26 Types of Facials: Everything You Need To Know

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A good facial can do wonders for our skin health, self-esteem, and overall sense of well-being.

That’s why it’s important that you treat yourself to one every so often.

But with the number of options that you can choose from, how do you know what kind of facial to get to get the best results?

woman having a face mask applied while getting a facial

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll give you the lowdown on the various types of facials out there so you can decide which one is best for you.

What Is a Facial?

In the simplest sense, a facial is a series of treatments that cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes the skin through a variety of products like creams or lotions, serums, masks, peels, and massages.

Different facial treatments also require the use of various technological devices to ensure the best application of the products, as well as ease the efficiency of the process.

Additionally, a facial can target and address specific skin concerns, such as the following:

Acne
Dryness and dullness
Rough, bumpy texture
Uneven tone
Evident aging, such as wrinkles
Irritation and inflammation from rosacea and other skin problems
Loss of elasticity

And it’s one of the most popular beauty treatments.

In fact, in the US alone, almost 2.5 million people reported having at least four facials during the first half of 2020.

This is because many people know getting a facial can provide many science-backed benefits.

Benefits of Getting a Facial

Enhances Skin Texture and Tone

While there are several types of facial treatments, one commonality across all of them is that they aim to improve skin texture and tone.

Facials use a wide variety of products and techniques to deliver clear, glowing skin.

For instance, the chemical peels used in different kinds of facials offer various benefits.

These include everything from alleviating signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots to encouraging new skin resurfacing for a brighter complexion.

Similarly, facials can stimulate the production of collagen (the protein responsible for providing structural support to the skin) or prevent its degradation — which is important to achieving tight, youthful skin.

LED devices, which are used during facials, have been found to be effective at boosting collagen levels in the skin while providing skin rejuvenation.

Additionally, facials that incorporate massages can offer great anti-aging results and improve wrinkled and textured skin, according to a 2017 study.

Eases Symptoms From Various Skin Conditions

Among the different types of facial treatments that you can choose from, some are considered to be beneficial for reducing symptoms associated with conditions like acne and rosacea.

Classic and decongesting facials, along with microdermabrasion, can be helpful for removing blackheads and whiteheads. LED therapies, on the other hand, might help with pimples and pustules.

For rosacea, laser treatments have been found to reduce redness, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Improves the Effectiveness of Skincare Products

Facials also prep the skin to better absorb skincare products.

Steaming, which is a preliminary step in different types of facial treatments, provides heat and moisture to the skin to make it more permeable. As such, the face can more readily absorb topical products.

Good For Your Mental Health

Finally, a facial can do wonders for your mental health!

In a study conducted among 32 women, researchers found that facial massages help activate the sympathetic nervous system, which reduces feelings of psychological distress like anxiety.

And in a different (and slightly larger) study, almost 60% of the 142 participants reported feeling refreshed and rejuvenated following facial beauty treatments.

26 Types of Facials

Convinced to try a facial yet? Great!

Here are 26 options for you to consider.

We’ll look at each type one by one and discuss what the best facials are for particular skin concerns, so you can determine the best type of facial to get for your needs and goals.

Classic Facial

What It Is

Also called a standard or basic facial, this type of facial covers all the various steps that you’ll expect from the process: cleansing, exfoliating/extracting, and moisturizing.

What It Involves

Here are the typical steps involved in a classic facial:

Consultation to help your aesthetician understand your skincare goals
Cleansing to remove makeup and other surface-level impurities
Steaming to open up the pores
Exfoliation and extraction of blackheads and whiteheads for clearer skin
Light massage to ease away some of the pain after exfoliation and extraction
Applying a mask for moisture
Applying a serum/gel/moisturizer to hydrate the skin
Applying a sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays post-facial

More Info About the Classic Facial

Who needs it?	Anyone who wants to rejuvenate the way their skin looks
Who should avoid it?	N/A
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

a woman lying down while steaming face for a classic facial inside the clinic

Deep Pore Cleansing Facial

What It Is

A deep pore cleansing facial, as its name suggests, is one of the best types of facial treatments for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Although the process involved here is somewhat similar to a classic facial, it offers more specific benefits because it particularly focuses on unclogging the pores and exfoliating the skin to get rid of dirt and oil buildup.

