Facial and bleach are beautification treatments which some may view interchangeably. However, bleach specifically refers to a whitening chemical or ingredient which aims to lighten complexion. On the other hand, facial includes various steps that aim to improve skin quality through deep cleansing and rejuvenating procedures. The following discussions further delve into these differences. 

What is Facial?

Facial is a combination of various cleaning and complexion treatments to achieve a more youthful skin. Treatments aim to remove impurities such as black heads, dirt, white heads, dead skin cells, extra oil, and pimples. Also, facials are viewed as effective stress relievers due to the pampering and relaxing effects. Some popular types of treatments are microdermabrasion, oxygen, acupuncture, LED, deep cleansing, diamond file, and acne facial. 

The following are the usual steps in facial treatments: 

1. Cleansing

Cleansers are applied in upward strokes. 

2. Exfoliation

Dead skin cells are scrubbed off. 

3. Steaming

Steam is projected to the skin to unclog pores. 

4. Massage

After the face is more relaxed by the steam, it is aptly massaged to further achieve therapeutic effects and to enhance blood circulation.  

5. Toning

Toner is applied to prep the skin for mask application and moisturizing. 

6. Mask Application

A suitable face pack or mask in the form of clay, gel, cream, or sheet is applied and left to dry. Some aestheticians massage the scalp, shoulders, and hands while the customer is wearing the mask. 

7. Moisturizing 

After the pack is wiped off, the skin is moisturized. 

What is Bleach? 

Bleach uses a whitening agent to lighten skin, hair, or teeth. The chemicals often used are hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and bleaching powder. However, natural ingredients like lemon juice, honey, rose water, and potato extract are also commonly used.  Many opt to undergo bleaching treatments, for a brighter complexion, to lighten facial hair, and to eliminate or lessen dark pigmentations such as freckles, age spots, and scars.  

The following are the usual steps in face bleaching treatments: 

1. Cleansing

Impurities are removed. 

2. Bleach 

The bleaching cream or mixture is applied and is left on the face for about 10 to 15 minutes. 

3. Wiping Off

The bleach is removed and a face mask may be applied. 

Difference Between Facial and Bleach

1. Main Objective

Bleaching is meant to whiten or lighten while facial aims to cleanse and rejuvenate. 

2. Body Part

As its name suggests, facial is a beauty treatment for the face. On the other hand, bleaching treatments include the face, hair, teeth, and other body parts that can be lightened. Moreover, bleaching may also be applied to various materials such as paper and cloth. 

3. Steps 

Facial involves several steps such as cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, toning, face pack application, and moisturizing. On the contrary, bleaching only has two general steps which are cleansing and bleach application. 

4. Duration

A facial treatment may last for 30 minutes to around 2 hours as the procedures may vary depending on the specific type of regimen. As for a bleaching treatment, it often lasts for only 15 to 30 minutes. 

5. Precautions

Since bleaching treatments use strong chemicals, a patch test should be carried out. Moreover, direct exposure to sunlight is usually avoided for 2 days. Since such chemicals are not often utilized in facial treatments, only minimal precaution is advised such as avoidance of immediate use of cosmetics and direct sunlight. 

6. Massage

Having facial treatments is also viewed as therapies or stress relievers since massage is incorporated in the various procedures. Also, relaxing music is usually played in facial treatment salons. On the other hand, massage is less likely incorporated in bleaching procedures. 

7. Price

As a facial involves more procedures, it is usually more expensive than a bleaching treatment. However, prices vary on the type of product used and the expertise of the aestheticians or dermatologists. 

8. Area of Application 

Facials are done externally while bleaching may be done externally as well as internally. Though most bleaching treatments are done topically, some products may be taken in in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid. Some individuals undergo injection treatments to lighten their skin. 

9. Skill 

Facial treatments need skill and most countries require their aestheticians to be licensed before performing such beautification procedures. On the contrary, most bleaching treatments may be performed by individuals with less training and qualifications. 

10. Skin Health 

As compared to bleaching treatments, facial procedures are more associated with skin health as these involve a family of skin care treatments such as improvement of blood circulation and rejuvenation. 

Facial vs Bleach: In Tabular Form

Summary of Facial vs Bleach

• Facial and bleach are beautification treatments which some may view interchangeably.
• Bleach specifically refers to a whitening chemical or ingredient which aims to lighten complexion. 
• Facial includes various steps that aim to improve skin quality through deep cleansing and rejuvenating procedures.
• As compared to facial, bleaching treatments may include other body parts and even things like paper and fabric. 
• Generally, facial treatments involve more procedures than bleaching ones. 
• Facial procedures take longer than bleaching procedures. 
• As compared to bleaching, facial treatments have less precautions. 
• Facials are viewed as therapeutic while bleaching treatments are not. 
• Facials are often more expensive as compared to bleaching. 
• Facials are done topically while bleaching may be both internal and external. 
• Individuals who offer facial treatments require more qualifications as compared to those who perform bleaching procedures. 
• Skin health is more associated with facial as compared to bleaching. 

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