When it comes to achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin, professional facial treatments can make a significant difference in your skincare journey. Whether you’re looking to hydrate dry skin, combat acne, reduce signs of aging, or simply pamper yourself, the right treatment can make all the difference.
From exfoliating peels to nourishing masks, here are five effective facial treatments that can help improve your skin’s health and appearance.
What Is a Facial?
A facial is a professional skincare treatment that combines various techniques and products to improve your skin’s health and appearance. During a facial, your skincare specialist will cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish your skin using professional-grade products and advanced techniques that aren’t available for at-home use.
Facials typically include the following steps:
- Cleansing: During the cleansing process, your skin will be stripped of dirt, makeup, and oils.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells and other debris from the outer layer of the skin. Certain types of exfoliating facials are focused on helping your skin slough off dead, dry skin.
- Extractions: The removal of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne occurs during the extraction process.
- Masking: During the masking phase, your esthetician will apply a custom skincare mask to your face depending on your specific skin concerns, such as dryness, acne, aging, and more.
- Moisturizing: During this step, your esthetician will apply a hydrating lotion or serum to help moisturize the skin.
Some facials also include things like peels or Hydrafacial to help further treat skin-related conditions or concerns.
Benefits of Having a Facial
Professional facial treatments offer numerous advantages that go beyond what your daily skincare routine can achieve. Regular facials can help:
- Deeply cleanse your pores and remove built-up debris that regular cleansing might miss
- Improve blood circulation, leading to better nutrient delivery to your skin cells
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through specialized treatments
- Even out skin tone and texture
- Boost collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin
- Provide expert analysis of your skin’s needs and concerns
- Help prevent future skin problems through early intervention
- Reduce stress and promote relaxation through facial massage techniques
5 Facial Services to Consider for Better Skincare
Here are Mirabile M.D.’s top five recommendations for facial treatments to improve your skin.
1. SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen microneedling has revolutionized the way we approach skin rejuvenation. This advanced treatment uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in your skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response. The process stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars and other types of scarring
- Skin texture and tone
- Pore size
- Overall skin firmness
After a SkinPen microneedling treatment, you may notice a reduction in hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne, acne scars, and more.
2. VI Peel
The VI Peel offers a powerful yet gentle approach to skin transformation. This medical-grade chemical peel combines several effective ingredients to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. The treatment is particularly effective for:
- Reducing hyperpigmentation and age spots, improving acne and acne scarring
- Stimulating collagen production
- Evening out skin tone
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
We typically recommend VI Peels for those who feel their skin looks dull and dry. VI Peels work for people with any skin tone, including darker skin tones.
3. Co2 Lift
The Co2 Lift treatment is a non-invasive treatment that improves skin oxygenation and circulation through a unique gel application process. Benefits include:
- Enhanced skin radiance
- Improved hydration
- Reduced appearance of fine lines
- Better skin texture
- Immediate results with no downtime
Co2 Lift treatments are typically recommended to those who want anti-aging benefits with a quick treatment that requires little downtime.
4. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a precise exfoliation technique that uses a surgical scalpel to gently remove dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz). This treatment offers immediate results, including:
- Smoother skin texture
- Enhanced product absorption
- Brighter complexion
- Reduced appearance of fine lines
- Better makeup application
Dermaplaning is a great solution for those who feel their dead skin and peach fuzz are negatively impacting the absorption of serums and moisturizers, as well as makeup application.
5. HydraFacial
The HydraFacial is a revolutionary treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration in one session. This multi-step treatment uses patented technology to deliver immediate results. Benefits of a HydraFacial include:
- Deep pore cleansing and extraction
- Intense hydration
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Reduced appearance of fine lines
- Customizable treatment options for different skin concerns
Hydrafacials are a facial treatment option that can benefit people with all skin types and concerns, making them one of the most versatile treatments we offer at Mirabile M.D.