What It Involves

This facial involves all the usual steps of a classic facial, but in this particular type, exfoliation and extraction take center stage.

Your aesthetician will make sure your pores are thoroughly cleansed of buildup by using special tools and treatments like microneedles for extraction and chemical peels for exfoliation.

In some cases, your aesthetician will also do a lymphatic drainage massage to encourage the pores to open up and move the toxins in the skin to the lymph nodes, where they can be drained.

More Info About the Deep Pore Cleansing Facial

Who needs it?	People who have oily or acne-prone skin or want to reveal fresher, brighter skin Individuals whose skin gets routinely exposed to dirt and grime
Who should avoid it?	People with sensitive skin because the procedure may prove to be too abrasive and cause irritation or trigger allergic reactions
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

Anti-Acne Facial

What It Is

If you’re wondering, “What type of facial should I get for acne?” an anti-acne facial is the answer.

An anti-acne facial aims to ease and treat the symptoms that are associated with acne, which include scars, blackheads and whiteheads, and redness or inflammation.

It’s a lot like a deep pore cleansing facial except, in many cases, it uses specialized technologies to target acne-causing bacteria.

What It Involves

Your aesthetician will first discuss your specific acne case with you: how it started, how frequent and severe the flare-ups are, and how often you can come in for a treatment.

Then it will follow the same steps and treatments of a classic facial, except it will involve products with ingredients that are known to target acne, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Specialized treatments like anti-acne masks with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients and chemical peels used to treat acne may also be performed.

And LED light therapy with either blue LED to help control excess oil while also soothing the skin or green LED to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation may be included.

More Info About the Anti-Acne Facial

Who needs it?	People with mild to moderate acne
Who should avoid it?	Those who have severe inflammatory acne as this condition may require more specialized treatments
When should you get it?	Every two to three weeks until your acne gets better

Brightening Facial

What It Is

The type of facial that is best for hyperpigmentation is right here!

A brightening facial is designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten skin with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, or even age spots.

What It Involves

The specific products used for brightening facials are those that are known to have brightening properties, such as vitamin C serums and products with AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, glycolic acid, or kojic acid.

Then your aesthetician might include a chemical peel to encourage the skin to strip off old cells and reveal more radiant, younger-looking new ones.

Or in some cases, this facial might include radiofrequency skin tightening, which can trigger collagen production and improve skin clarity and tone.

Similarly, you can opt for additional LED therapy, which can rejuvenate the skin while also plumping it up.

More Info About the Brightening Facial

Who needs it?	People who want brighter, younger-looking skin Individuals with uneven skin tone due to excessive sun exposure
Who should avoid it?	People who may be sensitive to brightening ingredients
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

Hydrating Facial

What It Is

People with sensitive skin typically need to be careful with getting a facial, as some of the products involved in it may trigger allergic reactions.

Enter the hydrating facial, which offers a safer and gentler way for those with dry or sensitive skin to get clear, glowing skin.

Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin without the risk of irritating it. As such, it’s perfect for those who suffer from dry skin, irritation, and other skin issues.

What It Involves

For this type of facial, aestheticians will follow the same steps for a classic facial but use products with hyaluronic acid, which is known for its remarkable ability to retain water.

More Info About the Hydrating Facial

Who needs it?	People who have dry and sensitive skin or think their skin needs extra hydration
Who should avoid it?	People with scleroderma as hyaluronic acid might worsen skin ulcers in people with this condition
When should you get it?	At least once a month

Lymphatic Drainage Facial

What It Is

For those who feel like their face has gotten too puffy, a lymphatic drainage facial massage is the best facial to have.

This type of facial encourages the transport of lymph fluid carrying wastes and toxins to your lymph nodes so that it can be carried out of the body.

Because it promotes the removal of excess lymph fluid from your face, it helps reduce puffiness and gives you firmer skin that glows.

What It Involves

This facial has the same steps as any other facial, except that your aesthetician dedicates time to doing a lymphatic drainage massage on your face using her hands, a gua sha tool, or a roller.

