It’s hard to put a price on clear, radiant, glowing skin. But when you’re at the skin-care spa looking over the price list … it sure seems to cost a lot.
Is a professional facial really worth the hefty price tag? Let’s take a look.
The average facial lasts 60 to 90 minutes and promises to restore a youthful glow and smooth texture to your skin. In a smaller city, the average price range is $75 to $100 or so. But at a spa resort or trendy metropolitan area, a facial could set you back $150 to $300.
Though the services and extras vary from one aesthetician to another, here’s a short summary of what you can expect …
A good aesthetician will always talk to you about your skin-care concerns first and even have you fill out a questionnaire. Then he or she will examine your face to determine your skin type and condition.
The first step of treatment is cleansing and exfoliation, which are typically followed by a steam treatment to gently open your pores.
For those with breakout-prone skin, the most crucial part of the facial is next: the unclogging of your pores, also called extraction. Any impurities or unsightly blackheads are cleared out, and—when done correctly by a trained professional—this can be done without harming your skin.
A facial massage is also typical. It stimulates your skin. After that, a mask designed specifically for your skin type is applied. It may be followed with an additional smoothing treatment like a moisturizer.
You might even get a neck and shoulder massage to relieve some tension and help you feel refreshed, depending on where you go.
So can a professional facial really improve the youthful radiance, texture and clarity of your skin?
In a word … yes.
When we break it down and consider the expert skin analysis … customized treatments … the careful preparation needed to prime your pores … and the gentle unclogging … that’s what makes a facial worth it. Take one look at your glowing complexion afterward and you’ll agree.
I’ve heard a lot of controversy about whether facials cause breakouts and the answer should be no. If you find your skin irritated or problematic after a facial, it’s likely that the products were too harsh for your skin, or some clogged pores were left behind.
What about more advanced facial services, like chemical peels and microdermabrasion?
These more aggressive treatments are quite popular at medical spas … but they’re also more expensive. And they’re not right for everyone.
Chemical peels use an acid solution to remove the outer layer of the skin and reveal the smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.
Watch out for the “chemical” part of these peels. Look for a natural fruit acid peel instead. This is a great, natural way to use alpha hydroxy acids to restore radiance in older skin. Natural peels with beta hydroxy acids are good for acne-prone skin.
And here’s where your aesthetician’s skill and experience come into play: If the peel isn’t left on long enough, you won’t get the benefits … but left on too long, it can cause irritation and damage.
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical alternative. It involves a small instrument with a suction wand that buffs away the top layer of your skin. You still get the exfoliating and renewing effects similar to a chemical peel, but with less potential for irritation. However, you may need several treatments (four to 12) to get the full results.
Bottom line: If it’s done right by a licensed professional, a facial or other pro-skincare treatment can be a beautiful thing … and worth the occasional splurge. But don’t risk the health of your skin to someone without proper training and experience.
And if you can’t spare the expense or the time that goes along with a professional facial, don’t fret. There are a few “mini-facials” you can make at home with natural, non-irritating ingredients.
You can try the egg mask I recommended last month. Or check out the make-at-home mask designed by fellow Ageless Beauty Secrets correspondent, Elina Grosmane. It’ll have you looking refreshed and glowing.
However, there’s one more thing to remember, and this is very important …
Radiant, youthful skin starts at home. From my experience in aesthetic medicine, you just can’t beat the effects of drinking plenty of water and giving your skin the right nutrients for a youthful look.
In particular, I recommend:
- Vitamin C, to help your body make collagen.
- CoQ10, to rejuvenate your face and help reduce the signs of wrinkles.
- Antioxidants, to combat the damaging forces of pollution and toxins.
You can look like a million bucks … without spending it!
Best Wishes for Health and Beauty,
Tara Smith, ARNP, NP-C
[Ed. Note: Tara Smith, ARNP NP-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner. Her medical concentration is on aesthetics, teaching and family practice. Tara is conducting research trials into novel ways of naturally boosting the human growth hormone and working on a new book on anti-aging for women.]