How to Choose the Right Facial for Your Skin Type and Budget

So how do you know which facial is right for you? Not every type of facial is right for every person, and it's important that you know your skin type before you go to a spa for a facial treatment. If you are unsure about which facial is right for your skin type, then you should consult your dermatologist beforehand.

The facials listed below are some of the more trendy ones offered at professional day spas - microdermabrasion, chemical peels, photo facials, paraffin peels, antioxidant peels, collagen facials, laser resurfacing, and alpha hydroxy peels. I think they are popular because they can give you the same results as plastic surgery with less pain, less down time and lower cost.

Do note however that some of these facial treatments are more expensive than others, so be sure to do your research and call ahead so you don't get sticker shock at the checkout counter. Paraffin peels and antioxidant peels are less expensive than microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing, but each of these facials has a unique benefit. So it's up to you to do research ahead of time and weigh the cost against the outcome you hope to achieve.

Microdermabrasion Treatment

This procedure uses a suction device which is placed onto the skin and removes dead skin with the use of oxide crystals. Microdermabrasion has both pros and cons. Some of the pros are that it reduces the appearance of scars, fine lines and pigmentation - gives the skin more resistance to aging and stimulates the growth of collagen which is the bodies natural protein that gives the shape and texture to skin - leaves skin feeling smoother and gives the skin on the face a glow - helps reduce the appearance of acne scars. Some of the cons are that you may experience some minor discomfort - redness of the skin may be noticed on the face for 30 minutes or even last most of the day of the facial.

Chemical Peel

This is also sometimes called a Derma Peel. LED lights are used for this procedure. There are different levels of intensity from mild to medium to deep depending on your skin type and the end result you're trying to achieve. A chemical peel takes away the visible signs of aging and gives the skin more firmness. It will also leave the skin feeling smoother and softer. A mild intensity chemical peel is a great option for teens because it will make acne scars less visible. During the facial, you may feel a tingling sensation and your skin may feel warm. A chemical peel will cause much less redness than the microdermabrasion procedure, but the skin will have excessive itchiness and flakiness and will have an extremely tight feel to it which can last for up to four days.

Photo Facial

This procedure is performed using intense pulsating light and can be done on any part of the body. A photo facial is most commonly used to reverse damaged skin cells due to excessive exposure to the sun. The damage usually shows up as age spots. As with other facial treatments, a photo facial has pros and cons. Pros are that it can reduce redness on the face due to rosacea and treats damaged skin caused by the sun such as age spots. The cons are that there is pain with this treatment. Also, swelling may be seen and the skin may burn. Scabbing and flaking of the skin will occur during the healing process which takes about 10 to 14 days.

Paraffin Peel Facial

This procedure is one of the least expensive. Warm melted wax is applied to the skin in a circular motion and is left on for 20 minutes then removed. A paraffin peel is a great treatment for extremely dry skin and it also removes toxins from the skin. It can be performed on skin of all ages, but note that some people may be uncomfortable with the temperature of the warm wax if their skin is sensitive. The result of a paraffin peel is baby soft glowing skin, but the results are very temporary. A paraffin peel is more about pampering yourself.

Antioxidant Peel Facial

This procedure is another low cost option, and some spas include an antioxidant peel as part of their basic facial. It's done using a gel which is derived from all organic substances which contain large amounts of Vitamins C, D, and E. These ingredients will remove signs of aging skin due to damage from over exposure to sun, pollutants in the air and environment. It also removes free radicals from the skin that can cause the skin to age prematurely.

Collagen Facial

This procedure requires the use of needles that penetrate the skin to inject the collagen into the tissue and areas of the skin that show signs of aging and plumps up the skin. A collagen facial gives the face a younger appearance because the fine lines around the mouth and eyes are evened out. But there can be pain and swelling at injection sites and redness of the skin. The positive results of a collagen facial are temporary but are a great way to give your skin a great glow for a special event.

Laser Resurfacing

This procedure is done by a Fraxel or CO2 laser which has pulsating beams of intense light and is placed on the surface on the skin. The laser burns off parts of the skin and you're left with a pixilated look for a few weeks while the skin heals. Laser resurfacing is usually done in stages over a period of time until the entire face has been treated. This procedure delays the aging process to the skin by removing wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and acne scars. The results are long lasting but this is one of the more costly procedures. It is also a painful and timely process and you'll have flaky and itchy skin and redness while your skin heals. Some scarring may also occur.

Alpha Hydroxy Peel Facial

This procedure is considered a light chemical peel and mild organic acids are applied to the face and left on for 10 minutes and then the face is rinsed off. The results are immediate and your skin will be smoother and the texture of the skin will improve. Alpha hydroxy peels will also remove wrinkles, acne and damage to the skin done by the sun. On the downside, you will most likely experience some itching, burning and redness and your skin may appear as though you have a bad sunburn.

Summary

With any cosmetic procedure there are side affects that can accompany them. Some side affects are mild and and some are severe. Also, the end results of each procedure will vary from one individual to the next depending on skin types. It's a good idea to speak to a registered health professional before making the final decision on what procedure you would like to have. Consulting with a professional can help you make a more educated decision on which facial procedure will give you the most benefit.

Sources:
realself.com
medicalnewstoday.com