More Info About the Lymphatic Drainage Facial

Who needs it?	Those who have dark circles under their eyes, puffy jawlines, and swollen lymph nodes
Who should avoid it?	People with conditions like blood infection, heart problems, blood clots, or kidney failure as increased lymph flow can spread pathogens or substances throughout the body faster
When should you get it?	Every three months

Aromatherapy Facial

What It Is

What if you want to keep the use of chemical products to a minimum?

An aromatherapy facial may be for you.

This facial uses essential oils to address a host of skincare concerns, from rosacea-inflamed skin to sunburns, dark circles, and blemishes.

And not only does it work physically, but it’s also an effective way to destress and relax.

The most common essential oils used for this type of facial include the following:

Type of Oil	Benefits
Rose	Hydrates and tightens the skin Offers antibacterial properties Prevents acne and eases skin irritation Promotes collagen production Slows down free radical damage
Frankincense	Soothes irritated or inflamed skin Helps treat sunburns and other signs of sun damage Restores the skin’s elasticity
Jasmine	Moisturizes the skin without clogging pores Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation Comes with anti-aging properties
Lavender	Hydrates the skin Helps prevent acne by killing acne-causing bacteria
Chamomile	Helps calm skin irritation and redness Tightens pores Can treat blemishes and scars

What It Involves

An aromatherapy facial incorporates essential oils during the steaming or massaging step of a typical facial to provide extra benefits, such as encouraging the more efficient penetration of other topical skincare products.

More Info About the Aromatherapy Facial

Who needs it?	People who have skin conditions that make them sensitive to more aggressive facials, such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis
Who should avoid it?	People with sensitive skin as some oils might cause irritation
When should you get it?	About once a month

Facial Acupuncture

What It Is

Another great facial option that doesn’t use as many chemicals, facial acupuncture is touted to be a safer alternative to Botox or cosmetic surgery.

Leveraging the same methodology that has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions, it uses needles to promote better skin health for glowing, beautiful skin.

These needles will stimulate the body’s lymphatic and circulatory systems to flood your cells with oxygen and nutrients while encouraging collagen production.

The end result: skin with a nice, healthy flush, as well as a smoother, more even skin tone.

Now can you ditch the whole body treatment and focus on just the face?

No. Sticking needles on the face without doing the same for the rest of the body might cause headaches and skin dullness.

This is because the energy the treatment creates won’t flow throughout the whole body and cause a blockage.

a close-up image of a woman laying down with the aesthetician ready to start acupuncture while wearing a white gloves

What It Involves

While it uses the same set of steps in a typical facial, facial acupuncture is markedly different from the others as it doesn’t just focus on the face.

As a matter of fact, the facial part of the acupuncture treatment is the last step in a full-body approach.

Following steaming and exfoliation, an acupuncturist will use 40 to 70 needles to create positive microtraumas, which are tiny wounds beneath the skin.

More Info About Facial Acupuncture

Who needs it?	Anyone who wants to have firmer, younger-looking skin without cosmetic fillers
Who should avoid it?	People who have blood clotting disorders or those who are on blood thinners as this facial may increase the risk of bleeding Those who have had recent Botox injections as acupuncture can speed up the metabolism of Botox and make it lose its efficacy faster
When should you get it?	Two treatments a week for five to six weeks

Antioxidant Facial

What It Is

Considered to be one of the best types of facials for mature or aging skin, an antioxidant facial specifically aims to reinject vitality into your skin and improve the signs of aging.

What It Involves

This one is unique in that it’s targeted to help undo the damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors.

It does this through the use of the following ingredients and products during the treatment:

Antioxidants and vitamins — These include vitamins A, E, and C and carotenoids.
Growth factors — These are polypeptides or proteins that have been found to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin texture.
Hydrating oils — Examples are argan oil, rosehip seed oil, and marula oil.

More Info About the Antioxidant Facial

Who needs it?	Those who have mature or aging skin or who routinely get exposed to pollutants and UV rays
Who should avoid it?	N/A
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

Decongesting Facial

What It Is

Much like a deep pore cleansing facial, a decongesting facial works to alleviate symptoms of congested skin.

These include skin dullness, rough and uneven texture, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

In addition, it specifically aims to rebalance the skin’s oil production.

