Discover All the Benefits of Facials Right Here

There are plenty of skin care trends and new treatments coming out, but how can you tell what your skin needs over all the noise and hoopla? While a constant stream of Instagram videos can make you want to book an appointment for the latest buzzy treatment ASAP (looking at you, gemstone facial), what is actually the best protocol for your skin? Are the benefits of facials actually helpful?

In other words: In a perfect world, where I have unlimited time and funds to spend on facials, how frequently should I go for a professional treatment to maximize the health of my complexion without crossing over into irritated skin territory?

Aestheticians, like myself, all consistently agree that the magic number is — drumroll, please — once per month.

I always recommend that clients have facials once a month, because nothing you do at home can replace professional attention. Also, your skin is doing different things depending on the season and depending on your lifestyle, so having a monthly check-in with a professional ensures you are getting the best treatment.

Once per month is also the ideal time frame because our skin cell turnover cycle is 28 days long. So getting a professional facial more than once a month could be irritating to the skin. There are exceptions to that rule, though, so it’s always best to follow the protocol recommended by your dermatologist or regular facialist.

What are the different professional facial options?

Not all facials are created equally. Some people used to think facials were more hype than help for the skin, but you really just have to book an appointment and see the benefits of facials for yourself. While there is a wide range of facial treatments, generally, professional facials can be broken down into the following categories:

• Chemical Peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Extractions
• Lymphatic Drainage
• LED Facial
• Micro Needling

However, many facial treatments can also incorporate multiple types of treatments in one session. For example, Botanica’s Signature Facial, incorporates deep cleansing, dermaplaning, and micro current all in one, as well as a few other things depending on the client’s specific skin needs.

It’s also important to note that while the rule of thumb is one facial per month, some treatments, such as chemical peels or intense acne treatments are only recommended once every three months if your skin reacts harshly to the ingredients. Fine-print information like this, in addition to the wide variation in skin types and concerns, makes it even more important to consult a professional to lay out the best plan for your complexion (and your wallet).

Pro tip: Not all facials are created equal — in service and safety.

As far as what to avoid when choosing where to book your next facial appointment, here are some red flags to look out for. Avoid places that are messy, poorly lit, overcrowded, have no posted MD supervision by a core physician, or offer any experimental treatments that haven’t been tested or medically proven. These are considered a risk and can be potentially dangerous to the skin.

Do at-home face masks or tools come close to what the pros use?

The short answer is no, not really. But there’s still plenty you can (and should) do at home that can keep your skin looking its best. And while at-home tools, like the trusty jade roller or derma roller, may not offer the same benefits that a professional treatment does, they still offer plenty of benefits nonetheless. And this is good news because the reality is most of us don’t have enough time or money to treat ourselves to a facial every four weeks. (Have you looked into spa memberships for a budget-friendly alternative to your regular trips to the spa?)

One benefit of at-home devices is that they keep the lymphatic system healthier in the skin by stimulating lymphatic drainage. I like the idea of people being able to take care of their skin more regularly at home, but I think you need to be careful to invest in a system that is high quality.

At-home facials sans fancy devices are great too. An at-home facial is a great way to exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate skin if you can’t get regular facials. Still, if you’ve got any sort of skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, take caution that it’s always best to consult a dermatologist rather than take matters into your own hands.

Botanica Facial Services

With a full range of facials for any skin condition or concern, there’s no better spa in Clearwater, FL than Botanica Day Spa! Check out the benefits of facials we offer or feel free to call us with any questions as to what facial would be best for you. We’re always here to help!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Love,

Gen