A facial treatment is one of the best, most efficient ways to improve your skin. Awareness of the services available to you is crucial for choosing the right treatment. This post will examine the pros and cons of the most popular facial treatments. Although DIY skin care routines are critical for healthy skin, it’s best to seek care from a professional as well.

Facial Treatments For Glowing Skin

Facial treatments will improve the overall health and appearance of your skin so you can look and feel your best.

Professional treatments create a basis for your daily skin care routine. You won’t need to spend time testing over-the-counter products if a licensed esthetician or dermatologist can quickly address your concern. You’ll also save money because your products will work more effectively if a professional creates a regimen for you.

There are many different types of facial treatments. Some of the most popular include microdermabrasion, retinoid treatments, oxygen facials, micro-needling, massage, glycolic acid peels, light therapy, and extractions.

Microdermabrasion Facial Treatments

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates the skin with small crystals. The crystals are applied with pressurized air, and the process can be uncomfortable if you have sensitive skin.

There is not a risk of scarring or discoloration with microdermabrasion because it exfoliates the top layer of the skin. This is typically offered as part of a facial package at a spa because removing excess skin cells promotes product absorption. However, some spas offer separate microdermabrasion services that clients can purchase if they need extra treatments as part of a consistent regimen.

Retinoid Treatments

Retinoids, retinol, and Retin-A are forms of vitamin. This treatment is used to stimulate collagen and promote a youthful appearance. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a professional opinion is an important before starting any treatment. Retin-A, a type of retinoid, is FDA approved prescription treatment according to Good Rx. (you can view the FDA approval page here for more information).

“the term “retinoids” is a catch-all for an array of vitamin A-based products used on skin…Then there’s retinol, a type of retinoid that’s routinely used to improve uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and texture. It is available over the counter in a dizzying array of products.”

American Academy of Dermatology

Retinoid treatments are extremely popular for reducing acne and inflammation as well as creating a smoother and brighter appearance. Retin-A is a more potent prescription treatment that supports collagen bundles beneath the top layer of the skin and removes dry cells on the surface of the face.

Retinoid and Vitamin C

If you use vitamin c, the order in which you apply your skin care products is very important. This is something to consult a professional about because vitamin c affects the ph of your skin, meaning it affects the acidity of your skin and how your skin responds to products. Although it’s possible to combine vitamin c and retinoids, this can result in irritation if the products aren’t applied correctly.

Related Post: How to Use Vitamin C Serum For Maximum Results

Oxygen Treatments

If having glowing skin is your goal, oxygen treatments are ideal. Oxygen treatments are a very quick, high-reward procedure. Oxygen treatments promote support elasticity, heal wounds, and refresh the skin by binding to collagen.

However, it’s important to have oxygen applied to the skin after exfoliation. If there are cells blocking the oxygen from penetrating the skin, or if the proper serums aren’t applied for maximum results, your treatment will not be as effective. For this reason, oxygen usually comes as part of a facial package.

After cleansing the skin properly, oxygen and the proper after care products can make a big difference. Your face will have a noticeable glow after the procedure.

Micro-Needling Facial Treatments

Micro-needling is a popular resurfacing treatment that requires making small puncture marks in the skin to stimulate cell reproduction. The treatment will not cause scarring. However, micro-needling can be painful and several treatments are needed for the best results.

Your skin may need to undergo extractions or exfoliation for a few weeks before you try micro-needling (depending on the state of your skin). It’s possible to derma roll at home or seek micro-needling in a spa, but it’s best to seek professional care to ensure you have clean tools and quality aftercare.

The recovery time for this procedure can last several days, and it’s best to take a few days off of work because your skin will peel.

Facial Massage

Facial massages provide benefits beyond relaxation. Massage promotes healthy skin by reducing puffiness and easing tension in the face. Facial massage can also reduce wrinkles and target inconsistencies in skin texture by promoting circulation.

There are many different types of massage including lymphatic drainage, reflexology, Swedish, acupressure, cupping, tapping and vibrations.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage massages reduce fluid buildup and puffiness. Sometimes, a slow-moving lymphatic system can cause fluid buildup. The lymph nodes act as a filtering system in the body, and when this system becomes overwhelmed, a massage can stimulate circulation and help your body process toxins.

Reflexology

Reflexology massage therapists strategically target areas to release tension throughout the entire body. Since the entire body is connected tension in the legs or ankles can affect your neck and other parts of the body.

Accupressure

Acupressure requires placing tension on pressure points in the body to release stiffness. Unlike acupuncture, this technique does not require needles. This is a very common technique used in massage for breaking apart muscle knots or releasing tension.

Peels and Exfoliating Masks

Professional services for resurfacing the skin are effective if recommended by a specialist. If your skin needs to be resurfaced to removed dead cells or scarring, this is an ideal option.

The important thing to remember is to consult professionals to get a personalized recommendation customized to your skin concern. Over the counter products will likely receive a higher score on clean beauty websites due to the potency of the product. Clean beauty websites are a guide, and a professional consultation will help you choose the healthiest and more effective treatment for your skin concerns.

Extractions

Extractions are safe way to remove bacteria and impurities in the skin without causing hyperpigmentation or scarring. A professional will use a tool to puncture the skin and remove build up.

The service can be painful, but extractions will not cause harm the way a DIY extraction will. Your skin will heal more quickly if bacteria is removed with a clean professional instrument.

If for any reason your skin does not respond well to extractions, you can always make a follow-up appointment to address changes in tone or texture.

Light Therapy

There are many different types of light therapy. The most common types are red and blue light therapy for treating acne, inflammation, and discoloration.

“Often blue and red light are used in combination to help fight acne — the blue light targeting the C. acnes and the red light targeting inflammation and redness.”

harvard health

Light therapy is not the same as laser therapy, a resurfacing treatment that targets deeper layers of the skin. With laser therapy, there can be a risk of infection by triggering viruses lying dormant in the skin such as herpes. First, your esthetician will discuss your medical history during your consultation.

Micro-Current Treatments

Micro-current treatments involve a small shock to the skin. This procedure improves circulation and tones the muscles in your face. According to Healthline, the treatment was established in the 1970s and is used to address facial paralysis as well as stimulate the growth of new skin cells. It’s recommended to have micro-current facial treatments on a regular basis.

How Often Should You Have Facial Treatments?

According to Eminence Organics, it’s best to have a facial once per month to allow skin time to recover in between sessions. Aestheticians also will review your history of receiving aesthetic services and your current state of health.

Before booking an appointment, consider your skin type, current medications, allergies, surgeries, skin concerns, and history of services such as waxing or threading. Your aesthetician will use this information to determine how to help you before treating your skin.

Healthy, glowing skin also comes from the products you use. You’ll save in the long run with consistent professional treatments and healthy products.