What It Involves

It starts and ends like every facial; the only defining difference is that it focuses on decongestion, so it uses deep-layer steaming and extraction to free your skin of impurities and oil.

This is also where some vitamins may be introduced to target specific problem areas. In other spas, a lymphatic drainage massage with some aromatherapy is thrown in.

More Info About the Decongesting Facial

Who needs it?	Those who have rough skin with bumps, whiteheads, and blackheads Those who want clearer skin without having to use more abrasive products
Who should avoid it?	N/A
When should you get it?	Every two to three weeks

Collagen Facial

What It Is

A popular facial, the collagen facial uses the super ingredient collagen to revitalize the skin and address a host of skin concerns — from dull skin to age spots.

What It Involves

It’s designed to be a lot like a classic facial, only it specifically includes creams with collagen. In some cases, it includes a light chemical peel using a chemical solution with collagen, like seaweed.

Also, you might undergo a radiofrequency treatment or advanced LED therapy.

Both of these are considered effective at helping stimulate collagen production, so your skin can cash in on the perks of the increased amounts of this amazing protein.

More Info About the Collagen Facial

Who needs it?	People who are showing symptoms of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles Those with mature skin
Who should avoid it?	Those who are sensitive to collagen or have rosacea or severe acne as collagen might cause irritation or exacerbate the condition
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

Fruit Facial

What It Is

As its name suggests, a fruit facial uses fruit-derived enzymes to achieve various skin benefits.

These include brightening, itch relief, enhanced blood circulation, tightening, and acne and pimple treatment.

And the best part? It doesn’t have any side effects!

What It Involves

The only way that a fruit facial differs from other types of facials is that it uses products that contain enzymes and active ingredients from fruits.

So instead of a chemical peel, you get a fruit peel, or in place of a traditional mask, you get a fruit mask.

a woman with facial mask on her face looking side ways while holding a avocado on the other hand

The most common fruits used for this type of facial include the following:

Papaya — This is believed to help fight acne, protect against free radicals, moisturize the skin, improve elasticity, and help with pigmentation.

Banana — This can provide hydration to the skin while also boosting collagen content, helping control oil production, and providing anti-aging benefits.

Kiwi — It can do everything from reducing the size of your pores to preventing skin degradation.

Avocado — This contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that are especially suited to those with acne, hydrates the skin without making it oily, and contributes to younger-looking skin.

Tomato — This can relieve skin irritation and inflammation, help fight acne-causing bacteria, and brighten the skin.

More Info About the Fruit Facial

Who needs it?	Those who want better skin without the potential harsh side effects
Who should avoid it?	N/A
When should you get it?	At least once a month

Wine Facial

What It Is

Another unconventional type of facial, a wine facial uses — yes, you guessed it! — wine to nourish the skin, deliver anti-aging benefits, and fight inflammation.

Wine contains these skin health-boosting ingredients:

Resveratrol — Wine contains resveratrol, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

So when used on the skin, it can do everything from preventing signs of aging to fighting off acne-causing bacteria.

Polyphenols — Polyphenols, which are also antioxidants, help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. They also brighten the complexion and prevent cell damage.

Natural acids — The natural acids found in wine are anti-inflammatory agents, which makes them effective at reducing inflammation or relieving symptoms from skin conditions like acne.

What It Involves

Instead of the usual skincare products, your aesthetician will use wine for a wine facial.

For instance, wine is used as a stringent and toner that can even out your skin tone and tighten your pores. Similarly, it can double as an exfoliator or scrub, with the added benefit of boosting blood circulation on your face.

More Info About the Wine Facial

Who needs it?	Anyone who wants skin their skin to look and feel better
Who should avoid it?	N/A
When should you get it?	Every two to three weeks

Snail Facial

What It Is

Weird but wow-inducing, a snail facial leverages the power of snail mucin to deliver skincare benefits.

Snail mucin (or snail mucus) is believed to help hydrate the skin, aid in faster wound healing, and fight aging. And it’s considered a wonder ingredient in Korean skincare.

User experiences with snail mucin have also been largely positive, with many finding that it helps improve their skin tone and hydrate their skin after just a month or so of regular use.

What It Involves

A snail facial traditionally uses live garden snails to deliver skincare benefits but has recently switched to using snail mucin instead.

