What Spa Services make Sense?

By far the best procedures to consider from a facialist or aesthetician are microdermabra­sion, AHA or BHA peels, and extractions. High-concentration alpha hydroxy acid peels and beta hydroxy acid peels can be extremely beneficial and can continue to show improve­ment for a period of time even after the procedure is finished. If you have an occasional or regular need to remove stubborn blackheads and deep-rooted blemishes, facials can indeed be helpful in improving the appearance of skin.

AHA peels at concentrations of 20% to 35% with a pH of 3.5, and beta hydroxy acid peels are extremely effective at providing a temporarily smooth appearance to the skin. That is within the ability of a good facialist, and the results can be very satisfying. But be extremely cautious. This is, at best, a controversial salon treatment. Many cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists (and the FDA) consider AHA peels unsafe when done by someone without medical training. That is an extremely rational concern, especially considering the wide disparity in training and licensing around the world and in the United States.

When it comes to acne, a reliable aesthetician can definitely soften the skin and safely remove blackheads and blemishes without scarring. In cases like these, there is every reason in the world to get a facial every six weeks to every other month. But please don’t expect any of this to permanently stop breakouts. If anything, facialists can get carried away with applying creams and masks, and rubbing and wiping at the skin, which can stimulate the nerve endings, causing inflammation and increased oil production, and triggering breakouts and irritation.

Keep in mind that the skin-care products sold by facialists and spas are not any more effective or better formulated than those sold anywhere else. The ingredients used, the formulations, the packaging, and the performance of these spa or salon products are not unique in any way. Believing otherwise is just wasting your money and cheating your skin. If you don’t really know what you are buying, or what the ingredient list is really telling you, then you are being sold on claims that don’t make sense in the real world of physiol­ogy and biology.

Updated: September 27, 2015 — 1:31 pm