NOT ALL FACIALS ARE CREATED EQUAL

With a vast number of aesthetic providers promising to take your skin to next level you may think that getting a facial should be an easy task. Getting pampered by an esthetician while listening to calming music is alluring but letting just anyone manipulate your skin can wreak havoc on your complexion.

YOUR ALTERNATIVES

Although there are some similarities between traditional facials and the ones performed in a physician’s office your skin will obtain the most benefit from a facial performed by a medical aesthetician in a medical setting. Medical aestheticians are less likely to be persuaded by trendy ingredients and methods that bring zero to minimal benefit to your skin and may actually cause damage.

Medi-spas typically have a consulting physician as medical directors but this does not necessarily mean that the director is on premises or that he is qualified as a skin expert. Do your homework and ask questions before entrusting your skin to inexperienced hands. Keep in mind that there are a number of treatments that should never be performed at a medi-spa. A good example is Dermaplaning which utilizes a surgical steel blade and a very steady hand in order to shave off dry layers of skin. This treatment is a great option for patients that do not tolerate micro-dermabrasion but it should not be performed in a spa setting.

Unlike medi-spas, physician offices provide medical guidance, effective tools and techniques for ultimate results. “If your goal is to obtain a treatment that is truly corrective and makes a long-term difference, then research a reputable dermatology office” explains board certified dermatologist Dr. William Schweitzer. “An effective facial removes dead skin cells so that healthier skin can be exposed and medical grade skin care products can penetrate. We have a comprehensive individualized approach to achieve that.”