A Guide to the Different Types of Facials

Facials aren't just for unwinding while someone massages cream into your skin. They're a much-needed skincare treatment that can help you with various issues. Most estheticians recommend getting a facial once a month. 

You might not realize there are different types of facials for many skincare needs and skin types. The option you go with depends on your needs and goals. It's essential to know the basics of each kind so you select the one that's best suited for you. 

This guide will discuss the most popular kinds of facials you can book an appointment for. You deserve to get pampered and have healthy skin that's well taken care of. 

What Are the Different Types of Facials?

Facials are designed to remove dead skin cells. You're left with younger, brighter-looking skin. 

Most facials include the same principles, such as:

• Steam 
• Exfoliate
• Extract
• Massage
• Hydrate

What differentiates these beauty treatments are the tools and other treatments that get incorporated. Let's discuss some of the most common types of facials. 

Classic Facial 

Classical facials cover the basics of everything you're looking for in a skincare treatment. Your esthetician will talk to you about why you want a facial. They'll also discuss some of your skincare concerns. 

The skincare products that get used on you during the facial are chosen based on the type of skin you have and the issues you're experiencing. You can expect your facial to follow these steps:

• Cleanse: Removal of surface-level impurities and makeup
• Examine: Opening up and examination of pores using steam 
• Exfoliate: Sensitive and visibly irritated areas won't get exfoliated
• Extraction: White and blackheads will get removed
• Massage: Can be performed before or after extractions
• Mask: Hydrating and skin renewal facial mask is applied
• Moisturize: Speciality serums, gels, and creams get applied

Hydrafacial 

Hydrafacials are hydrating and cleansing facials that are targeted at dull and dehydrated skin. One of the main differences between this type of facial and the classic one is that a suction device is used. This suction device extracts debris from your pores while exfoliating your skin. 

Think of the device as a small vacuum cleaner for your face. Some of the things this tool can do for you include:

• Boosting circulation
• Removing dead skin cells
• Infusing a revitalizing essence into the skin 
• Eliminating toxins

The deep cleansing effect is great for removing whiteheads and blackheads. It can also decrease the size of your pores. 

After the unwanted materials get removed from your skin, the final step is drenching your neck and face with hydrating serums. This also includes a skin-plumping effect that makes your skin look radiant and dewy. 

Hydrafacials are a great option for all skin types. It's also wonderful for people who struggle with the following issues:

• Persistent blemishes
• Dry skin
• Enlarged pores

You should avoid getting a hydrafacial if you have rosacea or facial rashes. Your esthetician will let you know if this is a good choice for you. 

Aromatherapy Facial

An aromatherapy facial follows a similar structure to a classic one. The addition of aromatherapy and essential oils is designed to relax your mind and body. 

Essential oils, when combined with carrier oil, can get absorbed into your skin. They interact with your body's healing process, providing you with benefits. Some of the benefits you can experience with an aromatherapy facial include:

• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Eliminating skin conditions like rosacea and acne 
• Stimulates the nervous system 
• Promote a feeling of relaxation and calm 

Your esthetician can use essential oils during the massage portion of your facial. They can also have you breathe in the aroma through sprays, vaporizers, or steam inhalers. 

Common types of essential oils that are used in aromatherapy facials are:

• Eucalyptus 
• Tea tree
• Chamomile
• Lemon
• Orange
• Jasmine
• Rose

Microneedling Facials

Microneedling treatments are designed to target age spots and other blemishes on your face. The esthetician will roll a tool over your face that's comprised of tiny needles. The needles make microscopic punctures on your skin. 

Don't worry if you're afraid of needles and pain. These small pinpricks are on your face's surface layer. They aren't painful either. 

As these small punctures get made, your skin's wound repair response gets triggered. Your natural collagen production processes will get stimulated. Collagen provides your skin with the following benefits:

• Plumping
• Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
• Healing of wounds 

Microneedling facials are also effective at minimizing your pores and healing acne scars. 

