    Posted by lhua154 Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:14am PDT

    to the first commenter: most of the material on this site seem to be blog entries. i doubt they are intensely copy edited. give them some slack.

    Report Abuse
  • prettygood's Avatar
    Posted by prettygood Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:28pm PDT

    I have been having facials once every 3 months and found tht extraction actually improves the skin texture ,removes ugly blackheads and clears pores.I believe after 30yrs of age all women need to get facials done regularly,specially if their work rerquires going a lot outdoors.Getting it done by a trained professional is must.

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  • micah's Avatar
    Posted by micah Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:09pm PDT

    to steam .. my sisters an esthetician and she gives me facials all the time .. she steams me up and handles those extractions for me .. i've never had an issue except for one reaction to a peel .. and it's because i have sensitive skin .. i don't know .. the extractions never hurt, but always actually helped .. the heat always made it easier to do the extractions .. and she always makes sure my face is clean before hand so the whole dirty face with wide open pores thing doesn't even make sense .. now facials by yourself? probably not such a good idea .. but done by a professional? there should be no issue .. if you have concerns it's your responsibility to let your esthetician know.

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  • joyce g's Avatar
    Posted by joyce g Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:12pm PDT

    What a load of Pish-Posh...I have been steaming my face once a week, then follow with a face mask (homemade) for over 30 yrs now. People think I look 10 - 15 yrs younger than I am.. Ladies! Keep on steamin!!

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  • tx girl's Avatar
    Posted by tx girl Fri Apr 18, 2008 7:37am PDT

    My dermatologist did extractions once a month when I had acne in high school and college and tears would roll down my face. Every time I left his office, my face looked like someone had been playing darts on it. But now 20 years later, most people cannot believe I am as old as I am and I am so glad I toughed it out and let him clean out my face every month. Besides, who wants all that "junk" just lying under their skin exposed to the world? As long as you take care of your skin and with a little help from a professional every now and then, you can't go wrong.

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  • Cookie's Avatar
    Posted by Cookie Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:37pm PDT

    I'm an esthetician as well and I do not agree. I would also like to add, that there are steam machines out there with ozone, that actually helps kill bacteria on the face.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 21

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