The Guy's Guide to Getting a Spa Facial
Getty Images; Gabe Conte
What’s in a facial, anyway? You might think it always involves cucumbers, and gossip, and a re-watch of The Notebook. Surely it’s never something a tough guy like you would consider, let alone need. But not so fast there: Don’t a lot of guys say the same thing about massages and pedicures? And then as soon as they try it, they're hooked for life.
The truth is, a facial can be many things, and you’re likely to find one that suits you exactly. A facial can intervene in the skin-aging process, as well as focus on hydration levels, relaxation, muscle relaxation, or even lymphatic drainage,” says skin expert Pietro Simone, founder of Pietro Simone Skincare and with skin treatment clinics in NYC, London, and Southampton, NY. Simone notes that the last part, the lymphatic drainage, is something more men should consider. Read on for more facial intel from Simone, so that you can keep this not-so-secret skin care treatment in rotation.
Different Types of Facials to Know
A facial is a treatment with many faces. Or rather, they can each be tailored to different skin variables and demands, and at their essence, they all offer you “treatment-level” doses of everyday skin care steps like moisturizer, serum, exfoliant, masks, and so on. Here are the most common types of facials that people get these days—but don’t assume that this list is exhaustive. Chances are, you can further tailor a facial at your own clinic of choice, or choose from their own unique roster, often with the latest technologies or skin care products in play.
1. The classic Facial: This typically includes cleansing, exfoliation, pore extractions (if needed), a massage, and a nourishing mask. It is suitable for all skin types and aims to cleanse and refresh the skin.
2. Deep Cleansing Facial: This one builds on the classic, but targets oily or acne-prone skin. It involves a thorough cleansing, steam treatment, much-needed extractions, and a detoxifying mask.
3. Hydrating Facial: Not so shockingly, a hydrating facial targets dry or dehydrated skin. It will include a hydrating mask, multiple serums, and moisturizers to leave the skin feeling soft and supple.
4. Anti-Aging Facial: These will typically incorporate ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. It may include a special mask or serum to promote collagen production.
5. Brightening Facial: With Vitamin C-packed serums, plus exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), a brightening facial counters dullness and uneven skin tone.
6. LED Facial: Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy is used to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health. Different LED colors can target specific concerns.
7. Vampire Facial: This facial involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it, and then applying the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the face to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It’s the same practice used in PRP hair-retention treatments, since your plasma carries cellular growth factors unique to you, and can give a serious second wind to the cells at the site of injection.
8. Chemical Peel: While not technically a facial, chemical peels are often offered as a treatment at facial clinics. They involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and improve various skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and wrinkles. They’re best done under the care of experts, too, so… why not do it here?
9. Microneedling Facial: These improve skin's texture, reduce the appearance of scars (including acne scars), fine lines, and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production for a more youthful and rejuvenated complexion.
10. Microcurrent Facial: These send little electrical currents into the skin and muscles to lift and tone those muscles, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve overall facial contour, and also improve overall firmness.
Who Should Get a Facial?
“There are no best candidates for a facial,” says Simone. Everyone is the perfect candidate, considering the customization available with each treatment. For example: “Men with oily or acne-prone skin should have a regular facial routine to avoid acne, scars, or simply an uneven skin tone,” he explains. But then a guy with parched skin can benefit from a drowning in serums and creams.
Simone says that many clinics (like his) can even alter the ingredients to target hormonal differences between male and female patients, as well as to address things that are patterned between the two (like how men tend to have more oily and thicker skin, or how women more commonly experience certain types of hyperpigmentation).
How to Time a Facial
How do you time a facial, in terms of ensuring you have the best results ahead of some big event Simone recommends having a facial 4-5 days ahead of time, especially if you don’t really do much skin care at home. “If a person already treats their skin at home regularly, then the facial can be done just a day or two prior to the event,” he says.
On top of that, you shouldn’t just show up to a facial appointment straight from the office, or without at least washing off last night’s skin care products—and definitely not after a weekend under the sun. So, take it easy on your skin ahead of the facial (maybe even use an electric razor in the days leading up, rather than a razor blade).
How frequently should you get facials?
Look, we’d love it if you wanted to get a facial so often that you were just counting down the days until the next one. Alas, we suspect most of you won't run into this issue, but we do hope you’ll at least build some slight cadence of these treatments, if budget and time allow. But above all, you don’t want to be getting these done weekly, or even bi-weekly. Simone’s most frequent clients will come once a month or every six weeks. “We live in a world filled with stress, pollution, chemicals, and much more,” he explains. “If you can have time to be treated once every 4-6 weeks, I personally think the results and benefits are amazing.”
But he says to be truthful about your skin conditions and lifestyle to understand the frequency of your facial needs. And ideally, you can go every 2-3 weeks for maintenance or to address evolving needs.
And don’t forget one of the non-skin care benefits that might draw you to these treatments: “Every inch of your face, neck, and upper chest gets massaged and treated. This is important support for our body, especially if you are eager to reveal tensions like teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and other tensions. A good facial will help!”
Originally Appeared on GQ
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