There’s more to radiant skin than just a skincare routine. Skin treatments are professionally designed to rejuvenate and refresh your skin.
Regardless of your skin concerns, many different skin treatment options are available to suit your needs. How do you know which one is right for you? You’ve come to the right place! Consider this your guide to the world of facial skin treatments.
Most Popular Facial Skin Treatments
1. Classic Facials
What: The standard facial skin treatment which involves cleansing, exfoliation, facial massage, and a mask. Occasionally extractions are performed after exfoliation to assist with clearing the pores of excess sebum. Depending on your skin concern, some of the products used might be altered to better suit your needs.
Where: Classical facials do not require much specialised equipment and many individuals will complete this skin treatment at home. However, the skincare ingredients used must be compatible and extractions at home are not recommended.
Who: Classical facials are great for all skin types and provide a general boost in skin health and appearance. This treatment type requires ongoing appointments because the results are temporary.
2. Chemical Peels
What: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin. This process removes dead skin cells and promotes new skin growth. Different types of chemicals have a deeper level of peel, which requires more recovery time but has a more noticeable result.
Where: At-home chemical peels are available for purchase. When using an at-home product it is crucial to patch test first and use only as instructed. Medium and deep chemical peels must be completed in a clinic to ensure hygiene and safety.
Who: Light chemical peels are good for fine wrinkles, acne, uneven tone, and dryness. Medium chemical peels can help with wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. A deep chemical peel is best for deeper wrinkles, scars or precancerous growths. Lighter chemical peel treatments might take place every few weeks, whereas deeper treatments are usually completed only once or twice.
3. Microdermabrasion
What: A non-invasive procedure that uses a diamond-tipped wand or fine crystals to exfoliate the skin, which reveals a smoother complexion. Microdermabrasion is considered a mechanical form of exfoliation. However, the process only removes approximately 0.05mm of skin.
Where: At-home microdermabrasion kits are available, although they are not as powerful as professional treatments. The more powerful machines are kept for salons or clinics where hygiene and proper technique are maintained. As with any home device, make sure the directions for use are followed carefully.
Who: Microdermabrasion can be great for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and minimizing pores. It is important to note that this treatment requires ongoing sessions to maintain skin improvements since results are temporary.
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4. Hydrafacial
What: This multi-step treatment cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities, and hydrates the skin using a variety of different serums. This treatment involves the use of a machine similar to microdermabrasion, but whilst exfoliating the serums are applied to the fresh skin.
Where: Hydrafacials are performed in a salon or clinical setting. The device used for the treatment is specialized, expensive, and cannot be replicated by an at-home device.
Who: Hydrafacials are great for treating dryness, dullness, and signs of aging. The treatment is great for addressing multiple minor skin concerns in one treatment. Similar to microdermabrasion, the results of Hydrafacials are temporary so ongoing sessions are required.
5. Dermaplaning
What: Dermaplaning uses a surgical scalpel to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair. Dermaplaning is non-invasive and is considered a mechanical form of exfoliation. Usually, the skin is cleansed before a minimal amount of skin is removed from the skin. Dermaplaning resembles shaving but is different.
Where: Dermaplaning tools can be purchased and used at home; just be careful to ensure hygiene and use the proper techniques. For a more consistent and reliable outcome, many people opt for regular professional treatments in a salon or clinic.
Who: Dermaplaning is good for smoothing skin texture, removing ‘peach fuzz’, enhancing product absorption, and achieving a flawless makeup application.
6. LED Light Therapy
What: In LED Light Therapy, the skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of non-UV light to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Different types of therapy include red light LED, blue light LED, yellow light LED, or a combination. Safety goggles are worn to protect the eyes during such treatments.
Where: At-home LED Light Therapy devices can be purchased. When using home devices such as this, be sure to follow the device instructions accurately. The effectiveness of at-home devices is also contested, with many opting for professional clinic treatments under more powerful LED panels.
Who: Red light LED is great for speeding up healing, stimulating collagen production, and overall rejuvenation. Blue light LED is best for reducing acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Yellow light LED is usually used for redness concerns and skin rejuvenation.
7. Oxygen Facials
What: In an oxygen facial pressurized oxygen is infused along with a hyaluronic acid serum to nourish the skin. Oxygen facials promote a refreshed and revitalized appearance through the stimulation of collagen, increased circulation, and skin detoxification.
