Gone are the years when beauty was considered a luxury. These days, skincare — which covers everything from eating nutritious foods, getting eight hours of sleep, and avoiding stress as much as possible — is all about health. A radiant complexion makes anyone feel more comfortable and confident in their skin, improving their overall quality of life.
But when it comes to facials, the heart and soul of skincare, many are uncertain whether to take matters into their own hands or if going to the spa is worth the cost. Mavian Beauty founder and master esthetician Maya Vu says you don’t even have to choose! Scroll down to understand the basics of facials, their advantages, and how combining them will keep your skin at its best all day, every day.
What do facials do?
A facial is a beauty treatment that involves a series of steps meant to deeply cleanse, gently exfoliate, and nourish the delicate skin on the face.
A facial experience at a clinic or medispa usually starts with a personalized consultation with an esthetician to identify your skin type, specific concerns, or problem areas. During the treatment, you may enjoy the soothing sensation of steam to open up your pores, multi-step cleansing to remove impurities and excess sebum, a mild chemical peel or mechanical exfoliation to reveal a smoother complexion, and targeted extractions to tackle pesky bumps and blackheads. A hydrating and rejuvenating mask towards the end will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing.
As an added bonus, some facials even include a relaxing massage at the end to boost blood circulation and help release tension in your facial muscles. A facial's ultimate goal is to enhance your skin's natural beauty so you can look and feel amazing.
Are facials necessary?
Facials were created for people of all ages and skin types, but they are especially beneficial for those who want to improve their skin's overall health and appearance. Suppose you struggle with acne, blackheads, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or dryness. In that case, a facial can help address these issues and leave your skin looking and feeling smoother, softer, and more radiant.
Even if you don't have any specific skin concerns, a facial can still provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Whether you're getting ready for a special occasion or simply want to pamper yourself, a facial is a great way to give your skin some extra TLC.
What are the benefits of a spa facial?
- Your skin enjoys thorough cleansing that regular facial washing cannot provide: Even with a 10-step Korean skincare routine at home, your skin still requires professional spring cleaning to completely rid itself of dirt and oil buildup hiding inside the pores. Facialists or estheticians carefully extract blackheads and pustules from your skin, minimizing trauma or scarring. They may also use potent solutions with anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and protect the skin post-facial.
- You are in the best of hands. While it’s easy to tell your skin type, picking the right facial for your skin’s needs can be challenging, especially for beginners. What’s trending on social may not always give you the perfect skin you want, at least not overnight — beauty filters exist for this reason! During a one-on-one facial session, an esthetician will analyze your skin and recommend treatments specifically catered to you and your skincare goals. With constant changes due to seasons, age, and lifestyle changes, having a professional check in on you can be reassuring.
- You can completely relax and unwind: One of the top reasons for getting a facial is the soothing spa experience. Facial massages, hot towels, and the sweet aroma of Nail Boutique Spa products instantly whisk you away from life’s stressors and into a paradise state of mind. Many forget that stress plays a crucial factor in the condition of your skin, yielding wrinkles, acne, and lack of luminosity. With the spa's cozy atmosphere, your facial will leave you glowing from the inside out. All you need to do is to sit back (or lie down) and let the experts work their magic.
Visit Nail Boutique Spa at 2415 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn, AL, from Monday to Saturday (9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 - 6:00 p.m.). Call 334.887.7336 to book an appointment.
What are the benefits of doing facials at home?
- You can perform a facial any time. To enjoy a professional spa facial, you must call and book an appointment weeks or months in advance and adjust your schedule to the spa’s. In the unfortunate event that you give birth to a huge zit days before your friend’s wedding and your neighborhood spa is fully booked, having a Plan B can save you. The best part of learning to do facials, even just a basic one, is having them whenever you have time — no scheduling or commute necessary.
- You can shop for products within your budget. If you’re a good researcher, using household ingredients or buying products can often be more cost-effective than getting a professional facial. Instead of spending anywhere from $75 to $100 for a regular facial, you can buy full-sized Beautify Serums and the Total Glow Face Mask (Box of 5) that will last through multiple treatments. That said, you may want to splurge on advanced facial tools that enhance skincare absorption, such as the Hydro Deep Cleansing Device and LED Light Therapy and Derma Roller, so that you can get almost the same results as spa facials for fewer bucks.
- You can customize your facial. An at-home facial lets you customize the treatment for your unique skin type and goals. If a product is causing irritation or breakout, or not making a difference, simply swap it out. Your DIY facial can also have as many or as few steps as your skin demands or your schedule permits.
Shop the Beautify Serums, Total Glow Face Mask Box of 5, Hydro Deep Cleansing Device, and LED Light Therapy and Derma Roller.
How to complement spa facials with DIY facials at home:
Whether one is better than the other depends on your budget, lifestyle, and skin concerns. Ultimately, the way to go is a combination of both. Treat your skin to a bit of home pampering, but remember that your skin will benefit more by seeing a professional and using scientific skin care formulations. A DIY facial can rival, but not replicate, the results of a professional facial. This is especially true if you suffer from acne, hormonal issues, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or sun damage.
If you have a tight budget or need facials more frequently than your go-to spa can schedule you for, then doing at least some “sessions” yourself is the best course of action (read our beginner’s guide to a glow facial here).
How often should you get facials?
Depending on your skin type and concerns, getting a spa facial at least once a month is recommended. This allows for consistent deep cleaning and exfoliation, which can help fight and prevent acne, fine lines, and other skin issues.
However, listen to your body! If your skin type is sensitive, you may want to space out your facials, opt for gentler treatments, or find a different spa or clinic. When in doubt, seek professional advice from your dermatologist.
What should you know before getting a spa facial?
You should keep a few things in mind to make the most of your experience. First, it's vital to communicate with your aesthetician about any skin concerns or allergies you may have. This will allow them to use milder formulations or skip any potential irritants or reactions.
It's also a good idea to avoid using any harsh exfoliants or treatments on your skin for at least a few days before your appointment. This will help ensure your skin is healthy and receptive to the facial.
Remember, daily skin care — along with these special facial treatments — is important for your skin health. There is no need for a special occasion to enjoy a good facial. Self-care is a legitimate reason. After all, showing you can care for yourself proves you know what matters most.
For more beauty tips and trends, browse the Mavian Beauty blog.
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