In today’s time, a lot of us have incorporated facials into our usual beauty rituals, booking monthly appointments without a second thought. Some consider facials an occasional treat before weddings, birthdays or other special events. So, do we really need monthly facials or is it just another beauty trend? Well, it depends upon your skin type, concerns and long-term skincare goals. Facials can enhance the look of your skin and contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin, but they are not a replacement for a solid daily skincare regimen. Rather, they are best used in conjunction with regular care at home.
Read this guide to learn more about monthly facials.
What Does a Facial Do?
A professional facial is more than what you can do at home. Your everyday routine eliminates surface dirt and oil, but a facial gives you a deeper cleanse, gentle peeling, hydration and customized treatments according to your skin’s needs. Depending on the type of facial you get, your facial can also involve extractions, relaxing masks, facial treatments, antioxidant serums or sophisticated methods such as HydraFacial or oxygen facial.
One of the greatest benefits of regular facials is that prior to the treatment begins, your skin is evaluated by a skincare qualified professional. Rather than using the same items every month, you can customize your facial for seasonal shifts, breakouts, dehydration or heightened sensitivity. This personalized approach can often yield more favorable outcomes than being tied to a one-size-fits-all skincare regime at home.
Will You Benefit from Monthly Facials?
Not everybody requires facials every month. Those with oily or acne-prone skin types of deal with excess oil, pore congestion, and blackheads that accumulate over time. Monthly deep cleaning facials can help minimize congestion while maintaining clearer skin with a dermatologist-approved skincare routine.
Similarly, dry or dehydrated skin types can also benefit from professional-grade hydrating facials, which help to replenish moisture and improve the skin barrier. For those who worry about dullness, uneven texture or early indications of ageing, regular exfoliation and hydration can help preserve a brighter, softer complexion.
How to Decide if You Should Get Monthly Facials?
While monthly facials can do wonders for some people, they may not always be suitable.
- If you have sensitive skin, skin that is prone to irritation or are under medical treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, rosacea or severe acne, you might not always be suitable for regular facials. In these cases, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist before establishing a regular treatment schedule.
- Your lifestyle matters as well. If you already have a good skincare routine, use sunscreen every day and don't have any particular skin problems, you might find that a facial treatment every two or three months is sufficient to keep your skin in good shape.
- If your skin is often exposed to contamination, make-up, stress or long hours in air-conditioned settings, regular facials can help replenish hydration and enhance the overall appearance of your skin.
Tips to Maintain Facial Results
While facials can make your skin look brighter and fresher, keeping up those results depends mostly on what you do once you return home. The initial 24 to 48 hours after your procedure are particularly important as your skin may be more reactive than usual. Don’t use strong exfoliants, harsh active ingredients or try any new skin care products that could aggravate your skin at this time. Instead, you could adopt a gentle regime of cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen application each morning. Every day, sun protection is especially crucial because exposure to UV may diminish the benefits of dermatological treatments and increase pigmentation. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep also help support healthy skin from the inside.
How Frequently Should You Get Facials?
The recommended frequency of facials will be based on your age, skin type and your skin’s condition. For example, if your skin feels too oily due to acne or other conditions, scheduling a facial every month would be a good way to help control the build-up of oil and eliminate acne. There may also be seasonal factors that you should consider regarding your professional facials, such as your skin needs additional moisture during the winter months or extra cleansing during very hot, humid summer months. Instead of making appointments based on habit, you should assess how your skin feels, and keep in touch with your dermatologist.