Facials and bleaches are beautification treatments done by a majority of us. However, people still use both terms interchangeably. Contrary to perception, they are not the same at all. We’ll discuss in detail the process and differences between facial and bleach to help you make a better decision.
Facial & Bleach – What Do They Mean?
Bleach
Skin bleaching uses a chemical agent to lighten your skin tone. It aims to reduce pigmentation, dark spots, tanning and turn skin brighter. The chemicals generally used in this treatment are ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and bleaching powder. Some use natural ingredients like lemon, potato, honey and rose water for skin bleaching too.
Steps Included In Bleaching
- Cleansing the Skin
- Mixing (activator powder and cream)
- Applying the Bleach
- Removal
Facial
Honestly, facial is a term that barely needs any introduction. Though, for those unaware, it is a combination of several steps as part of beauty treatment to achieve glowing, youthful and radiant skin. It helps increase the blood flow and deeply cleanses your skin, making it an excellent option to pamper yourself. Additionally, it gets rid of blackheads, whiteheads, dead skin cells etc.
Steps Included in Facial
- Cleansing
- Exfoliating
- Steaming
- Massage
- Toning
- Mask
- Moisturising
Difference Between Bleach & Facial
Areas of Application
A facial is only meant for the face, whereas you can bleach your face, facial hair, teeth and other body parts.
Objective
Bleaching aims at lightening or whitening your skin. On the other hand, facial helps cleanse, revitalise and work on skin related issues.
Duration
Facial can take about 30 minutes to 2 hours based on the type of facial you have chosen. As far as bleaching is concerned, it takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
Massage
A facial helps you relax and rejuvenate, which is mainly due to the inclusion of massages. Though, it’s not a part of the process of bleaching.
Side Effects
As compared to bleaching, facials have lesser side effects, but that doesn’t apply to everyone. Some may face skin irritation due to specific ingredients or sensitive skin. Several bleaching creams contain mercury that can cause high blood pressure, kidney failure and fatigue.
How to Decide Which is Best – Facial or Bleach?
Each treatment has its own set of pros and cons. However, the chances of side effects are less in a facial than bleaching. If you are concerned about skin health, a facial is a better option. Though, if you are looking for a treatment option that can lighten your skin, reduce dark spots, acne spots etc., a bit faster, then opt for bleaching. It can also help lighten facial hair if you aren’t keen on waxing or shaving.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind that too much of anything is bad. Take a gap of about four to eight weeks after every bleaching session. For facials, you should stick to about three to four weeks of gap after every session.
Which Treatment Should You Try First?
Since facials don’t allow the use of other products for a while, it is better to go for bleaching first. Though, always stick to a gap of around 30 to 40 minutes between both the procedures. If you can take a day’s gap after bleaching, nothing better than that.
Summing Up
Both these beauty treatments intend to make your skin clear, glowing and beautiful. However, you need to understand the process, results, purpose, and side effects to make the right decision. Whatever you choose, always ensure that you aren’t allergic to any ingredient that’s part of the treatment. Take a patch test before using bleaching creams for safety. These treatments are fantastic options to beautify your skin but simultaneously follow a healthy diet, exercise and good skincare routine.
FAQs
- Can bleaching be done after two days of a facial?
Ideally, you should first go for bleaching then do a facial as it restricts the use of other products after the session.
- How many days does it take to see the glow after a facial?
Your skin may start to feel hydrated and smooth immediately. However, you can notice it after two or three days.
- How long does the effect of a facial last?
The effects achieved after a facial session may last for about 48 to 72 hours.
- Which is the safest bleach for your face?
With different skin types and conditions, there isn’t one particular bleach that may work for everyone. Talk to your doctor or esthetician to guide you through.
- What is the right age to bleach your face?
The right age to bleach your face would be after 20 as the skin is mature and no new changes occur. Therefore, skin would be in a better position to handle bleach. Having said that, you should also remember that side effects have nothing to do with age. It’s always best to take a patch test before bleaching.