So during this facial, you might get creams, masks, serums, and moisturizers with snail mucin.

More Info About the Snail Facial

Who needs it?	Anyone who isn’t grossed out by the idea of using snail mucus
Who should avoid it?	People who might be sensitive to animal-derived ingredients
When should you get it?	Once a week

Microcurrent Facial

What It Is

For those who are looking for a non-invasive way to get a facelift, a microcurrent facial may be one of your best bets.

This type of facial uses electric microcurrents to do a host of things: improve product penetration, stimulate collagen product, aid in faster recovery, improve local blood circulation, and more!

The result? Tighter and firmer skin with improved tone and texture that looks much younger!

This same technology has been used since the 1970s as a nerve stimulator that helps with pain relief and conditions like Bell’s Palsy.

And when used on the face, it helps deliver various benefits, such as the following:

Stimulating the facial muscles and making them look more lifted
Reducing inflammation by increasing blood flow to localized areas of trauma
Improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Helping trigger lymphatic drainage
Prepping the skin for better product penetration

What It Involves

A microcurrent facial follows the same steps as other types of facials, except it incorporates a handheld device that delivers small doses of electric currents to your face.

More Info About the Microcurrent Facial

Who needs it?	Those who want a firmer, more lifted face without resorting to cosmetic surgeries
Who should avoid it?	People with a history of epilepsy as microcurrents may increase the risk of seizures Those who have heart conditions because microcurrent facials may cause palpitations in some cases Those with cancer because this type of facial may boost ATP levels in the cells, which can make cancer cells proliferate People with pacemakers, metal pins or plates, and excessive fillings as microcurrents can interfere with their functioning or cause them to heat up Those who have had recent Botox injections as microcurrents can undo Botox’s effectiveness Those who frequently use products with retinol or acids because microcurrents may push them deeper into the skin layers and cause irritation
When should you get it?	At least once a month

Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Facial

What It Is

If you’re wondering, “What type of facial do I need for tighter skin?” this one’s for you!

Another non-invasive way to get better-looking skin, a radiofrequency skin tightening facial uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin.

And these waves are found to promote collagen and elastin production, which leads to the following results:

A reduction in visible damage from sun exposure
An improvement over signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines
An improvement in skin tone and texture
A more youthful-looking appearance

This type of facial leads to firmer and younger-looking skin without the need for cosmetic surgery. Even better, these effects can last for up to two years!

Woman getting rf-lifting facial by professional cosmetician

What It Involves

Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening starts much like a regular facial, with the main difference being the inclusion of RF therapy.

To prep the skin for it, a gel or cream is applied; from there, an electromagnetic wand will be passed over the contours of your face to heat your skin with electromagnetic waves.

More Info About the Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Facial

Who needs it?	Those who want younger-looking skin without the cost and inconvenience associated with cosmetic surgery
Who should avoid it?	People with pacemakers or defibrillators as the treatment because the procedure may interfere with these devices’ function Those with rosacea as the procedure may worsen the symptoms of this skin condition Those who have had recent Botox injections as heat from the treatment may increase cellular metabolism, which can break down Botox Individuals who are going through treatments like chemotherapy or radiation or those who have immunosuppressive disorders as these may increase the risk of infection Those who have uncontrolled diabetes or any other medical condition that prevents proper healing from the treatment
When should you get it?	Once every two years

Microdermabrasion Facial

What It Is

A microdermabrasion facial works away at the top layer of the skin to promote improved texture and tone.

It’s especially helpful for people who want instant results for treating acne scars, brightening their complexion, and improving overall skin tone.

What It Involves

This type of facial follows the same preliminary steps: consultation and then cleansing.

From there, your eyes will be covered and a handheld device will gently resurface your skin using two techniques:

Crystal microdermabrasion — Very small crystals will shoot from a small tube in the handheld device to scrape the skin free of impurities and then vacuum them back up.

Diamond microdermabrasion — A diamond-tipped wand will scrub your skin’s surface and suck up the exfoliated particles.

The facial will finish with some moisturizers and sunscreen.

