Cha-Ching! Are Professional Facials Worth The Money?

There’s something so soothing and satisfying about having professional facial. Skin always looks luscious and glowing afterward, but, of course, it comes at a price. In-spa facials are expensive, sometimes hitting triple digits depending on the type.

Often, there’s a dizzying array of facial techniques and new ingredients to use for our complexion, promising life-changing effects. But how do we know which are beneficial for the skin, and which are a waste of dollars? And is all that poking and prodding even good for the skin?

Sure, facials make us feel and look wonderful, temporarily, at least. But are they really worth the cost? We’re here to spill all on what you should and shouldn’t invest in next time you hit the spa.

Steaming

Clogged pores? Next time you invest in a facial, be sure to opt for the steaming option. Steaming draws dirt out from congested pores without excessive pressure, which could otherwise lead to inflammation and raw, blotchy marks. Avoid the temptation to squeeze your whiteheads at home and leave your skin to the professionals to steam.

Steaming works on all skin types, but your face must always be clean first. Otherwise, dirt and residue can end up becoming trapped when the pores open. Ewww.

Masks

Masks are often used during professional facials. We know relaxing in a spa listening to tinkling music with a face mask sitting on our skin is uber calming, but does the formula do much to benefit the skin?

It depends. Soothing and exfoliating masks offer decent results but steer clear of collagen masks.

Topical collagen is unable to penetrate the skin, so opting for that variety is useless and expensive.

Antioxidant masks are a better bet. Potent antioxidants work on the skin's surface to neutralize environmental damage, so choosing a good quality facial with the right ingredients will work wonders for the skin. Or, give yourself a spa experience at home with  Tuel’s Moisture Plus Nourishing Mask. The rich and thick formula is packed full of skin-loving ingredients like muru muru, sunflower, coco, and shea butters. The mask features plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and sodium hyaluronate to leave skin moisturized, rejuvenated, and softened. Plus, a home pamper session is a whole lot cheaper than heading to the salon.

Facial Massage

Sure, it feels good when your beautician gives your cheeks a good, thorough rub. But, there’s no real science to show any real benefits to the skin, apart from how soothing it feels. Plus, a facial massage can lead to breakouts, especially if the hands doing the rubbing aren’t washed thoroughly.

Keep this step in if you love how a professional facial massage feels, but don’t expect it to work miracles.

Peels

For the real benefits to the skin, peels are what you should spend your money on. Any peel featuring glycolic, salicylic, malic, or citric acid will exfoliate the skin’s first layer better than any grainy scrub, revealing a brighter, smoother, and more beautiful complexion.

A high concentration AHA peel of 20 to 30 percent is also known to boost collagen production, resulting in plumper and firmer skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids are powerful exfoliators and are a dream for older skin that has lost radiance. Peels aren’t limited to the salon, though. Try Peter Thomas Roth's Anti-Aging Triple Acid Peel, reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture and tone with this anti-aging peel. Grab a bottle and save yourself a good few trips to the salon.

Oxygen

Oxygen facials sound exciting, but word has it they don’t do much to improve the appearance of the skin.

Pressurized oxygen is believed to drive anti-aging serums deep into the skin. Oxygen facials are supposedly hydrating, working to smooth and plump the skin. But, apparently, the treatment can instead increase free radicals, which lead to premature aging.

Sure, maybe the celebrities are all trying out oxygen facials, but this may be one treatment to skip.

Galvanic

Galvanic facials deliver a painless low-level current to the skin, which leads to muscle contractions. There isn’t much research available yet, but the treatment is said to produce subtle and temporary toning of the skin.

Results are noticeable, but this isn’t one facial for long-term effects. Get a galvanic facial before a big party or a summer wedding where you aim is to look drop dead gorgeous. If your ex-boyfriend or new crush is attending, that’s all the more reason to invest.

Want more advice on how to achieve flawless, glowing, and hydrated skin? Here’s how to prevent stress wrinkles.