How to Pick the Best Facial for Your Needs and Skin Type
HydraFacial is the facial.
What to Expect: According to Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness, a HydraFacial (performed with a HydraFacial machine) usually consists of a deep cleansing with exfoliating properties (such as glycolic and salicylic acids) at various concentrations for removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen.
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“This is followed by vortex extractions with an infusion of active serums for clearing out pores, along with a blend of antioxidants (like vitamins A and E), botanical extracts (such as white tea, rosemary, and horse chestnut), and hyaluronic acid for improving texture/clarity and providing additional hydration,” she continues.
Do you need a little more encouragement? A well chosen collection of buildings might be a nice addition to your offering. “Some popular add-ons include dermabuilder (peptide serum to help smooth fine lines and enhance skin elasticity), britenol (arbutin and vitamin C for brightening), CTFG (growth factors to stimulate collagen synthesis), LED light therapy (red light to improve collagen and soothe inflammation; blue light to treat acne), or lymphatic drainage (to improve circulation and remove toxins from the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and swelling from sinus pressure post-injections or surgery),” according to Dr. Cheung.
The DiamondGlow Facial
What to anticipate: The creator of BeautyMood.com, Ali Tobia, is an esthetician based in New York who has worked with celebrities like Brooks Nader and Elle MacPherson. She says this all-encompassing treatment, formerly known as DermalInfusion, is great for treating a variety of common skin issues, such as acne and clogged pores, fine lines, and dark spots.
“While the name DiamondGlow technically refers to the device itself, it has become interchangeable with the treatment as a whole, which consists of an exfoliation for resurfacing skin (performed with a precise diamond tip), extractions for removing pore buildup and blackheads (done with high-powered suction), and an infusion of specific serums that are matched to your skin type and condition (ultra-hydrating, pore-clarifying, brightening, etc.) for added nourishment and moisture.
According to Tobia, it may be used alone or in conjunction with a variety of other cutting-edge therapeutic techniques, including lasers and microcurrent. “While recommended for almost every skin type, it is by far my preferred facial treatment for those suffering from dry skin because of its fantastic hydrating benefits.”
The Face: Deep-Cleansing/European
What to Expect: Tobia regards the European facial, or ‘classic’ as it is called in Europe, where it originated and remains incredibly popular, as the original kind of facial because it is often associated with luxurious spa days.
“Cleaning, exfoliation, extraction, steam, and face massage are usually included in this standard facial package. Together, the steam and extractions help to open and unclog clogged pores, reducing blackheads and assisting in averting outbreaks that may arise from improper buildup management,” she says.
The European Facial, she continues, is excellent for newcomers who want to enjoy a more comprehensive facial. “Typically, the suite of products used is determined by the provider and their preferences, but I recommend a consultation with your esthetician to formulate a customized selection based on your individual skin needs.”
Gua Sha’s facial
What to Expect: Because of its invigorating and revitalizing properties, this technique—which also happens to be Tobia’s particular favorite—has been gaining popularity.
“In a Gua Sha Facial (adapted from a body massage treatment), a practitioner will typically use various stones, often made from high-quality jade or quartz and shaped as knobs, wands, spoons, and other contoured shapes that may include specific notches and divots, to promote blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and stimulate lymphatic drainage to remove toxins and puffiness from beneath the face,” Tobia explains.
Tobia believes this adds an extra moisturizing effect. Typically, an esthetician would apply a thin coating of oil to assist the stones slide easily across your face without tugging at the skin. “One important note: because Gua Sha works on your facial tissue beneath the skin, this treatment is not recommended if you have gotten filler or Botox injections within the past month.”
The Face: Redesigning
What to Expect: The remodeling facial is similar to a workout for your face, says Aida Bicaj, a famous facialist and skin expert in New York who has worked with stars like Carla Gugino and Kyra Sedgwick.
“The RFM machine treats and nourishes the inner layers of the skin by using radiofrequency and galvanic current to clear up pores and allow a carefully blended concoction of serums to enter through connected sponges. Nothing like it is available on the market, and it has been around for 45 years,” the spokesperson claims.
In addition to a deep-cleansing and de-puffing, it gives a plumping and permanent sculpting ‘facelift’ effect. The aging process is slowed down because muscle has memory. Similar to working out at the gym, the more regularly you do it, the better the outcomes. People who keep their monthly checkups frequently avoid the need for facelifts or other surgical treatments in the future.”