More Info About the Microdermabrasion Facial

Who needs it?	Those who want glowing skin but don’t like invasive cosmetic procedures
Who should avoid it?	People with severe acne, infectious skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, or diabetes as this facial might cause cracks and peels that won’t heal quickly Those who are using steroid creams as microdermabrasion can lead to broken blood vessels on the skin’s surface and risk making the skin even more fragile Those who have had recent Botox or laser treatments as this facial might hamper their effectiveness
When should you get it?	At least once a month until skin condition improves

Microneedling Facial

What It Is

Much like microdermabrasion, a microneedling facial specifically targets the layers of the skin to improve overall skin health.

But microneedling uses tiny needles to prick the skin’s surface and stimulate healing, which offers several benefits, including scar treatment, pore shrinking, reduced inflammation, and anti-aging.

What It Involves

Before the microneedling treatment, your face will be cleansed and prepped to get it ready.

Then a numbing cream, gel, or ointment will be applied, after which the actual procedure will commence.

During the treatment, a handheld device (like a roller or an electric tool) will make tiny punctures on your skin.

The size of the needles can change, depending on how deep they are supposed to go; if you have deep pockmarks from acne, for instance, the needles may have to be slightly longer.

A moisturizing serum will follow the procedure; in some spas, microneedling may incorporate LED therapy for even better results.

More Info About the Microneedling Facial

Who needs it?	People with mature skin; those who have large pores, scars, and hyperpigmentation
Who should avoid it?	Those with conditions like cancer, blood disorders, eczema, or severe acne as microneedling might cause skin damage that can exacerbate these symptoms Individuals who are taking anticoagulants because the procedure may cause bleeding Those who have a tendency to form keloids since the facial may cause scarring Those with moles, skin tags, or other growths that change in size as the procedure might cause disruptions in the skin that can promote their growth
When should you get it?	Every three to eight weeks until skin condition improves

IPL Facial

What It Is

Also called a photofacial, an IPL facial or intense pulsed light facial uses scattered light wavelengths to treat various skin concerns like sun damage, age spots, and broken blood vessels.

At the same time, it helps improve the signs of skin aging, which can result in a brighter, fresher face.

What It Involves

An IPL facial starts with cleansing, after which a cooling conductive gel is applied to the face. In some salons, a light massage is incorporated to prep the skin for the treatment.

Then a handheld device will pass over your skin, heating it with pulses of light that can clear up hyperpigmentation, treat sun and age spots, reduce inflammation from rosacea and other skin conditions, and improve skin texture and clarity.

In some spas, IPL and radiofrequency treatments are combined to combat signs of aging.

More Info About the IPL Facial

Who needs it?	Those who have noticeable signs of damage from sun exposure; people with acne scars, freckles, and hyperpigmentation
Who should avoid it?	Those with active skin conditions as IPL can worsen their symptoms People who use retinoid creams, chemical peels, or collagen injections, which can boost the risk for skin irritation Those who are on aspirin and other medications that can exacerbate bleeding since IPL might cause bleeding People with darker complexions as IPL can increase hyperpigmentation
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

Chemical Peel Treatment

What It Is

A chemical peel treatment makes use of chemical solutions to strip off old layers of the skin and reveal bright, young-looking, fresher ones.

It’s one of the most popular facial treatments in the United States.

This is mostly due to its perceived effectiveness at treating a wide range of skin concerns, from reducing the appearance of wrinkles to lightening scars.

What It Involves

Getting a facial with a chemical peel begins with some light cleansing, steaming, and massage.

Afterward, your aesthetician will typically do one of the two more common types of peels done in an outpatient setting: a light or superficial peel or a medium peel.

A light or superficial peel works away the topmost layer of the skin for mild exfoliation; usually, it uses alpha hydroxy acids or other mild acids.

A medium peel goes a little deeper beneath the surface of the skin, which makes it effective at exfoliating damaged skin cells. For this type, glycolic acid is typically used.

Then a calming mask follows. To finish the facial, your face is treated with moisturizing serums or gels and sunscreen.

