The face has 120 muscles. Even low grade stress can strain these muscles causing premature wrinkling. Facials can counteract this damage, says Dr Rekha Sheth

In their 20's, most people think it can never happen to them. At 30, the truth of the situation begins to dawn. By the time they hit 40, it's too late to reverse the damage. This may sound harsh but the truth is that skin ages and the signs are very visible. However, pollution, the sun's rays and stress all combine to cause premature skin damage.So what's the solution? Facials apart from a regular skin care regimen help counteract the damage.

Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin, apart from minimising skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and, of course, wrinkles. Facials vary depending on your skin type, the kind of treatment you've chosen, the products used and the person's age. However, it is advisable to start having facials in your late 20's.

Facials involve a cleansing procedure, a massage and steam, and the application of a face mask. What they help to do is remove the dead, dull outer layer of cells that make up the skin's surface or epidermis along with pollutants. The massage, which is an important part of a facial helps blood circulation, which in turn aids lymphatic drainage (the removal of toxins and waste from the body). A massage also relaxes the facial muscles. The face has over 120 muscles, and research has shown that even low-grade stress can strain these muscles leading to early wrinkling of the skin over them. Hence muscle relaxation is very important to delay the onset of wrinkles. The face is steamed during a facial for two main reasons. Firstly, steam helps the skin absorb cream better. Secondly, it helps in softening blackheads and whiteheads so that they can be removed easily. The application of a face-mask in the end helps tone and clarify the skin. Face masks are also used to treat dry and acne-ridden skin.

Here's a range of facials that any good beauty salon offers today.

A clean-up cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises facial skin. Ugly blackheads and whiteheads are cleared by gently steaming the face. Regular clean-ups can prevent and reduce skin problems. These are recommended for all skin types and can be done on people under the age of 25.

These facials are a simple cleanse, steam and massage affair. They're the least expensive of all facials. They're also the best option for normal skin that isn't prone to acne. The difference between these facials and a clean-up is that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time in a facial.

These are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturise the skin. Face packs are custom-made for different skin types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are also part of the process. These are recommended for people with sensitive skins.

In addition to cleansing, massage and rejuvenation techniques, these facials include treatment that targets dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this facial is the bio-mask, which tones and tightens the skin on the face, making it
look younger.

AHA acids, which are derived from fruits and flowers, are known for their anti-aging effects. These facials use creams formulated with AHAs, which help the skin look smoother and healthier. They are also recommended for people who have pigmented skin, and are prone to wrinkling easily.

These facials are offered as part of bridal beauty packages. It involves the application of a special paraffin mask on the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the skin. It aids better absorption and brings back the radiance of
the skin.

This facial uses creams and masks enriched with free-radical fighting agents like vitamin A. beta-carotene and vitamin E. Pollutants are first removed and the skin is then deep-cleansed in this procedure. This is recommended for people who have to be outdoors often on account of their work.

These facials are tailor-made to target requirements like skin-type, and specific skin problems like acne, uneven pigmentation and
dull skin.

These are 'quick-fix' treatments using special equipment to show immediate results on the skin. These are recommended for older women. These treatments leave the skin radiant
and toned.

It's important to see a dermatologist in case you have serious skin problems. Certain skin conditions can get aggravated when subjected to a facial. So seek counsel before you decide on a specific facial.