Chemical Peel 

During a chemical peel, special treatments get applied to your neck and face. These solutions are designed to exfoliate and peel the top layer of dead skin off your face.

These exfoliating facials incorporate acids that dissolve your dead skin cells. Fresh layers of skin get revealed underneath, resulting in a youthful complexion and glow. 

Chemical peels aren't as intimidating as they sound. They're an entirely safe treatment. The exfoliating acids that are typically used include:

• Lactic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Mandelic acid
• Glycolic acid 

In addition to removing dead skin cells, these substances can also reduce the appearance of:

• Dark spots
• Sun damage
• Blemishes and acne scars
• Wrinkles and fine lines

There are multiple intensities for chemical peels. They range from light to medium to deep. Your esthetician will let you know what intensity they think is best suited for your skin. 

LED Facial 

An LED facial utilizes red or blue wavelengths to stimulate various reactions in the deep layers of your skin. The type of light used depends on what skin condition you're trying to address. 

Blue light facials are used to treat blemishes and persistent acne. The blue light gets focused on the sebaceous oil glands located deep in your skin layers. The light makes the glands less active and reduces how much oil they produce. 

A red-light facial stimulates collagen production in your skin. It can provide you with the following benefits:

• Reducing wrinkles 
• Decreases inflammation 
• Plumps the skin 

One thing to keep in mind with this type of facial is that it can take more than one session for you to see results. 

Dermaplaning Facial

Facial dermaplaning involves gently scraping your skin with a scalpel to remove the top layer of your face. This process also removes small hairs.

The treatment session can take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes. Each session can remove around two weeks of dead skin cells from your face. You'll experience brighter and more youthful skin for up to three weeks after. 

Dermplaning isn't the same as shaving. What makes it different is the fact that the topmost layer of your skin gets removed. 

Lymphatic Facial 

A lymphatic drainage facial involves draining fluid from your body's lymph nodes. Your esthetician will incorporate massage techniques to achieve this. In addition to getting rid of built-up toxins, you can enjoy these benefits:

• Improved appearance of dull skin 
• Decreased puffiness
• Reduced symptoms of acne
• Increase circulation in sinus cavities 

The general structure of the facial will follow a traditional one. The main difference is during the massage portion. Your esthetician will use oil or serums to avoid encountering friction during the lymphatic massage. 

They'll typically start in the center of your face, next to your nose, and work their way outward. They'll use a gentle and light touch to target the various channels in your skin. These techniques are meant to follow your body's natural path to lymphatic flow. 

Acupuncture Facial 

Acupuncture facials have similar goals to microneedling ones. This type of facial uses traditional acupuncture methods. While the needles used in acupuncture facials are longer, they are still small and painless. 

Your esthetician will insert 40 to 70 needles in different parts of your face. Your body goes into repair mode as the needles puncture your skin and cause tiny wounds. The needles can also cause your body to release tension, making you feel more relaxed. 

There are numerous benefits to acupuncture facials, including:

• Increased circulation
• Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
• Decreasing facial puffiness 

Vampire Facial

Vampire facials aren't as common as other types. It's a microneedling treatment that incorporates platelet-rich plasma or PHP. 

During this procedure, the technician will take a blood sample from your body. They'll put it into a machine that separates the platelets from the remainder of your blood. The esthetician will then topically apply the PHP onto your face. 

Vampire facials are effective for rejuvenating your skin. They can also reduce the appearance of acne scars and plump, sagging skin. 

Schedule an Appointment for a Revitalizing Facial 

As you can see, there are many different types of facials to choose from. While this guide gives you a basic understanding of them, it's best to speak with a professional. They'll evaluate your skin and make recommendations on the right course of action for your skin type and concerns. 

Rogue Beauty Bar gives the best facials in the Springfield area. Whether you want to treat yourself to a luxurious spa day or want to take better care of your skin, our team here is here to help. Reach out to us today to book an appointment.