Ask Grace: How Do I Tell What Facial Is Best For Me?

Hi Grace, 

I want to treat myself to a facial but I’m finding it very hard to figure out which is the best facial for me. I’ve looked into peels, microdermabrasion, LED, and microneedling and I’m feeling very overwhelmed! My skin is a bit on the dry side and always looks very dull in the winter, so I’d love a treatment that helps to both moisturise and brighten it up a bit. It would be great to know if you have any advice for choosing a facial treatment. 

Mia 

A facial is a great way to give your skin a much-needed boost, whether that’s a dose of deep hydration, a brightening treatment, or a deep cleanse. But you’re right, it’s not always easy to figure out which is the best treatment when there are so many different ones on offer. Below I’ve covered the most popular types of facials and what kinds of skin concerns and skin types they will suit. Hope this helps! 

Facial peels utilise acid or enzyme treatments to remove dead skin buildup without aggressively scrubbing skin. They work quickly and result in instantly smoother, brighter skin. 

Best for: dull skin, pigmentation 

Microdermabrasion is performed with a device which combines finely ground crystals and vacuum suction to simultaneously buff away dead skin cells while suctioning them away. It essentially removes the top layer of your skin, where many issues related to skin tone and texture are most evident, so it can help to smooth and brighten skin, and target hyperpigmentation. Microdermabrasion isn’t painful, but it may feel a bit uncomfortable, and your skin could feel warm and tight afterwards. 

Best for: dull skin, uneven kin tone, textured skin 

Microneedling is a treatment which uses multiple tiny needles to puncture the skin. This process triggers the body’s wound-healing process and stimulates the production of new cells, collagen, and elastin. This makes it an effective treatment for repairing damaged skin, and it also gives skin a plumped-up effect. Microneedling can be a little uncomfortable but should not be very painful. 

Best for: pigmentation, scarring, dull skin, mature skin  

Most facials will involve some kind of facial massage, but lymphatic drainage facials will focus on massaging your face using techniques to help drain away excess fluid. This helps to reduce puffiness and ‘sculpt’ the face for a lifted, contoured effect. 

Best for: mature skin, puffiness 

A microcurrent facial features a device which uses low-voltage electricity to stimulate the facial muscles. Like a workout for your face, this can ‘train’ your muscles to appear tighter and firmer, resulting in a more lifted, contoured effect. The current also helps to stimulate elastin and collagen production and improves blood circulation. Microcurrent facials are totally painless. 

Best for: mature skin, loose skin 

Dermaplaning is a form of exfoliation which involves gently scraping dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. The process also removes ‘peach fuzz’ hair on the face, and (since it removes old skin cells and allows fresh new ones to come through) results in skin that appears smoother and looks brighter. 

Best for: dull skin, dry skin, textured skin 

A classic facial will vary depending on where you get it done, but ultimately it will involve cleansing, exfoliation, a deep cleanse (usually a mask), and moisturising (often with massage incorporated). Classic facials can also include elements like facial steaming, extractions, peels, and LED, depending on your skin type and skin concerns. 

Best for: oily skin, congested skin, combination skin 

While a hydrating facial will usually follow the same steps as a classic facial, each of these will focus primarily on hydration. So hydrating, nourishing products will be used to layer moisture, and anything potentially drying (such as a clay-based mask) will be replaced with a hydrating alternative. 

Best for: dry skin, dull skin 

If you have a question for our beauty editor and resident esthetician Grace Day, tweet us at @beautybay using the hashtag #AskGrace for a chance to be featured.