A facial can serve many purposes. While some seek out a facial service to simply feel relaxed and pampered, others book a facial to target a specific skincare concern and achieve results.
Depending on your goal, you will choose between a spa facial or a medical grade facial. While they sound similar, they are actually very different!
So, what are those differences? And which type of facial is right for you?
At aspireMD, we believe in a medical grade approach to skin care. With that being said, our approach may not be for everyone. It is important to have a clear understanding of your options before booking an appointment!
This article will guide you in understanding the true difference between a spa facial and a medical grade facial based on our expertise.
What is a Spa Facial?
A spa facial is a skincare treatment that is usually given by an aesthetician. It uses botanical ingredients, exfoliating agents and oils or lotions to cleanse the skin surface by removing dead skin cells and impurities from the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
This treatment aims to give the client a surface level cleaning of the skin and promoting relaxation, usually followed by an upper body massage.
The procedure is not customized to address specific skin types or concerns, and the results are not long-lasting, as the primary goal is to soothe and relax the skin rather than provide clinical treatment.
What is a Medical Grade Facial?
A medical grade facial is a skincare treatment that is administered by a dermatologist or a medical aesthetician who has been trained by a dermatologist to have a deeper understanding of the skin.
The treatment begins with a detailed analysis of the client's skin and specific skincare needs, followed by a customized treatment plan. Medical grade skincare products, formulated by dermatologists, are used to provide an effective treatment that results in visible and long-lasting changes.
These facials can treat various skincare concerns such as aging, acne scarring, redness, melasma, or sun damage, and can even target multiple concerns simultaneously. Examples of medical grade facials include HydraFacial, Chemical Peels, Medical Microdermabrasion, IPL Photo Facial, Fractora and MicroNeedling.
What Sets Medical Grade Facials Apart?
Personalized Treatment
As mentioned before, spa facials are not customized to address specific skin types or concerns, whereas medical grade facials are tailored to the individual through an assessment of the skin and a personalized treatment plan. This means that the dermatologist or medical aesthetician will not only recommend the appropriate type of medical grade facial, but will also use specific medical grade products that are tailored to the client's specific skin type and concern.
Medical Grade Skincare Products
A key distinction between spa facials and medical grade facials is the type of products used.
Spa facials use standard skincare products that primarily cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize the outer layer of the skin, and often contain fragrances and oils which can be irritant to some skin types.
Conversely, medical grade facials use products that are approved by dermatologists, scientifically backed and contain high concentrations of active ingredients to effectively target specific skin concerns and produce real results. These products are formulated to be optimally absorbed, reaching beyond just the surface of the skin.
Treats Skin Beyond the Surface
Medical grade facials use advanced techniques and medical grade skincare products to address skin concerns at a deeper level. These procedures target the skin at a cellular level, not just the surface. They not only cleanse the skin but also stimulate collagen production, improve blood circulation, deeply exfoliate, remove damaging toxins, and correct skin imperfections.
