If you’re interested in getting a facial, but don’t know where to start, what kind of facial to get or how much to spend, read this article for all the basics you need to know.
What Kind of Facial to get
- Foo-Foo Facial. Picture a really relaxing spa-like experience. It might be great, but it really isn’t getting in there. When you are traveling, stick to gentle, foo-foo facials.
- Med Spa Facial. You’re going to get in there and get stuff done here. When I’m home, know where I’m going and it’s my regular esthetician, I only go for the real deal. If you want to get the most out of your money, don’t go for the relaxing one because it might be a nice experience, but you won’t get the long-lasting results. At a med spa with a licensed doctor or nurse practitioner, they’re allowed to use little needles for extractions- the #1 reason I get monthly facials.
Facial extractions are essential to avoid the buildup of comedones, closed pimples and milea. You need a needle to poke these out, and if you do it at home yourself, you could really damage your skin.
Facial Add-ons
There are so many things you can get added on to a facial now (microcurrent, microdermabrasion, facial massage, peels, acids, etc.), so you have to know what you’re doing when you order one. My recommendations for someone new to facials or if you’re going somewhere you don’t know are:
- Light Therapy- These are very mild and safe, can help get rid of or prevent acne and can help build collagen. 99% of the time, you’re not going to walk out with any kind of reaction.
- Oxygen Therapy- This will give you the most beautiful glow. It’s very safe and noninvasive …you’ll be fine :).
What I DON’T recommend:
- Any kind of peel
- Microdermabrasion (If you’re in the sun, this is especially bad.)
Remember, if the esthetician doesn’t know your skin, don’t let her do any of the add-ons (peels, devices or microcurrents) because it can end up damaging your skin.
Branding
Do not fall for the branding in titles of facials! A lot of times, you’ll go to a spa and the first level facials are called something like “rejuvenating” or “hydrating.” These are fine. If they use words like “anti-ageing” or “stem-cell,” add an extra $50-$100 and make it seem really special, ask them what the actual add-on is. A lot of times it’s just a mask or an extra serum …do not pay extra for a product you can use at home.
If the add-on is something like a peel or hydrafacial at your home spa, that’s when you can add it on. I’ll pay for the add-on of a really good facial massage where they’re doing lymphatic drainage – that’s actual technique and time.
What Facial to get the day Before an Event
In general, get a facial 3-5 days before you want to look good because extractions can sometimes leave you a little blotchy. If you want to get a facial that’s going to make you look amazing literally the day after or day of, I would do an oxygen facial or a face lifting facial.
Oxygen boosts circulation, so you’ll walk out GLOWING. I think this is my favorite facial. It’s usually a bit pricier (sometimes double what you pay for a regular facial), so I save that for something important.
Face sculpting with lymphatic drainage massage truly makes such a difference. If you do this, have them do one side of your face, then watch to see the difference when they’re done – you’ll literally be lifted. Obviously this doesn’t last more than 1-2 days, but the more you do it, the more regularly your face will stay up like that. You can do this to yourself everyday (I have a video on facial massage).
I hope these tips helped you! I can definitely elaborate more, but those were just some basics on facials.