Where: There are many oxygen facial kits/ devices sold online. Be sure to use them only as instructed with care and cleanliness. Oxygen facials in salons and clinics are thought to be more reliable and can better outcomes.
Who: Oxygen facials are said to boost circulation, improve skin radiance, and provide instant hydration. Sometimes this treatment is used in preparation for an event to prime the skin for optimal makeup application. Regular oxygen facials are recommended to maintain results.
8. Radiofrequency (RF) Facial
What: RF facials are a non-invasive treatment that heats the skin to stimulate collagen production using an electromagnetic device. When collagen, elastin, and new skin cells are generated the result is lifted youthful skin. Some consider RF facials to be a type of non-surgical facelift.
Where: In recent years it has become possible to perform RF facial procedures at home. At-home treatment devices are adapted for safe at-home use; please make sure to patch test and use according to safety instructions. A more powerful and highly effective treatment is available in clinics.
Who: RF facials are best for those wanting to target sagging skin and fine lines. Many people are excited to achieve a more lifted facial appearance. This treatment is not permanent, although can last for one to two years with appropriate care.
9. Microneedling
What: In the microneedling procedure, fine needles create tiny punctures in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and collagen production. A motorized device is used to ensure controlled and even penetration occurs. Some people are familiar with the ‘Dermapen’ which is a type of microneedling tool often used in clinics. Microneedling can be tailored to suit different skin concerns with a range of skin needle lengths.
Where: Microneedling is most effective and safe when undertaken in a salon or clinic. Professional microneedling treatments ensure hygiene, appropriate skin penetration, overall safety, and optimal results. Some people choose to purchase ‘derma rollers’ for home use; note that these tools do not penetrate the skin as deeply and rely on manual pressure which can be inconsistent.
Who: Microneedling procedures are best for improving skin texture, reducing scarring, and addressing signs of aging. The length of the skin needle may be changed for different skin concerns. Results are often seen after one to four treatments. Maintenance sessions might be required sporadically after the initial treatment cycle.
10. Cryotherapy Facial
What: Cryotherapy facials involve the application of cold temperatures to the skin to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and tighten pores. As part of the procedure, the skin is cleansed and dried before liquid nitrogen is pumped over the skin using a hose. This procedure is reasonably quick with no downtime.
Where: At-home cryotherapy facials can be done using cold spoons or ice globes and is often referred to as ‘skin icing’. However professional treatment involving liquid nitrogen (dry ice) is best performed in a salon or clinic.
Who: Cryotherapy is good for calming sensitive skin, reducing redness, and promoting a refreshed complexion. The cold temperature increases blood flow to the face which can help give skin a youthful and ‘plump’ appearance. For a higher chance of long-lasting results, cryotherapy facials should be consistently received for a few months.
Other Skin Treatments
This guide has explored some of the most common facial skin treatments found in your local salon or clinic, although there are still many other options available. The world of skincare is always evolving with new and innovative treatments being developed.
Some other skin treatments that which have gained online attention include:
- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound facial (HIFU)
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial (a.k.a. the ‘Vampire’ facial)
- Botox, dermal fillers, and anti-wrinkle injections
- Laser Resurfacing, Aviclear, and other emerging laser-based treatments
When considering these treatments it is recommended to do your research, consider the side effects, and speak with a professional if possible. Of course, it depends on your unique skin scenario and what treatment is right for you.
How to choose a skin treatment
First, you need to identify your skin concerns. You may have a single concern or several different ones. It can be helpful to note down what your concerns are and form a priority list that ranks them. This list will help you weigh up the benefits of treatments and stay focused on the desired outcome.
Once you have determined your skin concerns, do your research. You have only just begun by reading this guide! Consider different treatments, the pros, cons, results, and side effects. Create a shortlist of the treatments you are most interested in.
If possible, consult with a professional once you have done your research. Some of the treatments you like may not be appropriate for your skin. Or perhaps some of the treatments you are interested in can be performed together for additional benefits. The advice of a dermatologist or other qualified professional can make a difference in getting the best results from your treatments.
Finally, once you have developed a treatment plan with a professional, stay consistent! Many of the skin treatments discussed are more effective when performed multiple times within a set timeframe.
Final Thoughts
The world of facial skincare offers a diverse range of treatments to cater for every complexion. Your skin concerns can be targeted with the right type of treatment and a personalized plan. Get to know your needs, develop your plan, and begin your journey towards glowing skin.