More Info About Chemical Peel Treatment

Who needs it?	Those with discoloration or hyperpigmentation from scarring or have noticeable signs of aging
Who should avoid it?	Those who frequently get cold sores, which can be exacerbated by chemical peels People who have taken isotretinoin within the past six months as these peels might cause scarring and keloid formation People with a tendency to form keloids as the treatment might lead to delayed wound healing
When should you get it?	Once a month (for light peels); every four to six months (for medium peels)

Hydrafacial

What It Is

With 3.5 million treatments a year, Hydrafacial is among the most patronized types of facials in the whole world.

It uses a patented technology that delivers a three-step regimen to deliver bright, young-looking, and smooth skin.

a woman laying down while an aesthetician is cleaning her face using a tube from hydra facial while wearing a white gloves

What It Involves

A Hydrafacial features Vortex-Fusion technology that dislodges and sucks away impurities while providing hydration to the skin at the same time.

It begins by cleansing the skin with a gentle peel, then moves on to extracting oil and dirt buildup with its gentle suction, and ends with the application of moisturizers.

It also offers boosters, which are packed with various active ingredients, to target specific skin concerns: pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and oily and congested skin.

More Info About the Hydrafacial

Who needs it?	People who want a simpler way of getting amazing-looking skin without too many products
Who should avoid it?	Those with active rashes or sunburns as this facial may be too harsh on their skin
When should you get it?	Every four to six weeks

Dermaplaning Facial

What It Is

Yet another addition to our list of treatments with a specific focus on exfoliating the top layers of the skin is a dermaplaning facial.

A dermaplaning facial uses a medical-grade scalpel to gently scrape away at the topmost part of the epidermis and help treat scarring, pigmentation, and even peach fuzz!

What It Involves

If you’re interested in this type of facial, your face will first be assessed and cleansed.

Then the dermaplaning procedure starts, with your aesthetician making sure that the blade dances across your skin gently while also scraping away the buildup of impurities on your face.

Finally, toners, serums, and moisturizers are applied to finish.

More Info About the Dermaplaning Facial

Who needs it?	Those who want a non-invasive way, natural way to exfoliate their skin
Who should avoid it?	People with sunburn or active acne because this type of facial may irritate the skin
When should you get it?	At least once a month

HIFU Facial

What It Is

A HIFU or high intensity focused ultrasound facial is considered the best facial for anti-aging. And for many good reasons.

This treatment is a non-surgical way of stimulating collagen production in the skin without using needles, which can pave the way to a smoother, fresher, younger-looking complexion!

What It Involves

A HIFU facial starts with a cleanser, and then you’ll either get an injection for a numbing medication or have its topical version.

Next comes the HIFU treatment.

With a handheld device, your aesthetician will glide over the surface of your face to deliver quick bursts of ultrasound waves that can

reduce the appearance of wrinkles,
lift sagging or droopy skin, and
smoothen the complexion.

More Info About the HIFU Facial

Who needs it?	Anyone who wants lifted, glowing skin without surgery or needles
Who should avoid it?	Those with a history of keloids or slow wound healing as HIFU can cause scarring People taking anticoagulants as this treatment might lead to bleeding Those who have recently used Accutane as thinning of the skin might result from the facial People with active cold sores or skin infections as these might be exacerbated by the facial
When should you get it?	Twice a year

PRP Facial

What It Is

A platelet-rich plasma or PRP facial uses your own blood to reinject youth and vitality to your skin — which is why it’s also called a vampire facial.

It’s believed to provide various skin benefits, from increased collagen production to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.

It also leverages other procedures, such as microneedling, to further work its benefits.

What It Involves

If you’re interested in a PRP facial, you will first need to have your face cleansed. Then a numbing cream is applied to your face while about a tablespoon of blood is extracted from your arm.

Afterward, this vial of blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. And once that’s done, a microneedling device will puncture tiny holes in your face.

This is where the platelet-rich plasma of your blood will be applied topically.

More Info About the PRP Facial

Who needs it?	Those with fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars who are not afraid of needles
Who should avoid it?	People with medical conditions like blood cancers, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, or cardiovascular diseases because these conditions affect the platelets, which means they may interfere with the facial’s effectiveness
When should you get it?	Every two to four weeks in the beginning and two to four times a year after

LED Light Therapy

What It Is

Popular among celebrities, LED light therapy makes use of light-emitting diode masks in various colors to address different types of skin issues.

