Q: What are the pros and cons of having a facial?

Pros There are many benefits to a facial in addition to relaxation, says Dr. Gidon. “Extractions clean out pores, and the massage can stimulate circulation,” delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin and boosting radiance. They can incorporate different treatments and approaches to address specific skin types and conditions. Facials are safe, if done right, says Dr. Jeffrey Ellis , a dermatologic surgeon in Plainview, New York, in a RealSelf Q&A . “Be sure your aesthetician is using high-quality products and is gentle with your skin. Extractions that are too aggressive can cause persistent dark spots on patients with dark skin tones.” Oxygen facials can help shorten recovery from intensive laser treatments. “We routinely include a complimentary oxygen facial during the recovery from our more intense laser resurfacing procedures” says Dr. Hessler. “The oxygen can help minimize redness, plump and hydrate the skin, and aid in overall healing.” Cons The results of many facials are usually temporary and must be maintained. “Max, you’ll get a two-week ‘Wow!’—but then the benefits will fade,” says Dr. Allenby. A poorly trained or inexperienced practitioner can harm your skin, so make sure your facial is performed by a licensed aesthetician. “A good aesthetician is worth their weight in gold,” says Dr. Allenby. If you’re unfamiliar with the product line being used, your skin may have an adverse reaction, even if you don't normally have sensitive skin. It’s important to discuss in detail during your consultation your medical history and any allergies or negative experiences you’ve had in the past.

Q: How much does a facial cost?

Dr. Gary Motykie , a plastic surgeon in West Hollywood, California, says in a RealSelf Q&A that your “total cost will vary, depending on the type of facial you have, the facility where the treatment is performed, the area of the country you’re in, and whether additional treatments are performed at the same time.” For example, many men and women schedule microdermabrasion or microneedling beforehand, to allow for better penetration of the facial. Check with the doctor’s office or medspa where you’re considering treatment; they can give you a list of the specific facials they offer, along with prices. Keep in mind too that most offices will offer packages at a discounted price. For instance, at Dr. Gross’ office, facials are $200, and peels are $225—but if you have a facial with a peel, the price is discounted to $325. See our complete guide to facial costs

Q: What's a HydraFacial?

Many doctors on RealSelf offer the HydraFacial , a multistep treatment done with a patented device. The HydraFacial is highly customizable. “It offers so many different components that we don’t always end up doing, but it allows us to gear the facial to the patient’s needs,” says Dr. Allenby. The device cleanses (the vacuum-assisted exfoliation is less painful than traditional extraction), exfoliates, and has the potential to perform different levels of chemical peels. At the end of the procedure, special boosters—antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides—can also be added, tailored to your skin concerns. A series of the 30-minute treatments, which are safe for all skin types and tones, can help correct hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, smooth fine lines, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and clear and prevent acne. Its moisturizing, brightening effects improve with multiple sessions.

Question 1

What is a facial?

Accepted Answer

A facial is a skin-care treatment offered in a spa, salon, or doctor’s office. There’s no denying the feel-good factor of a facial, but these treatments are also intended to deeply cleanse; improve circulation; exfoliate to remove dead skin cells; moisturize; and help with common skin concerns like aging, dry skin, and acne. “Facials can be helpful for a number of people, including those with healthy skin and those with skin problems,” says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologic surgeon in Toronto.

There are many types of facials targeted to different needs, so it’s difficult to lump them all together. Some facials incorporate oxygen, high-frequency microcurrents, dermaplaning, and LED light to deliver more intense or specific results—for instance, the blue and red lights in LED treatments are used to calm breakouts and inflammation, while microcurrent devices can temporarily tighten muscles so your face looks more lifted. Facials may also be combined with chemical peels, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, and/or microneedling, for more comprehensive results.

“We customize our medical facials to target the specific skin concern of each patient, be it wrinkles, brown spots, acne, or some other. We mix and match additional treatments, such as chemical peels and lasers, to layer over our facials, for even greater results,” says NYC dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross in a RealSelf Q&A.

