Why a Spa Facial is Worth the Splurge

Shannon R.,SELF magazine

Happy Spa Week ladies! This is a beauty junkie's best week of the year, when spas all across the country offer discount treatments. It's a great time to try something new, and a perfect excuse to pamper yourself! So what should you sign up for first? I'd suggest a facial. They're pampering. They're luxurious. And they have some real skin benefits that you can't always achieve at home.

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In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, facial rejuvenation can effectively reduce wrinkles, treat sun spots, tighten loose skin, improve skin tone and color, remove blotchiness and eliminate damaged blood vessels. They discuss eight types of facial treatments that can help whip your complexion back into shape. They include:

  • Topical Treatments - like antioxidants and enzymes

  • Injectable wrinkle fillers - like Botox

  • Chemical Peels

  • Microdermabrasion

  • Laser resurfacing

  • Photodymanic Therapy

  • Surgical Excision (aka plastic surgery)

  • Lipsuction

Of course, some of these treatments must be performed by a doctor (like plastic surgery and liposuction) but many can be done at day or medical spas by a trained aesthetician. Also, depending on the condition of your skin, some of these treatments may need to be repeated for best results. You'll need to discuss your specific skin concerns with your aesthetician to figure out the best regimen for you.

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So why wouldn't you just recreate these same treatments at home? You can apply an antioxidant serum in your bathroom and exfoliate your skin in the shower (you can even buy your own microdermabrasion machine or chemical peel kit), but you still won't achieve the results of a pro. Aestheticians use formulas that have stronger active ingredients and machines that are more aggressive than what you use. Also, aestheticians are trained to administer these treatments in a safe and effective way. They make sure to minimize skin irritation and sensitivity. And, besides, it's always more pampering to have someone do your skin care for you!

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Bottom Line

Many facials offer more than just a heavy-duty cleansing, they can use the power of special tools and higher levels of active ingredients to really help make skin look younger and rejuvenated. With the great deals offered during spa week, give a spa facial a shot!




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