microdermabrasion

Facials have become a classic way for people to relax, refresh, and pamper themselves in a way that also gives them healthier, more beautiful skin. Do they really do all this, though? Do facials actually make your skin look better or make it healthier, or is this just an incredibly successful marketing ploy that’s been perpetuated for generations?

Our medical spa and cosmetic laser center professionals at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center are here to give you the unvarnished truth about facials.

Do Facials Work?

The short answer to this question is, “it depends.” Some facials, like those you tend to find at day spas, are designed more for your relaxation and comfort than to enhance your skin. In many cases, these facials do nothing more than replace a standard session of washing your face at home.

There are, however, some facials that can truly improve your skin. For example, a facial that focuses on deep cleansing and exfoliation, like a Silk Dermalinfusion® microdermabrasion facial, is an effective way to reduce acne, minimize mild signs of aging, and replenish your hydration.

When you schedule a facial, then, how do you know if you’re getting one that will leave your skin better than it was before or one that’s just designed for temporary enjoyment? Look for these signs:

1. Your facial is being performed at a skin care clinic as opposed to a day spa. “Med spa” and “day spa” sound like similar facilities but they’re actually quite different. A med spa or medical spa is a healthcare facility that offers science-backed treatments that are meant to improve your health or your appearance. A day spa, or a facility you’d typically call a spa, is focused on giving you relaxation. There’s nothing wrong with a day spa, but you shouldn’t expect a spa facial to produce lasting results for your skin.

If you are considering booking a facial with a facility but you aren’t sure whether it’s a med spa or day spa, take a look at the other treatments they offer. Procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, and other treatments aimed at long-term results are an indication of a med spa. If you primarily see relaxation treatments on the menu, like massages and sauna sessions, it’s more likely to be a day spa.

2. Your facial has a clear description of how it will help your skin, and these details are medically accurate. If you want results for your skin, you don’t want a facial that is described with very vague words or words that indicate a short-lived improvement. For example, if a facial is described as giving you a “dewy” face, “refreshing” your skin, or working toward other very general goals, it’s not likely to give you lasting results. By contrast, the Fire and Ice Facial we offer has very clear and specific ways to improve your skin: exfoliation, clearing clogged pores, and softening the skin with hydration, for example.
3. Your facial is customized for your skin. Everyone’s skin has its own unique challenges and needs. If you’re booking a facial and the facility uses the same products and processes for each person, it is an indication that the facial isn’t truly designed to benefit your skin. Ideally, you want to book your facial with a knowledgeable and licensed aesthetician who can understand your goals for your skin, assess your skin, and tailor your facial to fit your needs.

A facial can be a fantastic way to simply relax and treat yourself, or it can be a way to give your skin a health and beauty boost. Both of these are valid reasons to get a facial, but it’s important to understand the truth about facials and make sure you are getting one that serves the purposes you want. Use the criteria above to find a facial that will truly benefit your skin or cut to the chase and schedule an appointment at Laser Lights. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips.