Different Types of Facials - Explained by an Esthetician

Have you ever gone to book a facial and been stopped by the choices? It can be overwhelming. What’s the difference between a Microdermabrasion and European Spa Facial? In this post we will go over some of the major facials and why they might benefit you.

So let’s start with the basics. All facials consist of the same general steps. Cleansing, exfoliating, masks, serums, moisturize. If you would like to learn more about the steps of a facial, you can read more in “7 Steps For the Best at Home Facial”. All steps of a facial will be using products that fit your skin type or concern. A Relaxing Facial is going to give you all the basic steps of a facial, customized to you, and it feels amazing in the process. At Respiro Spa, we call ours the European Spa Facial. A Deep Cleansing Facial generally is going to be the exact same, with a little added time set aside for extractions. Extractions can always be done, no matter what the facial, but by booking the Deep Cleansing Facial, it lets me know that we will be focusing on cleaning out the pores.

There are also facials that would be more of a treatment for the skin. The biggest difference between these types of facials and Relaxing Facials is going to be the level of exfoliation. This includes facials such as the Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning which use mechanical exfoliation. If you want more information about the types of exfoliation you can read more in “Exfoliation - An Important Facial Step”. While any facial would be treating the skin, these are done by professionals with specific training and cannot (or should not) be done at home. More exfoliation means a clearer pathway for masks, serums, and moisturizers to penetrate into the skin, giving more benefit to the facial. Dermaplaning will also take off the small vellus hairs, or “peach fuzz”, giving you a smoother, clearer complexion and making it easier to apply makeup. Microderms, while still providing a higher level of exfoliation, will not take off the peach fuzz as a Dermaplane would, which makes it a great in-between facial for higher treatment, without leaving your skin too vulnerable.

Peels, or chemical exfoliants, are the last main type of facial. Although peels sounds like a scary word, it’s just another form of exfoliation. While it provides the same benefit as the last types of facials, product penetration, it does require more care than other facials. It’s also best done as a treatment series where you would work up to different intensities and be able to target different concerns. Because of the intensity of a peel, they are generally only recommended to do a series once a year, and usually not during a time when we’re out in the sun more often. Peels also tend to have more lasting results as opposed to immediate. You’ll walk out after a Dermaplane glowing, whereas a peel, you might not notice the results until a week or so later, once the skin renewal cycle has completed.

Now that you know a little more about the different types, it may help you decide both what type of facial you would want, but also, when you would get them. Getting a peel 2 days before a big event is probably not what you would want to do. Don’t worry, if you’re still unsure, we always do a consultation before beginning every service so that we can do what’s best for you. To find out more, you can book with Jefferson City’s own Respiro Spa.