Facial Recognition System

A facial recognition system is a computer-driven application for automatically identifying or verifying a person from a digital still or video image. It does that by comparing selected facial features in the live image and a facial database.

It is typically used for security systems and can be compared to other biometrics such as fingerprint or eye iris recognition systems.

Popular recognition algorithms include eigenface, fisherface, the Hidden Markov model, and the neuronal motivated dynamic link matching. A newly emerging trend, claimed to achieve previously unseen accuracies, is three-dimensional face recognition. Another emerging trend uses the visual details of the skin, as captured in standard digital or scanned images. Tests on the FERET database, the widely used industry benchmark, showed that this approach is substantially more reliable than previous algorithms.[citation needed]

What Is A Facial?

A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. A facial is the second most popular spa service after massage.

The Basic Steps of a Facial

A facial involves a few basic steps:

* cleansing
* skin analysis, where the esthetician puts eyepads over your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp
* exfoliation, usually while a steam vapor is directed at your face.
* extraction of blackheads if you want it and it's suitable for your skin type. (It can cause broken capillaries.)
* facial massage to relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles
* a mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.)
* application of toners and protective creams
* advice on home skin care

Who Gives A Facial?

A facial is given by a licensed esthetician with special training in skin care.

How Much Does a Facial Cost?

A facial usually starts around $75 at a day spa in a smaller city. Prices will be higher at destination spas, resort and hotel spas. Special masks and serums also make the price go higher

How Often Should I Get A Facial?

Ideally, get a facial every four to six weeks because that's how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning.

Variations on the Classic European Facial

Variations on the classic European facial include the "mini-facial" (cleansing without extractions) and specialty facials. Add vitamin C, and you have an "age defense" facial. It's an "oxygen facial" when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a "collagen facial" when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin. An acne facial will pay special attention to extractions.

Facial Treatment

During a recent round, I suffered every golfer's nightmare: getting hit by a shot. Worse, I did it to myself. The story:

My first drive of the round goes right into the rough, and I find my ball sitting right next to a medium-sized rock that I couldn't move. I take out my sand wedge to punch it out, but instead, the ball came straight up and hit my face. I then went to the ER and got five stitches. No big deal. It could have easily been worse if it hit me in the eye, nose, tooth, ear or, well, you name it.

I waited a week to play another round. Did I flinch? Well, after hitting my first shot eight feet from the hole, I missed the putt for birdie.