The Ultimate Guide to Facials
Types, Benefits and Choosing the Right one for your Skin
Facials have become a staple in skincare routines, with treatments catering to everything from relaxation and hydration to acne treatment and anti-aging. But with so many options available, you may be wondering, What’s the best facial for my skin? This guide breaks down popular facial types, what they offer, and how to pick the perfect one for your skin type and goals.
Why get a facial?
Facials provide a way to not only relax but also achieve healthier, clearer skin. They can help with hydration, reduce signs of ageing, treat acne, and much more. Regular facials also remove impurities, improve blood circulation, and leave your skin with a natural glow.
Is getting a facial really worth it?
If you asked any person who regularly gets a facial they would scream yes! But I also believe it depends on what your initial purpose for a facial is – this will help you determine if a facial is worth it. So let’s take a look at some of the facials out there and discuss their purpose. There are a lot of different types with different names, as skin treatment clinics or beauty salons will name their facials different to each other but often with a similar approach or end result. Here are some of the most popular types of facials in Australia:
Types & Varieties of Facials
- Classic Facial – Ideal for hydration and general skin care, this is great for maintaining healthy skin.
- Microdermabrasion – Uses tiny crystals to exfoliate dead skin cells, perfect for reducing wrinkles, age spots, and light scarring.
- LED Light Therapy Facial – Employs different light spectrums to treat various skin concerns like acne or redness.
- Hydrafacial – A hydrating, deep-cleaning facial suitable for all skin types, and especially popular for reducing fine lines and boosting hydration.
- Anti-Aging Facial – Typically includes collagen-based products to target wrinkles and skin laxity.
- Acne Facial – Focuses on deep cleaning, reducing oil, and preventing breakouts with salicylic acid or similar ingredients.
- Hydrating Facials – Designed to deeply moisturise and rejuvenate dry or dehydrated skin.
- Oxygen Facials – This facial uses pressurised oxygen to deliver skin-revitalising ingredients, improving hydration and radiance for most skin types.
- LED Light Therapy Facials – Targeting specific skin concerns with different wavelengths, like blue light for acne or red light for anti-ageing.
- Enzyme Facials – Utilise fruit enzymes to exfoliate dead skin cells, great for people with sensitive skin who need a gentler exfoliation process.
- PRP or Vampire Facials – Involves using a client’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen production and skin rejuvenation.
- Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning – Both involve exfoliating the skin’s outermost layer, promoting a smoother, brighter complexion. Dermaplaning also removes fine facial hair.
- Thermage and Radiofrequency Facials – Use radio frequency to boost collagen production, ideal for sagging skin or those looking for skin-tightening options without surgery.
- Deep Cleansing Facials – Go beyond traditional cleansing to extract impurities from pores, especially useful for acne-prone or oily skin types
Questions to ask your Skin Expert before a facial
It’s essential to select a facial that complements your skin type to avoid irritation and achieve the results you are after. By speaking to your preferred salon or skin clinic ask them to clarify what would best suit you. Most clinics happily offer a free assessment appointment before carrying out a facial to ensure that they are aligning with your skin goals and any sensitivities you may have. Here are some questions you can ask when enquiring about a facial or at your initial skin assessment:
Understanding what each facial targets—such as hydration, acne control, anti-aging, or brightening—can help determine if it aligns with individual skincare goals.
Some facials involve strong ingredients like acids or retinoids, which may not suit everyone. Asking about the products can help identify any potential irritants, especially for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.