While an afternoon at the spa is nice, the average facial—usually consisting of cleansing, extractions, and a mask application or two—might not be doing a whole lot for your skin. Medical-grade facials, on the other hand, can offer more, with sophisticated devices and innovative technologies.
“Spa facials may include active ingredients in a low concentration, but the main focus is on relaxation and lymphatic drainage,” says Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. Meanwhile, medical-grade facials, like those offered at medspas as well as dermatology and plastic surgery practices, are intended to rejuvenate skin and address specific skin concerns like acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
For that reason, “medical-grade facials tend to have higher concentrations of active ingredients and may be administered with specific energy devices, such as a microdermabrasion machine,” says Dr. Cheung. And even though the facials are noninvasive, it’s still important to vet your provider, to make sure they can properly assess your skin and recommend the right treatment for you. With that, consider these facial upgrades that actually deliver results.
HydraFacial
What it is: HydraFacial is a device that pairs exfoliation (via chemical exfoliants) with hydration. Last year, it was updated with Syndeo, which allows a client’s preferences, concerns, and treatment history to be stored digitally and accessible anywhere.
What it includes: Think of HydraFacial as the most comprehensive take on a traditional facial. “A HydraFacial consists of cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing serums deep into the skin with a hydradermabrasion device, which vacuums out pores while infusing actives to deliver plumped, hydrated, and glowing skin,” says Dr. Cheung. “There is an array of boosters for all skin concerns—such as peptides for wrinkles and brighteners for pigment.” Afterward, you can view all the gunk that the machine has removed from your skin.
Who it’s good for: Anyone looking for smoother skin texture and brighter tone, although the results are temporary
How often to get it: Once a month
Average price: $199
Glacial Rx
What it is: Glacial Rx uses cooling technology to reduce inflammation and tighten skin. “The treatment harnesses cold to suppress the production of melanin, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots and ultimately brightening the skin,” says Lucia Miranda, CCMA, a licensed aesthetician at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
What it includes: Glacial Rx has three modalities: Glacial Gloss pairs the cooling technology with dermabrasion, Glacial Glide applies it all over the face, and Glacial Freeze uses it to target age spots. “On average, it takes about three treatments to see results, is pain-free and safe for all skin types, and has minimal to no downtime—depending on whether you receive the targeted spot treatment,” says Miranda.
Who it’s good for: People looking to even out skin tone or brighten skin
How often to get it: Once a month
Average price: $350–$1,500, depending on your location and provider
DiamondGlow
What it is: Unlike the chemical exfoliation used in HydraFacial, Allergan Aesthetics’s DiamondGlow pairs manual resurfacing (like microdermabrasion) with hydration throughout. It’s paired with SkinMedica products, a line of medical-grade skin care often found in doctors’ offices.
What it includes: As with HydraFacial, this is another high-tech take on the typical facial. “The wand is made with a real diamond tip that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts debris, and infuses the skin with professional-grade SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serums while pores are open and most receptive,” says Edyta Jarosz, a master aesthetician at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. She prefers to use the hyaluronic acid serum, although she recommends the new brightening serum to address hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Who it’s good for: Anyone looking to generally improve skin hydration and radiance, with no downtime
How often to get it: Every other week (for a total of four to six treatments)
Average price: $171
CryoFacial
What it is: The CryoFacial is a treatment that falls under the umbrella of Cryoskin (alongside CryoSlimming and CryoToning Cellulite). It uses sub-zero temperatures to encourage collagen production and smooth skin texture.
What it includes: The Cryoskin facial takes just 10 minutes, during which a super-cold stream of nitrogen vapor is blown onto your face and neck. It boosts blood flow and stimulates collagen production, thereby reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, soothing inflammation, and temporarily tightening skin.
Who it’s good for: People looking to target lax skin or wrinkles
How often to get it: Every seven days (for a total of three to five sessions)
Average price: $45–$150, depending on your location and provider
The Oxylight by Sapphire 3 Facial
What it is: The OxyLight Facial is a device designed to bring together exfoliation, ultrasound, oxygenation, and LED light therapy to renew skin in about an hour.
What it includes: Think of this as a multistep, high-tech facial. It “incorporates multiple modalities, including diamond microdermabrasion, high-pressure oxygen infusion, ultrasound, microcurrent stimulation, and full-spectrum LED lights, with negative-ionized oxygen,” says Jarosz. Because of this, she says, it can help promote tighter skin, stimulate collagen production, and even out skin tone (including redness).
Who it’s good for: Those who want to address multiple signs of aging, like dark spots and fine lines
How often to get it: Once a month
Average price: $160–$400, depending on your location and provider
Glo2Facial by Geneo
What it is: Glo2Facial uses proprietary technology to deliver oxygen to skin, followed by exfoliation, topical product application using ultrasound, and lymphatic drainage to give skin a glow.
What it includes: Instead of applying oxygen to skin from the outside, this facial uses a bicarbonate disc to boost circulation. “It is the most efficient way to stimulate oxygenation of the skin,” says Dr. Jamé Heskett, a board-certified physician in Katonah, New York. This step is followed by exfoliation and then ultrasound, which “allows customized serums to be layered into the skin,” she says, adding that there’s no downtime, you get lasting results, and there’s an immediate glow.
Who it’s good for: People looking for instant brightening and rejuvenation
How often to get it: Once a month (for a series of three)
Average price: $200–$500, depending on your location and provider
