Many people equate a facial with a relaxing, pampering or refreshing experience.

But not all facials are created equal.

For example, a day spa facial is drastically different from a medical-grade facial, and it’s important to know the difference before you schedule an appointment.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between spa facials and medical facials—and explain why medical facials are so effective.

Spa Facial

Spa facials are typically performed at a spa or salon, and they’re designed to give you the relaxation of a spa while also providing some general skin maintenance and temporary benefits.

What is a Spa Facial?

Spa facials are typically more of a relaxing experience than medical facials because they often include a massage, steam therapy and botanical oils.

Purpose of Spa Facial

A spa facial is not meant to treat any specific conditions but rather to improve overall skin health and appearance. Customization is minimal, so the treatments are basically the same for every client regardless of their skin type or conditions.

Spa Facial Results

While spa facials are relaxing, the results (if any) are temporary at best. You will leave feeling refreshed, but a week later you are right back to where you started.

“No pain, no gain,” applies here.

This is because spa facials are less focused on results and more focused around pampering – spa facials are not meant to treat any specific skin condition or concern. The main goal is to leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated in a short period of time.

Medical Facial 

What is a medical facial?

Medical-grade facials are a much more intense experience than a spa facial.

A medical facial is performed by a dermatologist or a licensed esthetician. These professionals are trained in advanced skin care and will conduct a thorough analysis of your skin to develop an effective, targeted treatment plan based on your needs and concerns.

Purpose of Medical Facial

Medical facials take a clinical approach to treat specific skin conditions, such as acne, fine lines & wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The focus here is on results, not relaxation.

This means stronger concentrations of chemicals, prescription-strength ingredients, lasers, and various machines or devices are used to get the results you want.

Medical facials can treat a broad range of skin conditions and concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Age spots
• Sagging skin
• Acne, scarring, and related concerns
• Sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation
• Enlarged pores
• Dull skin

Some of the most popular medical facial treatments include chemical peels, laser facials and microneedling.

Medical Facial Results

Medical facials give you visible, long-term results because they are designed to penetrate deeper than the surface layer of the skin.

Many of the treatments involve restoring the skin from the inside out, deep cleaning the pores, removing damaged layers, and even stimulating collagen production and cell turnover.

While there may be minimal downtime required with certain medical-grade facials, the results will be dramatic.

For example, if you opt for a medium-depth chemical peel, like the VI Peel, you will experience a few days of redness followed by a few days of heavy peeling.

The end results?

Smoother, brighter, new, baby soft skin. Trust me, the minimal downtime is worth the jaw-dropping results you’ll see.

The Takeaway

So, which type of facial should you get? Both have their benefits!

It really boils down to your personal skin goals and needs.

If you want a more luxurious experience, and you’re less concerned about results, then a spa facial might be for you!

But, if you’re looking to get the most out of your facial experience and you’re focused on visible, long-lasting results, a medical facial is the way to go.

Considering a medical facial but not sure which is best for your skin? We’re here for you!

Book your complimentary consultation with Flash Lab online or call us to get started!