RealSelf members are real fans, noting in facial reviews that the treatment makes their skin glow and feel amazing.

"To maintain the benefits, you need to be routine about facials. It’s like anything else. If you whiten your teeth routinely, they stay white and look good.”—Dr. Janet Allenby, a Delray Beach, Florida dermatologist

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of having a facial?

Accepted Answer

Pros

There are many benefits to a facial in addition to relaxation, says Dr. Gidon. “Extractions clean out pores, and the massage can stimulate circulation,” delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin and boosting radiance.
They can incorporate different treatments and approaches to address specific skin types and conditions.
Facials are safe, if done right, says Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, a dermatologic surgeon in Plainview, New York, in a RealSelf Q&A. “Be sure your aesthetician is using high-quality products and is gentle with your skin. Extractions that are too aggressive can cause persistent dark spots on patients with dark skin tones.”
Oxygen facials can help shorten recovery from intensive laser treatments. “We routinely include a complimentary oxygen facial during the recovery from our more intense laser resurfacing procedures” says Dr. Hessler. “The oxygen can help minimize redness, plump and hydrate the skin, and aid in overall healing.”

Cons

The results of many facials are usually temporary and must be maintained. “Max, you’ll get a two-week ‘Wow!’—but then the benefits will fade,” says Dr. Allenby.
A poorly trained or inexperienced practitioner can harm your skin, so make sure your facial is performed by a licensed aesthetician. “A good aesthetician is worth their weight in gold,” says Dr. Allenby.
If you’re unfamiliar with the product line being used, your skin may have an adverse reaction, even if you don't normally have sensitive skin. It’s important to discuss in detail during your consultation your medical history and any allergies or negative experiences you’ve had in the past.

Question 3

How much does a facial cost?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Gary Motykie, a plastic surgeon in West Hollywood, California, says in a RealSelf Q&A that your “total cost will vary, depending on the type of facial you have, the facility where the treatment is performed, the area of the country you’re in, and whether additional treatments are performed at the same time.”

For example, many men and women schedule microdermabrasion or microneedling beforehand, to allow for better penetration of the facial. Check with the doctor’s office or medspa where you’re considering treatment; they can give you a list of the specific facials they offer, along with prices.

Keep in mind too that most offices will offer packages at a discounted price. For instance, at Dr. Gross’ office, facials are $200, and peels are $225—but if you have a facial with a peel, the price is discounted to $325.

See our complete guide to facial costs

Question 4

Facial before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The facial photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

What's a medical facial?

Accepted Answer

A medical facial is typically performed in a doctor’s office. It uses medical-grade skin-care products that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than those typically used in spa facials, which are often geared toward a more relaxing, pampering experience.

“When facials are done in a medical office, they’ll often be more traumatic, but you’ll end up with more results,” says Dr. Janet Allenby, a dermatologist in Delray Beach, Florida. For instance, while a low-concentration chemical peel may be used during a classic spa facial, medical facials usually involve higher-concentration acids, like glycolic acid, can be used for deeper effects and more significant results. These stronger agents could damage skin if they’re not used properly, which is why it’s important that they’re used only under trained medical supervision.

Some providers customize their facials using an extract from your own blood. “A stem cell facial uses platelet rich plasma (PRP) to isolate your body’s own natural growth factors, to enhance collagen regeneration, minimize line lines, and add subtle volume to the face,” says Dr. Jill L. Hessler, a facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, California. “This type of facial is a celebrity favorite. it can also be referred to as a Vampire Facial, or a Vampire Facelift when injections are also performed.”

Question 6

Are facials safe for your skin?

Accepted Answer

Are facials safe for your skin?

