Four kinds of skin treatment, in plain terms
When a med spa lists skin treatments, it usually means some mix of the following. Names and menus differ from one provider to the next.
- Facials. A hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliating and masks. Some add steam or extraction.
- Chemical peels. An acid-based solution applied and then removed. Peels come in several strengths.
- Microneedling. A pen-like device with fine needles passed over the skin, sometimes with a serum.
- Light-based treatments. Devices such as intense pulsed light or LED panels that deliver light to the skin.
A licensed provider looks at your skin and history before suggesting any of them.
How a provider decides on strength and depth
Most skin treatments come in more than one strength. Peels range from light to deeper. Microneedling needle length can change. Light-based devices have adjustable settings. Choosing among them is part of the provider's job.
To decide, a licensed provider usually looks at your skin type and tone, what you want to ask about, how your skin has reacted to past treatments, any medicines that raise sensitivity, and how much aftercare you can realistically fit around work and life. Pregnancy and recent sun exposure can rule some options out for now.
Ask the provider to explain why they picked a given strength or setting. A clear answer is a good sign that they have thought about you specifically.
Three notes to make
If you only have a few minutes, make three notes before a skin consultation.
One: what you want to ask about. Describe it simply, where it is and how long it has been there.
Two: your health and medicines. Conditions, allergies, prescriptions, creams, supplements, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Three: your history. Past facials, peels, microneedling or light treatments, and any reactions.
Bring the notes, add your questions at the bottom, and hand them over if that is easier than saying it all aloud.
Questions about skin treatments
What is the difference between a facial and a chemical peel?
A facial is a hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliation and masks. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that range from light to deeper. Peels usually come with more specific aftercare. A provider can explain which, if either, suits your skin.
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.
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