Got a skin ailment? This handy guide reveals which type of facial will fix it
Our skincare regimes are as bespoke as our morning coffee orders with each individual step selected to target specific skin concerns, and every product containing tailored ingredients to best suit our skin types, from oily to dry, and ageing to stressed.
The same precision that we apply to curating a skincare routine at home is applied by facial therapists in a salon, too. It’s for this reason that, if you want results, you do your research and go in with an informed choice. Failing to do so and opting for the most-hyped about, most luxurious-looking or most expensive (and presumably the best facials, surely?) types of facial could actually aggravate existing skin conditions.
First things first, identify the issue you want to tackle. Is it acne causing you agg? You’ll want to avoid facials that allude to thick moisturisers and massages, instead punting for those that promise to purify and clear. If it’s fine lines you’re looking to nix, glycolic and enzyme facial peels can help rid dead skin cells and reduce wrinkles.
You're about to find out.
Ingredients are important – most veritable therapists will list them under each treatment, but be sure to ask if not. Likewise, the tools that therapists will use have various different benefits: hydra jets will increase blood flow to the face, extraction machines are miracle-workers for blackheads and cleansing the skin, and LED light masks will improve blood circulation and give you that glow.
Last but not least, it’s key to find the right professional for you. Look for someone with the qualifications needed to carry out the treatment you go for – again, don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure.
This is the kind of knowledge that will set a slightly-disappointing-but-kind-of-relaxing facial apart from one that will grant you crystal skin for life.
So, here are the best types of facial to choose from for every skin kind...
Getty ImagesThe HydraFacial
The Hydrafacial is a treatment that uses a hand-held hydradermabrasion device that acts like a vacuum, sucking up all the dirt, grime and excess oil from deep within your pores as well as whipping away any dead skin cells from the surface. The grime then shoots up a tube, and collects in a little container ready for inspection. As it sucks, it simultaneously spits out skincare actives, pushing them deep into the skin.
The overall aim of the facial is to hydrate - hence the name - but some options for the targeted treatment add ons include popular skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which is perfect for hydration, and salicylic acid for oil control and spot treatment.
Getty ImagesLED light therapy facial
LED light therapy facials involve exposing skin to light that is both in the visible spectrum - including red, blue and yellow - and invisible in the spectrum to penetrate deep beneath the skin's surface. As the light wavelength increases, so does the depth of penetration. The light is absorbed by your skin, and each different colour stimulates a different response - which means every colour boasts different skincare benefits. Here are the colours available and how they work for each issue.
Blue light: this is the bacteria-fighting LED light. It triggers photochemical oxidation in order to kill bacteria living on the skin. This makes blue light an excellent choice for those with acne, eczema or rosacea.
Red light: stimulates our fibroblasts for cell renewal and ATP regeneration.
Near-Infrared: has no colour but it can be used to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. It also speeds up wound healing and reduces pigmentation.
Amber: Amber LED light is the least common in at-home devices, but works to revitalise the skin, reduce swelling and boost your skin's radiance.
Getty ImagesThe clinical facial
Professional pore extractions, chemical peels, light therapy and cosmeceutical products; the cosmeceutical facial is a favourite among beauty editors for its ability to deliver complexing-clearing, problem-solving results.
Although it's not the most relaxing of experiences (there'll most likely be a distinct lack of dolphin music and candles), your clinical facialist will tailor the treatment to target your skincare concerns and deliver tried-and-tested methods to improve your complexion and alleviate any troublesome conditions like acne, rosacea and pigmentation.
Getty ImagesThe aromatherapy facial
The more traditional facial offering, this is undoubtedly the more relaxing option. Aromatherapy oils are selected prior to treatment to best suit your mood as well as your skin's needs.
Calling upon ancient traditions and trusted natural remedies, essential oils can provide a whole host of benefits. Tea tree oil is renowned for its clarifying powers, able to reduce sebum production and dry out existing spots, while peppermint or lavender oils help to relax a stressed out complexion and mind.
As well as applying the oils directly, they can also been mixed into scrubs and enzyme peels to deliver a comprehensive facial ritual as well as burned to create a heavenly aroma in your treatment room.
Getty ImagesThe IPL facial
Taking technology to new levels, an IPL laser facial will delve deeper into your skin issues and is great for treating skincare concerns like acne scarring, uneven skin tone and wrinkles.
IPL or intense pulsed light provides a non-abrasive way to regenerate the skin. The light pulses are able to pass through the top layer of the skin, delving deeper into the dermis where the energy stimulates collagen production. The results? Smoother skin, smaller pores and a more even complexion.
You may need a number of treatments to get the best results and they can be more expensive than other facials, so IPL facials are ideally suited to more stubborn skin conditions that haven't resolved with skincare alone.
Getty ImagesThe facial massage
We all know the benefits a good massage can have on our skin. Not only does it helps to boost circulation for a brighter, glowing complexion but it also stimulates lymphatic drainage to eliminate water retention or fluid build up around tension points (in other words, it can give you killer cheekbones).
In fact, facial massage is so effective and immediately beneficial that many makeup artists backstage at fashion week won't touch a model's face before administering a lengthy massage. It's little wonder, therefore, why so many celebrity facialists are renowned for their massaging abilities. Celebrity facialist Nichola Joss is famed for her inner-cheek massage (she massages the inside of your cheek to relieve muscle tension) and facialist Anastasia Achilleos has been nicknamed 'magic hands' for her transformative facial massages. While there are many devices available allowing you to perform the wondrous facial treatment at home, it's always best to get a professional treatment once in a while to target those specific areas of tension.
