What is a Facial And Why Do I Need One?

Facials are often hailed as a cornerstone of healthy skin, but there’s more to them than just relaxation and pampering. The Saint Louis Med Spa offers many different facial options tailored to your skincare goals or experience.  From choosing the right type of facial for your skin type, to understanding the benefits and potential side effects, this blog post aims to answer all your questions about facials.

 

 What Are Facials?

A facial is a multi-step skincare treatment typically performed by one of our licensed estheticians or skincare professional. It involves cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massage, and the application of masks and serums tailored to your skin’s specific needs. Facials help maintain skin health, combat common skincare concerns, and provide a rejuvenating experience.

 

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Facial?

  • Deep Cleansing: Facials remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin more thoroughly than at-home skincare routines.
  • Exfoliation: Professional exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more even complexion.
  • Improved Circulation: Facial massages stimulate blood flow, which can enhance cell turnover and support a healthy glow.
  • Hydration and Nourishment: Professional-grade masks and serums penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering intense hydration and targeted treatment.
  • Stress Relief: The calming environment and gentle massage aspects of a facial can help you unwind, reducing stress-related breakouts or dullness.
  • Customized Skin Solutions: A skilled esthetician will tailor the facial’s products and techniques to your unique skin concerns—be it acne, aging, or discoloration.

 

What Types of Facials Are There?

There’s a wide variety of facials, each targeting specific skin needs:

  • Classic Facial: A well-rounded treatment that includes cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, extractions, and a customized mask. Ideal for most skin types and great for overall maintenance. This would be our STL Facial, covering all the basics of your skincare needs with optional add ons to increase the experience or target particular personal goals.
  • Acne Facial: Designed to help clear clogged pores and reduce inflammation. This facial may use specialized products that combat acne-causing bacteria and balance oil production. We offer this with our ACNE Facial that has a focus on clearing your skin of current acne, scarring, and preventing future acne.
  • Anti-Aging Facial: Focuses on stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Often includes treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or LED therapy included in the service or possible add ons. Our Anti-Aging Facial is our tailored version of these types of facials to make our client look and feel younger.
  • Brightening Facial: Uses ingredients such as Vitamin C or enzymes to even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
  • Hydrating Facial: Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin, it focuses on intense moisture retention, often using hyaluronic acid. We off this style of facial with our The Hydrating Facial which brings your skin looking and feeling the way it should with no dehydrated flaky skin.
  • Dermaplaning Facial: Involves gently scraping off dead skin cells and peach fuzz using a sterile blade for a smoother complexion. The Dermaplane Facial is our version of this style of facial which includes traditional facial elements with the removal of old skin cells.

 

Who Should Get a Facial?

  • Individuals with Specific Skin Concerns: If you have acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, or signs of premature aging, a facial can target your specific issues.
  • Those Seeking Relaxation and Self-Care: Facials are also a great way to de-stress and indulge in a bit of “me-time.”
  • People Looking to Maintain Healthy Skin: Even if you have no major skin concerns, routine facials can help keep your skin clean and radiant.

Almost everyone can benefit from a facial, but it’s essential to discuss your skin concerns, current medications, and skin sensitivities with your esthetician beforehand.  The Saint louis Med Spa can create a facial perfect for your face’s skin and skincare goals.

 

Considerations When Getting a Facial

  • Skin Type and Allergies: Ensure you inform your esthetician of any allergies or sensitivities.
  • Current Medications and Medical Conditions: Some medications (like Accutane or certain antibiotics) can make your skin more sensitive. Likewise, conditions like rosacea may need specialized care.
  • Budget and Frequency: While monthly facials can be beneficial, they can also be pricey. Consider your budget and discuss a suitable schedule with your skincare professional.
  • Realistic Expectations: Facials can significantly improve skin health, but they’re not an overnight miracle. Consistent treatments and a solid at-home routine will yield the best results, especially paired with high quality skincare products matching your goals. Beware of over the counter skincare as many products can be fools gold.

 

What Are the Side Effects?

While facials are generally safe, some people may experience temporary side effects:

  • Redness or Irritation: Common immediately following extraction or exfoliation treatments. Usually subsides within hours.
  • Sensitivity or Tightness: Dry or sensitive skin may feel tight after certain treatments.
  • Mild Breakouts: Skin purging can occur if impurities rise to the surface post-facial.
  • Allergic Reactions: Rare, but possible if your skin reacts negatively to a product’s ingredient.

Always communicate any discomfort during the facial so your esthetician can adjust the treatment.

 

When Should You Get a Facial?

  • General Frequency: Every 4-6 Weeks: Skin cells turn over every 28 days or so, making this a good interval for maintenance facials.
  • Pre-Event/Occasion: Get a facial at least a week in advance if you’re prepping for a wedding or special event; that way, any redness or irritation has time to subside.
  • Seasonal Changes: Transitioning from winter to spring or summer to fall can be hard on the skin. A facial can help ease that transition and address seasonal concerns like dryness or excess oil production.

 

What Should You Do Before a Facial?

  • Avoid Exfoliating Products: For at least 48 hours prior, skip scrubs, retinol, or other strong exfoliators to avoid over-sensitizing the skin.
  • Stay Hydrated: Well-hydrated skin can better tolerate exfoliation and absorb products.
  • Skip Hair Removal: Waxing, threading, or lasers in the treatment area should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours pre-facial to reduce irritation.
  • Remove Heavy Makeup: Arrive with a makeup-free face if possible, allowing the esthetician to start the treatment promptly.

 

What Should You Do After a Facial?

  • Keep It Gentle: Use mild, non-abrasive cleansers and avoid harsh exfoliants for a few days.
  • Stay Out of the Sun: Your skin may be more sensitive post-treatment. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher if you’ll be outdoors.
  • Skip Heavy Makeup: Try to go barefaced or use minimal makeup for at least 24 hours to allow skin to breathe.
  • Hydrate and Nourish: Drink plenty of water and follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
  • Avoid Excessive Sweating: For the first 24 hours, skip intense workouts that can irritate freshly treated skin.

 

Potential Issues That Can Occur with Facials

  • Post-Facial Acne Flare-ups: Skin purging can bring existing impurities to the surface, resulting in temporary breakouts.
  • Persistent Redness or Sensitivity: Occurs if the skin has been over-exfoliated or if an aggressive extraction technique was used.
  • Allergic Reactions: Ingredients in professional-grade products can sometimes trigger rashes or itching.
  • Hyperpigmentation: If the skin is not protected from the sun post-facial, increased sensitivity can lead to dark spots.
  • Excessive Dryness or Peeling: Over-exfoliation or chemical peels can cause dryness and flakiness.

If you notice any prolonged or concerning reaction, consult with your Saint Louis Med Spa esthetician to determine what is the best course of action to correct.

 

Conclusion

Facials are an excellent way to give your skin the professional care and attention it deserves. Whether you have specific concerns like acne and aging, or you just want a boost in radiance, there’s likely a facial suited for your needs. Remember to communicate openly with your Saint Louis Med Spa esthetician about your skin type, allergies, and expectations to ensure the best possible results. With consistent treatments and a proper post-facial routine, you’ll be well on your way to healthy, glowing skin.  Ready to try a facial in the Saint Louis, Missouri area?  Come in for a consultation at The Saint Louis Med Spa.

 

Visit us at www.TheSaintLouisMedSpa.com 

Call us at (557) 220-9575 or 1 (833) STL ESTY

Come by at 525 S. Hanley, Saint Louis, MO 63105