How often should you get a facial? Well, if it were up to us (if we had unlimited money), we would get facials every day to keep our skin and mind happy. But unfortunately, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. While popular skincare treatments are our ticket to a glowing, clear complexion and overall healthy skin, getting facials on a regular basis may not be the best idea.
Experts agree. We spoke to three facialists to find out everything there is to know about facial care. From the benefits to the ideal schedule to how often we should get facials, see what the pros have to say below.
What is a facial?
A facial is a treatment that involves the use of various skin care products, tools, and facial techniques. According to Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, facialist and founder of Raquel NYC, these treatments can be product-based (using masks, serums, creams, etc.), massage-based, technology-based, or some combination of the three.
advantage
The benefits are too numerous to ignore. Medina-Cleghorn lists clearer skin, increased hydration, reduced inflammation and redness, and a more radiant complexion as some of the top reasons you should consider incorporating facials into your skincare routine. You can also expect improved lymphatic drainage and increased blood circulation. “Ideally, facials should leave skin looking smooth, soft, firm, and lifted,” she says.
As far as the downsides go, he said there really aren’t any if you go to a professional. Any negative side effects could be related to untrained technicians or using the wrong products and techniques on a person’s skin, which could cause irritation or allergic reactions. A skilled facialist will consult with you beforehand to avoid using items on your face that could harm your face.
Facial preparation
You should consult with your facialist before your appointment so they can give you specific instructions on what you should and should not use. Facialist Maddalena Conti recommends checking your esthetician’s website for recommendations on what to do based on your treatment. She also recommends filling out medical forms ahead of time so your esthetician is fully prepared. If you have any additional questions or comments, please ask your facialist directly. “Don’t hesitate to ask questions,” Conte said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
She recommends skipping active ingredients like retinol or chemical exfoliants alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids about five days before the treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid excessive sun exposure for at least a week or two. Sophie Pavitt, facialist and founder of Sophie Pavitt Face, says you should also avoid shaving, waxing, or threading any facial hair for up to 24 hours beforehand.
As far as applying makeup on the day of your appointment goes, Medina-Cleghorn says most beauticians want clients to come in with a clean face (but if you can’t, don’t worry, because either way, your face will look totally flawless). If you’re planning on getting multiple beauty treatments at once, opt for a facial before eyelash extensions or any hair appointments.
How often should you get a facial?
The short answer: It depends on the type of facial you have. Six to eight weeks between appointments is ideal, Pavitt said. Medina-Cleghorn likes to do facials every four weeks, so it aligns with the life cycle of skin cells, allowing your facialist to continue working on your skin’s health as old cells are replaced and new skin cells grow.
Some exceptions include special occasions, such as weddings; Pavitt recommends brides come in once a month in the six months before the wedding to address skin concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation, or if you just want to focus on enhancing your skin’s glow, you can visit for a month or two beforehand. Treatments like oxygen facials can be a good option. Medina-Cleghorn says people with acne-prone or oily skin may need more care to ward off congestion.
But sometimes things go too far. Pavitt says too much friction can disrupt the healing barrier and cause further damage. Conti emphasizes the importance of talking to your aesthetician so they can fully understand your skin and skin concerns and help develop a treatment plan based on your skin goals.
Types of facial treatments
No matter what your skin care goals are, there is a facial to suit every skin need. Some of the most common facial treatments are:
Classic Facial
Medina-Cleghorn, also known as the European style facial, means it is a completely product-based facial. You can also do it yourself at home using serums and masks.
chemical peel
Chemical peels using professional-strength exfoliants greatly benefit the skin. They smooth uneven texture, brighten skin, and unclog pores for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Microdermabrasion
It is a form of physical exfoliation that brightens and softens the skin underneath. Facialists typically use a handheld device to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, treat uneven texture, and reduce the appearance of acne scars and dark spots.
Microcurrent Facial Treatment
This treatment uses a low-current device to stimulate your facial muscles, making your skin firmer and tighter. It also boosts collagen production, reduces wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging and makes skin healthier.
Hydrating Facial
The HydraFacial is a popular medical-grade facial treatment for brighter, firmer skin. It consists of three steps — exfoliate, hydrate, and strengthen — and has virtually zero downtime.
Microneedles
Microneedling is a more invasive technique that involves piercing the ears with fine needles to tighten and thicken the skin. It also treats uneven texture and acne scars, and helps reduce wrinkles and stretch marks.
LED Light Therapy
Try a light-emitting diode (LED) facial to combat dullness. It uses safe, low-intensity light of various wavelengths and colors to treat your most pressing skin concerns, such as anti-aging.
Medina-Cleghorn says many facialists are trained in different techniques and modalities, which they can combine to give you the best results. If you’re still unsure about which facial to get, she recommends contacting the spa or clinic for a consultation.
How about a facial at home?
There are many differences between a professional facial and doing it yourself at home. The main difference is that a trained esthetician can use products and certain techniques that you wouldn’t be able to use yourself. “[They] are for professional use only or require specific training because of the varying strengths of the ingredients and the knowledge needed to properly apply these methods in a controlled environment without causing harm,” explains Conti. “It’s better than something that can be done at home 80 percent of the time, and there are some things that are difficult or unsafe to do yourself.”
Pavitt agrees that results are better when you get a facial from an aesthetician. “The products used in professional treatments are often more effective than at-home treatments,” she says. “You’ll also get better results by seeing a professional because your provider has been trained to decide which treatment is right for you.”
Worry
As for general tips that everyone can use after a facial, Conti says you should drink plenty of mineral water to stay hydrated. Pavitt says it’s best to return to normal life one to two days after the treatment. Results can vary depending on the type of facial you had. For example, getting a tooth extracted can make your skin look red for a few days, while medications like oxygen therapy can have an immediate effect, she says.
But the best aftercare is what your esthetician recommends. “Follow their instructions,” she said. “If they’re a good esthetician, they can recommend the ideal home remedies to keep your skin looking its best after a facial.”
Conti agrees, saying “Follow the beautician’s instructions; don’t overdo it.” “We want to help, so please feel free to ask questions or check out products you might be interested in. I know it’s tempting to try products you see online, but we need to understand your skin on a deeper level and would be happy to help provide you with guidance.
