The painful, naked truth about your first facial exposed

As a "beauty expert" and skincare enthusiast, I'm almost hesitant to admit I've only had a facial a handful of times.  While some swear by regular facials for beautiful skin, it was the price tag that kept me away. Facials can start from anywhere around $60 and can climb up to as high as $200.

But as I've gotten older, I've realized how important skin care is.  So I headed over to Massage Envy in Mt. Laurel, NJ, where Murad (the exclusive skincare provider to all Massage Envy Spas) invited me to try one of their signature facials.

Upon arrival, my esthetician Nancy diagnosed my skin type (combination), discussed my skin concerns and goals, and ultimately decided on the Murad Environmental Shield Vitamin C facial.

Since my last facial was on my honeymoon four years ago, I totally forgot what to expect. If you're getting a facial for the first time, or it's been awhile since your last one, here's the truth about what you can expect:

Leave your jewelry at home.  My giant Michael Kors watch and Alex and Ani bracelets only proved to be an obstacle during my facial. Facials go beyond the face and often include hand and arm massages. Unless you want your jewelry covered in massage oils and lotions, leave them off for now.

You're expected to strip. When I was instructed by Nancy to undress (as much as I felt comfortable), I was surprised. After all, why would I need to be naked to get a facial? As previously mentioned, facials migrate beyond the face. Your neck and décolletage receive the full treatment as well.

It's not relaxing.  Forget what you see on TV. Between the steady stream of steam on your face and the periods of bright white light on your eyes, I wouldn't say it's exactly relaxing. And it's painful (more on that next). It helps when you have tranquil surroundings and a great esthetician. Nancy and I talked about everything from kids to Clarisonics (we love both).

It's painful. One word: extractions. I was not ready. To get the gunk (aka blackheads) out of your pores, the esthetician applies pressure around the pore to extract the contents. I know, gross. And it hurts like hell.

You may break out afterward. This hasn't happened to me (yet). But facials work by removing toxins from your skin. This is a good thing. However, an unpleasant side effect could be breaking out.

The end result? It was absolutely worth it. My skin rivaled J.Lo's in the glow department.  I couldn't stop looking at it. If you can't swing a monthly facial, Nancy recommends getting one per season.  Take advantage of Message Envy's July Summer Glow event. Starting July 5 to August 2, members and guests will receive $10 off Massage Envy's four Murad Healthy Skin facials, specially designed by Dr. Howard Murad, and a free Murad, sample to kick-start proper summer skincare.