What Is a Facial? Types, Benefits and Expert Tips
When you picture a facial, you might imagine a green mask and cucumber slices over the eyes. While facials often feel like a luxury, they’re both beneficial and accessible for anyone. Even if you’re confident in your skincare routine, getting support from a professional can elevate your results and keep your skin at its best.
What Is a Facial?
The purpose of a facial varies based on your specific areas of concern, but typically entails a deep cleanse, exfoliation and hydration with the overall goal of rejuvenating your skin. A professional facial that is carefully customized to your skin’s needs is best enjoyed by anyone who wants to feel a difference on their face.
Types of Facials
Seasoned professionals will tailor a facial to your specific skin type, but most treatments fall into a few broad categories:
1. Classic
A great first step for beginners or people without specific skin concerns, this facial entails a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, impurity extractions and a hydrating mask.
2. Deep cleaning
For those with active lifestyles or frequent manual labor, this facial is a great option to target clogged pores as well as excess oil, grime and sweat with a stronger cleanse and exfoliation.
3. Hydration
Especially during the winter months, anyone with dry skin will benefit from a hydration facial that focuses on replenishing the skin with moisture.
4. Clarifying
People struggling with frequent breakouts can opt for a facial designed to target acne with deep cleansing, extractions and antibacterial treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
5. Extraction
These facials primarily focus on safely removing blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. Extractions are a common add-on to existing facials, but anyone with larger areas of concern would want to book a dedicated extraction facial. This includes professionally removing all impurities with sanitary tools and receiving proper follow-up treatments and moisturizing agents.
6. Anti-Aging
For mature skin, anti-aging facials are a great option to promote firmness and elasticity in the skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This type of facial typically includes strong cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and treatments containing retinol, vitamin C and SPF.
7. Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is for a more seasoned facial pro who is dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne scars, sun damage or fine lines and wrinkles. A controlled application of acids causes intense exfoliation by allowing the top layers of skin to shed, revealing new, healthy skin underneath. These facials require patience, maintenance and self restraint as removing the peeling skin before it is ready can actually lead to more damage.
Despite the deceptive etymology, facials can also be used on other areas of the body as well, including the stomach, back, arms, hands and décolletage.
Benefits of Getting a Facial
Getting a facial allows you to reap the immediate benefits of deep cleansing, impurity removals, exfoliation and moisturization, but over time you will also start to notice improved circulation, a more even skin tone and stimulated collagen production (not to mention the relaxation and stress relief!).
For unrelenting concerns like acne, aging and excessive dryness, designing your own skin care routine based on TikTok recommendations and online reviews can only get you so far. Having a professional examine your skin up close to make custom recommendations is an integral step to creating long-lasting results. Moreover, facials can actually enhance the effectiveness of your at-home skincare routine by allowing the products to penetrate deeper versus just sitting on top of dead and dry skin.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Facial
1. Know your skin type.
Before booking, take inventory of your skin. Is it oily, dry, sensitive or combination? Treatments like hydrating facials work well for dry or dehydrated skin, while clarifying facials are ideal for acne-prone or oily complexions. Sensitive skin benefits from calming, fragrance-free options.
2. Identify your top concerns.
Every facial has a purpose. If you’re targeting fine lines, opt for a treatment with gentle exfoliation or collagen-supporting ingredients. For dullness, look for facials with brightening enzymes or vitamin C. For congestion, seek out deep-cleansing or pore-purifying treatments.
3. Consider your lifestyle and schedule.
Some facials have no downtime, while others may leave your skin a little pink or require avoiding makeup for 24 hours. If you have a big event coming up, choose something gentle and glow-boosting rather than heavily exfoliating.
4. Look for licensed estheticians who customize.
A great esthetician will assess your skin and tailor the facial to your needs, adjusting exfoliants, masks and techniques. Customization ensures your treatment is both safe and effective.
5. Be honest during your consultation.
Share any allergies, medications or recent treatments (like waxing, peels or retinoid use). These details help your esthetician choose products and techniques that won’t irritate or overstimulate your skin.
6. Ask about at-home care.
The right facial gives you immediate results, but proper home care extends the glow. Your esthetician can recommend products that complement your treatment and support ongoing skin health.
Get a Facial at Lisa Brown SalonSpa in Bessemer, AL
Refresh your skin with a personalized facial at Lisa Brown SalonSpa. Our estheticians tailor each treatment to your unique needs, helping you achieve a healthy, radiant glow. Whether you’re targeting dryness, congestion or dullness, we’ll guide you to the right service for visible, lasting results. Book your appointment today.