Facials are your best bet for good skin care outcomes. But how frequently should you get a facial to achieve the best effects without hurting your skin? Regarding face frequency, experts believe there is a sweet spot. And while many of us would want to go every week if money were no object, this may not be in our best interests.
There are numerous beauty treatment alternatives for the face, ranging from spa-style pampering to high-tech procedures, each with its advantages. For example, while some rely on facial massage to stimulate lymphatic drainage, others, such as hydrafacials, microneedling, and red light treatment, rely on tools and technology to completely remodel the skin. Whatever your facial preference, keep in mind that there is a period for achieving the most satisfactory results.
Experts agree that once a month is the best frequency for facials. This is an ideal time range because most people have a 28-day skin life cycle. Skin cells migrate from the deep subcutaneous layer to the epidermis, gradually stiffening and dying and shedding as they go.
Because of this skin-shedding cycle, many cosmetic treatments are best performed every month, so if you’ve ever wondered how often you should get a pedicure, now you know. The same goes for facials, though the skin on your face is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on your feet.
A monthly facial gives you just enough time to reap the benefits of the treatment without overstimulating your skin or causing damage. It also allows you to monitor your skin’s progress and make necessary adjustments to your skincare routine.
Your esthetician may recommend more frequent treatments if you have specific skin concerns, such as acne or premature aging. In these cases, facials may be necessary every two to four weeks to achieve desired results.
And, of course, there is always the option to get a facial whenever you feel like your skin needs a pick-me-up. So if you feel like your skin is looking dull, dry, or lackluster, go ahead and treat yourself to a relaxing facial. Just don’t overdo it!
A monthly facial coincides with cell turnover to “assist in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and the maintenance of healthy, beautiful skin.” In addition, fortnightly facials may be beneficial for those with oily skin who have frequent outbreaks.
How Often Should You Get a Facial on a Reactive Skin Type?
While a monthly facial is ideal for most skin types, those with reactive skin may need to back off on the frequency. Reactive skin is defined as “skin that is easily irritated, flushed, or inflamed.” If your skin falls into this category, you may find that facials more than once a month are too much stimulation. In this case, every six to eight weeks may be a better option.
To find the facial frequency that’s right for you, pay attention to your skin. If you notice your skin is looking and feeling good after a month, stick with that schedule. But if you start to see more breakouts or irritation, it’s time to cut back. You can always increase the frequency of your facials if you find that your skin can handle it.
The bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should get a facial. Ultimately, it depends on your skin type, skincare goals, and budget.
CAN YOU GET A FACIAL TOO OFTEN?
Now that we’ve answered how often you should get a facial, it’s time to address the flip side of the coin: can you get a facial too often? The short answer is yes. Just like any other beauty treatment, facials come with certain risks. If you get a facial too often, you may experience some of the following side effects:
» Overstimulation: If you get a facial more than once a month, you may start to overstimulate your skin. This can lead to inflammation, breakouts, and even premature aging.
» Damage: If facials are not performed correctly, they can damage your skin. This is why it’s so important to choose a reputable esthetician and to follow post-facial instructions.
» Sensitivity: Getting a facial too often can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, wind, and other environmental factors. If you notice that your skin is becoming more acute, cut back on the frequency of your facials. Overall, getting a facial once a month is a good rule of thumb. But if you have specific skin concerns, you may need to adjust your schedule accordingly.
Remember, the best way to determine how often you should get a facial is to listen to your skin. Then, if you start to see any adverse side effects, cut back on the frequency of your treatments.
WHAT TYPE OF FACIAL SHOULD I HAVE?
The sort of facial you get will depend on your skin type and your specific skincare goals. If you’re unsure which type of facial is right for you, ask your esthetician for a recommendation.
Here are some of the most known types of facials:
» Basic Facial: A basic facial is a good choice for those new to facials or who have never had one. This type of facial is typically very gentle and includes cleansing, exfoliation, and a hydrating mask.
» Deep Cleansing Facial: Is ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. This facial includes a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and extractions.
» Anti-Aging Facial: An anti-aging facial is perfect for those concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. This facial typically includes a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, and a hydrating mask.
» Brightening Facial: A brightening facial is ideal for those who want to even out their skin tone. This facial includes a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, and a brightening mask.
» Detoxifying Facial: A detoxifying facial is perfect for those who want to deep clean their pores. This facial includes a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and a clay mask.
Regardless of your facial, be sure to communicate with your esthetician about your specific skincare goals. This will help them customize the facial to meet your needs.
CAN YOU ACHIEVE SIMILAR RESULTS AT HOME?
There is no denying that professional facials offer many benefits. But if you don’t have the time or money to visit an esthetician, you can still achieve similar results at home.
Call us!
Here at River District Aesthetics, we offer various facial services that can be customized to meet your specific skin care needs. In addition, we also provide a variety of at-home facial kits that can help you achieve similar results in the comfort of your own home. If you have any questions about our services or products, please don’t hesitate to contact us.