A facial is a procedure involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation

Exfoliation (cosmetology)

Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, and has been used for many years to help maintain skin. Exfoliation is involved in the process of all facials, during microdermabrasion or chemical peels at medical spas...

, extraction

Comedo extraction

Comedo extraction is a widely-used method of treatment for acne vulgaris. A dermatologist or cosmetologist may extract blackheads using gentle pressure around the pore opening, and whiteheads by incision with a large needle or a blade.If performed skillfully, this treatment may be beneficial to...

, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels

Chemical peel

A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Thus the term chemical...

, and massage

Massage

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle"...

. It is normally performed in a beauty salon but it is also a common spa treatment.
Facials are generally categorized, for example:

• European Facial
• LED Light Therapy Facial
• Mini-Facial
• OXYjet Facial

Facial mask

A facial mask is a creamy paste (or gel) applied to the entire, already-cleansed face. It often contains minerals, vitamins, essential oil

Essential oil

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils or aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove...

s, and/or fruit extracts (e.g., cactus

Cactus

A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. Their distinctive appearance is a result of adaptations to conserve water in dry and/or hot environments. In most species, the stem has evolved to become photosynthetic and succulent, while the leaves have evolved into spines...

, cucumber

Cucumber

The cucumber is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, which includes squash, and in the same genus as the muskmelon. The plant is a creeping vine which bears cylindrical edible fruit when ripe. There are three main varieties of cucumber: "slicing", "pickling", and...

, etc.). There are different kinds of masks for different purposes: deep-cleansing, by penetrating the pores; healing acne scars or hyper-pigmentation; brightening, for a gradual illumination of the skin tone. Some masks are designed to dry or solidify on the face, almost like plaster

Plaster

Plaster is a building material used for coating walls and ceilings. Plaster starts as a dry powder similar to mortar or cement and like those materials it is mixed with water to form a paste which liberates heat and then hardens. Unlike mortar and cement, plaster remains quite soft after setting,...

; others just remain wet. The perceived effects of a facial mask treatment include revitalizing, healing, or refreshing; and, may yield temporary or long-term benefits (depending on environmental, dietary, and other skincare factors).
Masks are removed by either rinsing the face with water, wiping if off with a damp cloth, or peeling off of the face by hand. Duration for wearing a mask varies with the type of mask, and manufacturer's usage instructions. The time can range from a few minutes, to, overnight. Those with sensitive skin

Sensitive skin type

Sensitive skin is a skin condition in which skin which is prone to itching and irritation experienced as a subjective sensation when using cosmetics and toiletries. When questioned, over 50% of women in the UK and US report that they have sensitive skin....

 are advised to first test out the mask on a small portion of the skin, in order to check for any irritations.

Masks can be found anywhere from drugstores to department stores, and can vary in consistency and form. These forms include: clay

Clay

Clay is a general term including many combinations of one or more clay minerals with traces of metal oxides and organic matter. Geologic clay deposits are mostly composed of phyllosilicate minerals containing variable amounts of water trapped in the mineral structure.- Formation :Clay minerals...

, which is a thicker consistency, and will draw out impurities (and sometimes, natural oils, too) from the pores; a cream, which stays damp to hydrate the skin; sheet-style, in which a paper mask is dampened with liquid to tone and moisturize the skin; and lastly, a hybrid/clay & cream form that includes small beads for removing dead surface skin cells. These different forms are made to suit different skin types (e.g., oily, dry), and different skincare goals or needs (e.g., moisturizing, cleansing, exfoliating). Clay

Clay

Clay is a general term including many combinations of one or more clay minerals with traces of metal oxides and organic matter. Geologic clay deposits are mostly composed of phyllosilicate minerals containing variable amounts of water trapped in the mineral structure.- Formation :Clay minerals...

and mud masks suit oily and some "combination" skin types, while cream-based masks tend to suit dry and sensitive skin types.