Okay so facials. Let me tell you about facials because I have OPINIONS and also some actual useful information (shocking, I know).
I used to think facials were just for rich people who had time to “treat themselves” while sipping cucumber water in fluffy robes. And honestly? Some of them ARE like that. But there’s actually real science behind why getting a professional facial can be worth it (and when it’s definitely not worth your hard-earned money).
What Actually Happens During a Facial
So here’s the thing most people don’t realize: a facial isn’t just someone rubbing stuff on your face while you fall asleep to whale music (though that part is pretty nice, not gonna lie).
A proper facial usually includes:
- Cleansing – Obviously. They’re getting all the gunk off your face. But they use actual professional products, not the same cleanser you grabbed at Target at 11pm.
- Exfoliation – This is where they remove dead skin cells. Could be a scrub, could be enzymes, could be a chemical exfoliant. Depends on your skin type and what your face needs.
- Extractions – The part everyone’s secretly here for. This is when they get those blackheads and clogged pores out. Is it satisfying? Extremely. Should you do this at home? Please do not.
- Massage – Facial massage is actually legit for lymphatic drainage and circulation. Plus it feels amazing and you deserve nice things.
- Masks and serums – The fancy finishing touches. Usually customized to whatever your skin is dealing with that day.
When Facials Are Actually Worth It
Look, I’m not here to tell you to spend money you don’t have. But there are times when a professional facial is genuinely helpful:
When you’ve got stubborn congestion. If your pores are consistently clogged and your at-home routine isn’t cutting it, a professional extraction can actually help. They have better tools, better lighting, and (hopefully) better technique than you squinting in your bathroom mirror at midnight.
Before a big event. But like, a week before. Not the day before. Because sometimes facials cause temporary purging or redness, and you don’t want to find that out on your wedding morning. (Someone I know definitely didn’t learn this the hard way. Definitely not.)
When your routine feels stuck. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to switch things up, here’s how to tell. A good esthetician can actually assess your skin and tell you what’s going on. They might notice things you’ve been missing, like dehydration masquerading as oiliness, or irritation from a product you thought was helping.
Seasonal transitions. When the weather changes dramatically, your skin might need professional help adjusting. That winter-to-summer switch especially can throw things off.
When to Skip the Facial (And Save Your Money)
Controversial opinion incoming: facials are not always necessary.
If you’re on a tight budget. Real talk. A solid at-home skincare routine will do more for your skin long-term than one fancy facial every six months. Put that money toward good daily products instead.
If you have active acne that’s severe. This needs a dermatologist, not an esthetician. Facials can actually make inflammatory acne worse if done at the wrong time. Get the medical stuff sorted first.
If the spa seems sketchy. Dirty tools, pushy upselling, esthetician who doesn’t ask about your skin history or allergies? Run. Seriously. A bad facial can cause breakouts, infections, or irritation that takes weeks to heal.
Right before something important. I already mentioned this but it bears repeating. Your skin might freak out. Give yourself a buffer.
How to Actually Get a Good Facial
Not all facials are created equal. Here’s how to avoid wasting your money:
Do your research. Read reviews. Look at photos. Ask friends for recommendations. The spa with the prettiest Instagram doesn’t automatically have the best estheticians.
Be honest about your skin. Tell them about your routine, any medications you’re taking (especially retinoids or acne treatments), and any sensitivities. They can’t help you if you’re not upfront.
Ask questions. A good esthetician should be able to explain what they’re doing and why. If they can’t, that’s a red flag.
Don’t let them pressure you into extras. “You REALLY need this $80 add-on” is not skincare advice, it’s a sales pitch. Stick to what you came for unless something genuinely makes sense for your concerns.
Start simple. Your first facial doesn’t need to be a chemical peel or microneedling. A basic hydrating or clarifying facial is a good introduction to see how your skin responds.
What to Do After Your Facial
The aftercare matters just as much as the facial itself (I know, annoying but true).
Don’t touch your face. I know it feels all smooth and you want to keep touching it. Resist. Your hands are not clean enough for your freshly extracted pores.
Skip actives for 24-48 hours. No retinol, no acids, no vitamin C. Your skin barrier just went through it. Give it time to chill.
Wear sunscreen. Your skin is more sensitive after a facial. If you’re going outside, SPF is non-negotiable (it’s always non-negotiable but especially now).
Don’t freak out if you break out. Post-facial purging is common, especially if you had extractions. Give it a few days before panicking.
Hydrate. Drink water. Use a gentle moisturizer. Baby your skin for a day or two.
DIY Facials: Can You Just Do This at Home?
Yes and no. (I’m so helpful, I know.)
You can absolutely do a simplified version at home. Double cleanse, gentle exfoliation, a nice mask, some facial massage. It won’t be the same as a professional treatment, but it’s still good for your skin and way better than nothing.
What you should NOT do at home:
- Aggressive extractions – Those pore vacuum things? The metal extractors? Put them down. You will cause scarring and broken capillaries and I will be sad about it.
- Chemical peels you’re not trained to use – Leave the TCA peels to the professionals please.
- Steam your face for 20 minutes – A little steam is fine. Cooking your face in a steam room situation is too much and can dilate blood vessels and cause irritation.
A simple at-home routine looks like: cleanse, gentle exfoliate (once a week max), mask for 10-15 minutes, massage with a facial oil or serum, moisturize. Done. Your skin will appreciate it.
How Often Should You Actually Get Facials?
This depends on your budget, your skin concerns, and honestly how much you enjoy them.
The “ideal” frequency that estheticians usually recommend is every 4-6 weeks, which aligns with your skin’s cell turnover cycle. But realistically? Most of us can’t afford or don’t have time for monthly facials.
A more realistic approach:
- Quarterly (every 3 months) – Good for maintenance if your skin is generally happy
- When you need it – Congestion building up? Big event coming? Feeling like your skin needs professional attention? Book one.
- Seasonally – Once in fall, once in spring, to help your skin transition
There’s no wrong answer here as long as you’re not going so often that your skin can’t recover between sessions or you’re neglecting your daily routine to fund monthly spa trips.
Types of Facials (Quick Breakdown)
Because apparently there are a million types now:
Classic/European facial – The standard. Cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, mask, moisturizer. Good for most people.
Hydrafacial – That water vortex suction thing. Good for hydration and gentle exfoliation. Very trendy, pretty gentle.
Microdermabrasion – Physical exfoliation with a diamond tip or crystals. More intense. Good for dullness and texture.
Chemical peel facial – Acids doing the heavy lifting. Different strengths for different concerns. Can be intense.
LED facial – Light therapy. Red light for anti-aging, blue light for acne. No downtime, very chill.
Oxygen facial – Sprays oxygen and serums on your face. Celebrities love it. Science is… questionable. But it feels nice?
Start with a classic facial and work your way up from there once you know how your skin responds to professional treatments.
Actually Though
Facials can be great. They can also be a waste of money. The difference is knowing when to get one, finding someone good to do it, and not expecting miracles from a single session.
Your daily routine will always matter more than occasional professional treatments. But if you’ve got the budget and you find a skilled esthetician, facials can be a nice addition to your skincare life. Plus sometimes you just deserve to lie down and have someone pamper your face for an hour. That’s valid too.
Just don’t do it the day before your wedding. Learn from my definitely not personal experience.
Tasha