WHAT IS THE BEST FACIAL FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE?

Having trouble with your skin? If what you’re doing at home isn’t working anymore, it might be time to schedule in for a facial. Of course, figuring out which one is right for you isn’t always easy – even for the experts.

The truth is that every person is an individual with unique skin goals. That means your facial should be customized for you at each appointment. And it should be adjusted each time you come in to compensate for changes.

But now that we have that away, let’s get real for a second. There are trusted options we use in the spa to address certain specific issues. From helping stressed-out skin relax to eliminating the appearance of scars, these recommendations really help.

STRESSED-OUT SKIN

When you’re stressed, the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders can knot up, and this can make you appear visibly tired and even exacerbate wrinkles. Jaw muscles clench, you begin to grind your teeth, and you might even wind up with a bit of a tension headache, too.

There’s a facial for that – in fact, there are a few!

Any facial service that includes massage  (lymphatic massage specifically) will help. Gentle physical manipulation relaxes your muscles and improves circulation, which can reduce puffiness and even improve detoxification. It’s a great way to get back to a zen state after you’ve had a rough week.

DULL, LIFELESS SKIN

Stella lost her groove, and now you’ve lost your glow. Don’t fret; there’s a way to regain that brilliance; all you need is microdermabrasion facial. Microdermabrasion is technically a separate service, but when combined with a restorative facial, results are often much better.

Your provider will start by using a small wand loaded with tiny microcrystals to gently blast away old dead skin cells, dirt and debris. The wand will suck these up automatically to leave your skin crystal-clear, clean, and glowing.

The facial itself is step two. Some experts recommend using a customized formula to help your skin heal, rejuvenate, and maintain hydration, while others use masks containing specific enzymes or brightening agents like AHA. Either approach will leave you with a bright, healthy glow.

DRY, FLAKY SKIN

You’ve been following your skin routine to the letter – including deep moisturizing masks and treatments. But you’re still struggling with dry, flaky skin that’s irritated, red, and just plain unhappy. What’s the facial for you?

You need a specialized hydrating facial rich in humectants, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant proteins, urea, and mineral oils. When combined, each of these substances not only moisturizes, but also triggers skin to retain more of its own hydration and naturally-produced oils. You get better results in a single treatment and smooth, flake-free skin for weeks – or even months – afterward.

P.S. this one is perfect for winter skin!

SAGGING SKIN

Let’s face it: age can really do a number on our skin. Eventually, we all begin to see a little bit of volume loss, sagging, or crepe-like skin. But you can ward it off a little bit longer, and even treat it, with a microcurrent facial treatment.

What’s a microcurrent, anyway? It’s a tiny device that, like a TENS machine, sends a very low electrical current through your skin. Research shows that this can stimulate collagen and elastin while also relaxing small muscle groups, which may make fine lines and sagging zones less obvious. It also improves circulation and draws in hydration, which can have a plumping effect.

And in case you were wondering? Yes, it really is as intense as it sounds – in fact, you  but it isn’t painful – you may experience a little twitching or tingling during the treatment at the very most.

CONGESTED SKIN

Blackheads and whiteheads got you feeling a little down? There’s a facial treatment for that, too. Pore-cleansing facials excavate and evict those little undesirable friends, but they do it in a way that limits irritation and avoids the risk of bacterial infections.

Most pore facials contain ingredients like AHA or lactic acid; some may also contain Vitamin C or astringents (like salicylic acid), too. All of these ingredients work by softening the tip of plugs inside pores to make them easier to remove.

Have particularly sticky spots? Your provider may go in with a lancet after your facial to manually extract any remaining spots. This process is gentle and you won’t feel any pain, although you may notice a little bit of redness for a day or two.

ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Whether you’re 17 or 67, acne is always a drag. But there’s something even more frustrating about continuing to struggle with it after you reach adulthood. Worse yet, it’s a highly individual condition, so what works for someone else might not work for you and your skin at all. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options, either.

There are some facial standards that can help bust up blemishes and leave you feeling fresh. Ask about facials that include deep cleansing with resurfacing – light chemical peels are a great place to start. And many of the same facials that work for blackheads and whiteheads are also ideal for acne sufferers.

Facials can also be a great maintenance tool.  If you tend to struggle often, consider scheduling a monthly facial. Patients who do this often see fewer and fewer breakouts over time – and eventually, they see none at all.

SCARRED SKIN

Whether it’s acne scars or maybe just evidence of that silly fall you had while wearing high heels, scars can be extremely frustrating. And unfortunately, how they develop and fade out over time is mostly related to your genetics.

Still, there’s a few facial options that may help to fade their appearance. Try any treatment that uses microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, acid peels, or brightening serums like AHA and HA. All of these gently remove the top layer of skin, which encourages cellular turnover. This may minimize the appearance of scars over time.

If your scar is new, there’s an option for you, too. After the initial healing phase, try a facial with vitamin E or elastin and collagen boosters. All three will give your skin the support it needs to reform and heal with fewer obvious pitted areas or grooves.

And now, for the best reason to have a facial: it feels super and leaves you looking incredible! Now is the best time to schedule your appointment, so why not make the call? There’s no greater gift than looking and feeling your best.