What skin treatments include
Skin treatments is a broad label. At most med spas it covers four kinds of service: facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and light-based skin treatments. Each one works on the skin's surface or just below it, and each comes in many versions.
A facial usually means cleansing, exfoliation, a mask and sometimes extraction. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that run from light to deeper. Microneedling uses a device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer. Light-based treatments use devices that send light energy into the skin.
Which of these, if any, suits you is a decision for a licensed provider at a consultation.
Medicines, pregnancy and recent sun
Three topics come up in almost every skin treatment consultation.
Medicines. Some medicines make skin more sensitive, including acne medicine taken by mouth, vitamin A creams and some antibiotics. Bring a list, including supplements.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some peels and products are usually avoided during pregnancy. Say so if you are pregnant, trying, or breastfeeding.
Sun. A recent tan, sunburn or self-tanner can change what a provider is willing to do that day, especially with peels and light-based devices.
A licensed provider weighs these together. None of this is a reason to stay away from a consultation. It helps the provider decide what fits.
On the day
A few small steps make the day of a skin consultation easier. Ask beforehand whether to arrive with a clean face, and allow time to remove makeup if needed. Bring your list of medicines and products, your notes on past treatments, and your questions. Wear something comfortable with an open neckline if the neck or chest is part of what you want to ask about.
During the visit, take notes or ask if you can. If the provider suggests a treatment, ask what it involves, what aftercare looks like and what side effects to watch for. You do not have to decide on the spot.
Questions about skin treatments
Which skin treatment is right for me?
That is a question for a licensed provider at a consultation. They look at your skin type and tone, your health history, your medicines and what you want to ask about, then say what is suitable, if anything. You can send a consultation request without choosing a treatment first.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses a handheld device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer of the skin. A numbing cream is often applied first, and some providers pair it with a topical product. Who may perform it depends on state rules. A licensed provider decides whether it is suitable for you.
How many visits do skin treatments take?
It depends on the treatment, your skin and what you want to ask about. Some people have a single facial. Peels, microneedling and light-based treatments are often planned as a series. A licensed provider can tell you what is typical for a given treatment, without promising a set number.
Curious about skin, laser, injectable or body treatments? Start with a consultation request.
Start a requestMore consultation topics
Injectables consults
A licensed provider can talk through wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers with you and decide what is suitable.
Laser hair removal consults
General notes on how laser hair removal works and the questions worth asking a provider first.
Body treatment consults
A provider can explain how a non-surgical body treatment works. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.