The technology was first tested by NASA in the ’90s to determine whether it can be effective for wound healing. And now it’s used to treat conditions like eczema, rosacea, and mild to moderate acne.

Additionally, it’s believed to do wonders for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other effects of sun damage while improving skin clarity and tone.

What It Involves

A LED therapy facial incorporates different types of LED light masks after cleansing and exfoliation. These masks differ by color and have different benefits for the skin.

The most common ones used for facials include the following:

Green — Green LED is considered effective for correcting hyperpigmentation; it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Red — Red LED light therapy is said to boost collagen production, promote better blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.

Blue — Blue is especially useful for killing acne-causing bacteria.

Yellow — Yellow LED can aid in arresting signs of damage from photoaging, lightening skin complexion and correcting dark spots, and revitalizing the skin.

More Info About LED Light Therapy

Who needs it?	People with acne scars, eczema, sun damage, etc; those who want to revitalize dull skin
Who should avoid it?	People who are taking medications that can increase their sensitivity to sunlight, such as lithium People with conditions that involve the retina of the eye (like diabetes) as this facial might increase the risk for eye damage
When should you get it?	Once a week for about a month, then once every few months

Diamond Facial

What It Is

For those who like things extra fancy, a diamond facial might be just right for you.

Using a medical-grade diamond file or diamond-infused products, this procedure scrubs away the topmost layer of the skin very gently, which offers a plethora of benefits like the following:

Exfoliate and detoxify the skin
Boost collagen production
Prevent signs of aging, evident sun damage, fine lines, or wrinkles
Reduce the appearance of pores
Help the skin better absorb other skincare products
Unlock a brighter, more even complexion

What It Involves

After cleansing and steaming, a diamond facial incorporates diamonds into the procedure. The first is with serums, gels, and creams that feature diamond dust.

A diamond facial may also use a diamond file, which is a medical-grade stainless steel tool, to gently scrub away the topmost layer of the skin.

More Info About the Diamond Facial

Who needs it?	People with mature skin, hyperpigmentation, large pores, or acne scars
Who should avoid it?	Those with active acne and other skin conditions because the facial may exacerbate these issues
When should you get it?	Every four weeks

FAQs

What Should You Do After a Facial?

While there are different types of facial treatments, they all require aftercare — from the most basic to the more advanced and high-tech.

Remember these general tips:

Don’t use makeup for at least a whole day after the treatment.
Don’t immediately wash your face; if you must, opt for a gentle cleanser at night.
Keep yourself out of the sun for a specific amount of time as prescribed by your aesthetician.
Follow specific recommendations for your specific type of facial.

Do Facials Come With Side Effects?

Yes. Some facials might cause redness and blotchiness, which are perfectly normal.

However, if you notice something that’s uncomfortable enough to worry you, make sure to seek the advice of a dermatologist.

Which Facial Is Good for Beginners?

You can opt for any type of facial, even if you’re a beginner.

But if you want to start with something simpler, choose a classic, hydrating, or deep pore cleansing facial.

How Long Do Facial Results Last?

It depends on the type of facial you get but generally, the results of different types of facials last around a week.

More complex procedures with specialized technologies (such as HIFU) yield results that can last for months.

Choosing the Right Type of Facial For You

With the best types of facials listed above, you can easily pick the right one that suits your needs.

Just remember to consider your specific skin condition or skin issues (whether you have acne scars, dullness, dryness, or any other concern) and identify your skincare goals.

Then choose a reputable aesthetician near you with extensive experience in the kind of facial that you want to get and book an appointment with them.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and indulge in a facial today — you deserve it!

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Authors

Kat
Kat brings a seasoned voice to our beauty blog with 13 years of dedicated writing experience. Her deep-seated passion isn't just limited to words; she's always on the pulse of emerging makeup trends. Beyond her articles, Kat crafts hand-made crochet swimwear and sundresses, and effortlessly steps in as a muse for beauty photoshoots. Kat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.
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Amanda Meehan
Amanda Meehan, a licensed esthetician and massage therapist, brings holistic beauty to the forefront. Trained at the Aveda Institute Denver and the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy, her accolades include the High Honors and Beauty Is As Beauty Does awards. Beyond skincare, she's a certified Reiki Master and yoga instructor.
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