The Pros and Cons of Getting a Facial: Is It Really Worth It?
One of the questions I get asked most as an esthetician is, are facials worth it? To answer this question fully, we need to understand better what a facial is, what are the benefits of a facial, what are potential risks, what types of facials are available, and how often facials are recommended.
What is a facial?
A facial is a skincare treatment tailored to the needs of your skin performed by a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. During a typical facial, the skin care professional will cleanse the skin, exfoliate it, and apply products to the skin to help achieve the client's goals.
What are the benefits of a facial?
Some of the many benefits of facials are:
Facials help remove the buildup of dead skin cells and dirt
Increase blood circulation
Stimulate collagen production
Minimize the appearance of fine lines
Reduce redness and inflammation
Hydrate the skin
Reduce acne and prevent further acne scarring
Promotes relaxation
What are the potential risks to facials?
There are some risks associated with facials. Some of the most common risks include:
Allergic reactions: There is a chance a client can be allergic to an ingredient that they do not know about. Always disclose all known allergies to your professional skincare professional.
Cost: Facial treatments can be costly and not fit into everyone's budget.
Infection: Facials can increase your risk of infection if you have an active rash, cold sore, or open wounds on your face.
Irritation: Facials can be irritating to those who have sensitive skin.
Not all facial treatments are suitable for all skin types.
What are some common types of facials?
In 2023 there are so many types of facials available. Some of the basic types of facials provided by estheticians include:
Acne facial: This facial treats acne-prone skin by decongesting the skin and killing acne-causing bacteria. It commonly includes LED therapy and high-frequency treatment.
Anti-aging: Facial to combat the signs of aging, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and lift and tone sagging skin. It commonly includes LED therapy treatment.
Back facial: Facial that targets the back, usually to help with congested pores.
Classic facial: This is the basic facial that most people think of. Commonly called a "custom facial," it cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes the skin.
Chemical peel: Use acids of different strengths to exfoliate and potentially peel the top layer of skin. This procedure can be stand-alone, or mild peels can be incorporated into a facial as the exfoliation step.
Dermaplaning: The removal of dead skin and "peach fuzz" with a scalpel to improve the appearance of the skin, product absorption, and application of makeup.
Hydro facial: This facial uses gentle abrasion, suction, and serum to exfoliate the skin. Hrydra facial is a brand name of a hydro facial, like Xerox or Kleenex.
LED facial: Uses different colored light-emitting diodes to target specific concerns, such as acne, redness, and anti-aging.
Microdermabrasion: Used to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin with a handheld wand that has an abrasive tip.
Oxygen facial: There are two main types of oxygen facials, generating oxygen on the skin and using a wand to spray oxygen onto the skin.
It is common for several of these to be combined into one treatment.
Cost of facials:
The cost of a facial will differ depending on where you live. In Huntsville, AL, the average prices are:
Classic facial - $99
Back facial - $100
Chemical peel - $120
Dermaplaning facial - $120
Hydro facial - $175
Oxygen Facial - $150
How often should you get a facial?
Our skin naturally turns over every 28 days, but regular facials can help remove dead skin cells and dirt buildup and keep your skin soft and glowing. If that frequency is outside your budget, at least once a season, so four times a year, is recommended to help your skin look and feel its best.
Are facials worth it?
The simple answer is YES! Your skin is your body's largest organ, so taking care of it is essential. Regular facials significantly affect your skin's overall health and appearance. A proper home care routine is crucial to the health of your skin and is the foundation for all facial treatments done in the treatment room.
If you are considering getting a facial, it is necessary to do your research and find a reputable esthetician. Specific facials are only for some; often, there are contraindications to facials that you may want. Be sure to ask about the risks and benefits of facials before deciding and booking an appointment.
Tips for finding a good esthetician:
Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations.
Read online reviews and view pictures of the location.
Check that your provider is licensed and insured.
Look at the environment when you arrive. Is the treatment room sanitary?
Make sure to ask your provider lots of questions. The more, the better.
Tips to get the most out of your facial:
Avoid working out, makeup, saunas, sun, touching your skin, and exfoliating after your facial. Ask your service provider about additional home care you should follow after your appointment. If getting a massage, book your facial after your massage. Like with a massage, stay hydrated for the rest of the day.
Facials can significantly complement your home treatment, other facial treatments, or procedures you may be getting. Make sure to check with your provider or esthetician before booking an appointment that your current products or recent treatments are not a contraindication.
Some facials, like chemical peels, are not recommended for first-time clients. It would be best to get a custom facial first so that your esthetician can get to know your skin and your goals to recommend treatments that can work for you. Remember that a facial will not take away years of concerns in one treatment; fine lines, dark spots, and texture took time to form and will take time to heal.