Choosing the Right Facial Treatment
Selecting the optimal facial treatment involves careful consideration of multiple factors that work together to determine the most effective approach for your skin. At Mirabile M.D., we conduct a thorough evaluation that takes into account:
- Your Skin Type: Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin significantly influences which treatments will be most beneficial. For instance, individuals with sensitive skin might benefit more from gentle treatments like the HydraFacial, while those with resilient skin might achieve better results with more intensive treatments like microneedling.
- Current Skin Concerns: We carefully assess specific issues you’re experiencing, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, aging signs, or uneven texture. Each concern might require a different approach or combination of treatments. For example, if you’re dealing with active acne, we might recommend a combination of VI Peel and HydraFacial treatments, while aging concerns might be better addressed with SkinPen Microneedling and Co2 Lift.
- Treatment Goals: Understanding your desired outcomes helps us create a customized treatment plan. Whether you’re preparing for a special event, addressing specific skin concerns, or maintaining overall skin health, your goals help determine the intensity and frequency of treatments.
- Lifestyle Factors: Your daily routine, sun exposure, stress levels, and available time for recovery all play crucial roles in treatment selection. We consider factors like your work schedule, upcoming events, and ability to follow post-treatment care instructions.
- Medical History: Certain medical conditions, medications, or previous skin treatments can impact which facial treatments are safe and effective for you. We conduct a thorough review of your medical history to ensure the safest possible treatment approach.
Preparing for Your Facial Treatment
Proper preparation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your facial treatment and minimize any potential side effects. Here’s a comprehensive guide to pre-treatment preparation:
One Week Before:
- Discontinue the use of retinoids, exfoliants, and other active skincare ingredients, as these can increase skin sensitivity
- Avoid any harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants
- If you’re prone to cold sores, consider starting preventive medication (especially for more intensive treatments)
- Begin increasing your water intake to ensure optimal skin hydration
Three Days Before:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum SPF
- Stop using any prescription topical medications unless specifically cleared by your provider
- Minimize alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of bruising and inflammation
- Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep to optimize your skin’s healing capacity
24 Hours Before:
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms
- Don’t wax or tweeze the treatment area
- Remove all makeup and use only gentle, non-irritating skincare products
Day of Treatment:
- Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove if necessary
- Bring a hat or sun protection if you’re having a treatment that increases sun sensitivity
Maintaining Your Results
To maximize and extend the benefits of your facial treatments, follow these comprehensive aftercare strategies:
Immediate Aftercare (First 24 to 48 Hours):
- Follow all specific post-treatment instructions provided by your specialist
- Avoid touching or scratching the treated area
- Use only recommended skincare products
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol consumption
- Protect your skin from sun exposure
- Skip intense exercise or activities that cause sweating
Long-Term Maintenance:
Skincare Routine:
- Incorporate recommended professional-grade products into your daily routine
- Use gentle, pH-balanced cleansers
- Apply treatments and serums in the correct order
- Never skip moisturizer and sunscreen
- Be consistent with your morning and evening routines
Lifestyle Habits:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
- Get adequate sleep to support skin cell regeneration
- Manage stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Treatment Schedule:
- Follow recommended treatment intervals for optimal results
- Book maintenance treatments in advance to stay on schedule
- Consider combining different treatments for enhanced results
- Adjust your treatment plan as your skin needs change with seasons or age
Environmental Protection:
- Use broad-spectrum SPF daily, even on cloudy days
- Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours when outdoors
- Wear protective clothing and seek shade during peak sun hours
- Be mindful of environmental factors like pollution and extreme weather
Regular Monitoring:
- Schedule periodic skin assessments to track progress
- Document any changes in your skin’s condition
- Communicate with your specialist about concerns or changes
- Adjust your skincare routine and treatment plan as needed based on results
At Mirabile M.D., we offer a comprehensive range of facial treatments tailored to address various skin concerns and help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact us today to discover how our facial treatments can reveal your skin’s true potential.