There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question, since there are so many different types of facials, says NYC dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan in a RealSelf Q&A. “They certainly can be safe, but all procedures have risks. Does the facial simply entail rubbing a mild cream on the face, or are acids being applied and other procedures being done? Who is performing the facial? Is the person licensed? Are there underlying skin problems? What are the goals of the facial?” The upshot, according to Dr. Strachan: “Facials are generally considered low-risk, but only get your facial from a qualified professional.”

RealSelf Tip: Doctors on RealSelf are divided when it comes to having facials when you’re on isotretinoin. The acne treatment (commonly known as Accutane) makes skin more sensitive and prone to scarring. Be sure to discuss having one with your doctor beforehand.

Question 7

Who should do facials?

Accepted Answer

“Facials should be performed by qualified professionals who can analyze skin and decide which products should be used,” says Toronto dermatologist Dr. Martie Gidon in a RealSelf Q&A. It’s important that your goals are clearly stated and the treatment is based on them.

To be sure your skin is in good hands, check that the person performing your facial is licensed. Also key: your aesthetician should know your medical history. That includes what medications you take or anything you’re allergic to, including aspirin (salicylic acid peels contain an ingredient related to aspirin). Make sure to let your aesthetician know if you’re using any new topical creams. Retinols can also make your skin more sensitive. “As your skin is acclimating to the retinol, flaking can occur,” cautions Dr. Hessler. “This can lead to uneven penetration of peels, leading to areas of greater depth or burns.”

Having a facial in a doctor’s office has an added advantage, since the aesthetician can call in a doctor if they find something—for instance, an unusual growth or rash—that’s outside their scope of expertise.

Related: The 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make During an At-Home Facial

Question 8

What's a HydraFacial?

Accepted Answer

Many doctors on RealSelf offer the HydraFacial, a multistep treatment done with a patented device. The HydraFacial is highly customizable. “It offers so many different components that we don’t always end up doing, but it allows us to gear the facial to the patient’s needs,” says Dr. Allenby.

The device cleanses (the vacuum-assisted exfoliation is less painful than traditional extraction), exfoliates, and has the potential to perform different levels of chemical peels. At the end of the procedure, special boosters—antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides—can also be added, tailored to your skin concerns.

A series of the 30-minute treatments, which are safe for all skin types and tones, can help correct hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, smooth fine lines, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and clear and prevent acne. Its moisturizing, brightening effects improve with multiple sessions.

Question 9

What happens during a facial?

Accepted Answer

A classic facial usually lasts about an hour and includes some variation on these steps.

A thorough cleansing of the skin
A skin analysis
Deep exfoliating and extraction of blackheads, clogged pores, and pimples, if necessary
A face, neck, and décolletage massage (and sometimes a hand, foot, and arm massage)
A treatment mask
The application of a serum and/or moisturizer

Extractions can be a little uncomfortable, so Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist in New York City, recommends taking Tylenol about 30 minutes before your facial.

RealSelf Tip: “Wait two weeks before having a facial after fillers, such as Restylane and Juvéderm. Wait longer if swelling and bruising are still present. You don’t want to move the product or develop any infections,” says Dr. Gidon.

Question 10

What happens after a facial?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of facial you have. Your skin will usually be slightly inflamed and pink, but that should resolve in a couple of hours. You’ll be able to apply makeup afterward and resume your everyday activities. But for maximum benefit, Dr. Allenby recommends leaving the skin alone for the rest of the day. Steaming, extractions, and exfoliation can make it more sensitive, so taking a break from makeup and skin-care products will allow it to calm down.

If you have a more medical facial, like one that incorporates a peel or microneedling, your skin may be red and irritated for a couple of days. Be sure to talk to your aesthetician beforehand about aftercare and when you can resume your regular skin-care routine. Some treatments incorporated into a facial can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s important to follow the post-procedure protocol advised by your aesthetician.

RealSelf Tip: Plan ahead. Skin may be red and blotchy post-facial, and sometimes a facial can trigger a breakout, so don’t schedule a treatment less than a week before a big event.

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Jill Hessler, MD

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