Fall in Love with a Facial #giveaway

Last week, we felt the first effects of a winter snap. Snap. Just like that. One day it was above zero and tolerable and the next day, -18 with a windchill. Big time snap. Technically, it's still fall or autumn, if you prefer, and will be for almost another entire month. 

There are a lot of things you need to do to prepare for the start of winter, which, apparently, seems to be showing up before December 21. There are MANY things I do at the change of the seasons, specifically from fall to winter: 

• Tidy the garden, rake leaves, trim trees
• Take out heavy coats and boots from storage
• Sort through closet and make a pile of clothing to donate, others put away for another year
• Add snow tires to my vehicle 

It's all about maintenance; maintenance for your home, your car, and even your closet. I'm willing to bet a lot of people maintain many of the same things I do. I'm also willing to bet more people DON'T maintain their face. 

That's right. I said your face. Do you maintain your face at the change of the season? Well, I didn't -- not in the past anyway. This fall, I decided to give it a shot -- with a facial at Sanctuary Day Spas. I think I've had 2 facials in my entire life. It's true: I tend to neglect my face.

I signed up for a Sanctuary Spa Facial, which is like the beginner facial, if you will. An aesthetician will evaluate your skin, discuss what will be done, and proceed with the treatment. I thought this was a good option for a facial newbie, although there are many more facial treatments available on the spa menu. 

As I suspected, my skin was dry - very dry - likely due to that aforementioned snap!, the change of the seasons, and the sudden use of heat inside our home. There's less moisture in the air, and definitely in my face. Oh, and the postpartum hormones don't help either. 

I'm told everyone should get a facial at least twice a year -- at the start of winter and at the end of winter, to prepare for spring. That makes sense to me, even if I haven't had my share of facials before. Let's use the metaphor of my closet: make sure you're stocked up with winter gear and clothing at the start of the season and once the snow starts to melt, get all that stuff out of there and prep for the rebirth of spring.

Same with your face -- plan for winter, and kiss it all goodbye once the season is done. And as I've been told, you hide age in your face and we want to keep that looking fresh and young. 

The treatment is easy, pain free and quite relaxing. Once your skin is assessed, the aesthetician will explain the process -- there are lots of serums and creams, cleansers and toners. I loved the hot towel treatment and the arm and hand massage, and appreciated laying in silence for 15 minutes without any interruption. (That NEVER happens anymore!) And, in case you were wondering, I didn't break out afterwards. 

I thought I'd *bravely* post a before and after shot -- be warned: I'm not wearing ANY make-up in these photos. Nada. Zilch. No filters either. ;)

I had a definite glow for days after the treatment and my skin DID feel cleaner and fresher. The rest is really up to the customer. I was given a list of product suggestions, but mainly advised to keep treating my face with hydrating moisturizers to prevent more dryness. Follow-up appointments are helpful, but not necessary.

I was really glad I decided to take the time to maintain my face this year. After everything we put it though -- the sun, the wind, the make-up, the late nights and early mornings -- our face deserves it. After all, we only get one, and we need to take care of it!

Have you ever had a facial? Well now's your chance to WIN a FREE FACIAL courtesy of Sanctuary Day Spas. Enter the contest below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I am a Sanctuary Day Spas Ambassador and receive special perks as part of my affiliation. As always, the opinions expressed on my blog are my own.