A facial can serve many purposes. While some seek out a facial service to simply feel relaxed and pampered, others book a facial to target a specific skincare concern and achieve results.
Depending on your goal, you will choose between a spa facial or a medical grade facial. While they sound similar, they are actually very different!
So, what are those differences? And which type of facial is right for you?
At MD Cosmetic, we are experts at resolving various skin concerns and achieving the results you are looking for. While we offer several medical grade facials, we understand that some clients may prefer a “spa” facial instead. It is important to understand the difference before booking a treatment of any kind.
This article will guide you in understanding the true difference between a spa facial and a medical grade facial based on our expertise.
What is a Spa Facial?
A spa facial is a skincare treatment performed by an aesthetician using botanical ingredients, exfoliants, and fragrant oils or lotions. The treatment aims to remove dead skin cells and impurities on the surface of the skin, known as the epidermis.
The result is a surface-level cleansing of the skin. The procedure is often accompanied by an upper body massage to promote relaxation.
However, it is worth noting that spa facials are not tailored to specific skin types or concerns, and the results may not be long-lasting. Spa facials are intended to provide a soothing and relaxing experience rather than address specific skin concerns.
What is a Medical Grade Facial?
In contrast to spa facials, medical grade facials are administered by a dermatologist or a medical aesthetician who has been trained by a dermatologist to have a more in-depth understanding of the skin.
The treatment begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s skin and specific skincare concerns, followed by a personalized treatment plan. Medical grade skincare products formulated by dermatologists are used to provide an effective facial that produces visible and long-lasting results.
Medical grade facials can address a variety of skin concerns such as aging, acne scarring, redness, melasma, or sun damage, and can even treat a combination of these concerns at once. Some common examples of medical grade facials include HydraFacial, Chemical Peels, Medical Microdermabrasion, IPL Photo Facial, Fractora, and MicroNeedling.
What Sets Medical Grade Facials Apart?
Personalized Treatment
One of the key differences between spa facials and medical grade facials is the level of customization.
Spa facials are not tailored to specific skin types or concerns, while medical grade facials are completely personalized with an assessment of the skin and a customized treatment plan. The dermatologist or medical aesthetician will not only guide the client towards the appropriate type of medical grade facial, but also customize the procedure using specific medical-grade products that are suited for the client’s skin type and concern.
Medical Grade Skincare Products
Another notable difference between spa facials and medical grade facials is the type of products used.
Spa facials typically use regular skincare products that can only clean, exfoliate, and moisturize the outer layer of the skin, and may contain perfumes and oils that can irritate the skin.
On the other hand, medical grade facials use products that are approved by dermatologists and backed by science. These products have a high concentration of active ingredients that effectively target specific skin concerns and promote real, long-lasting results.
Additionally, these products are formulated to optimize absorption, penetrating beyond the surface of the skin to treat underlying issues.
Treats Skin Beyond the Surface
Compared to spa facials, medical grade facials target skin concerns at a cellular level improving collagen and blood circulation. With medical grade products and methods, these facials deeply exfoliate the skin, remove toxins, and improve imperfections.
Long-Lasting Results
Medical grade facials go beyond just cleansing and moisturizing the surface of the skin. They utilize advanced techniques and medical grade skincare products to target the skin at a cellular level, promoting collagen stimulation, improving blood circulation, and deeply exfoliating to remove toxins and correct imperfections. These treatments aim to address underlying skin issues, resulting in more long-lasting and effective results.
Cleanliness & Safety
In addition, medical grade facials are performed in a medical setting, ensuring that the treatment is carried out in a clean and safe environment.
Clients can have peace of mind knowing that their skin condition is being treated without exposure to bacteria or germs. This is a key feature that sets medical grade facials apart from spa facials, which may not have the same level of cleanliness and safety protocols in place.
Overall, medical grade facials offer a more personalized and effective treatment with long-term results, while spa facials are primarily focused on relaxation and surface level cleansing.
Get a Medical Grade Facial at MD Cosmetic!
With an understanding of the differences between a medical grade facial and a spa facial, we hope that you choose lasting results over temporary relaxation!
Here at MD Cosmetic, we offer a range of medical grade facials that tackle different skin concerns such as rosacea, acne, aging, congestion, dehydration, and pigmentation. You can choose between the following facials …
- Chemical Peels
- Dermaplaning
- HydraFacial MD
Tessa, a medical aesthetician at the MD Cosmetic Port Moody location, loves the Alumier Glow Peel. It is the strongest peel offered at MD Cosmetic and she “loves an aggressive treatment that will give excellent results.
The Alumier Glow Peel is also popular with the MD Cosmetic Abbotsford team because this facial is offered in a package of three to promote consistency and long-lasting results!
Ultimately, the best way to determine the right facial treatment for you in by consulting with the experts. We encourage you to book a consultation for a personalized assessment and recommendation for your unique skin type and concerns.
MD Cosmetic has two locations in BC: Port Moody & Abbotsford. Book a consultation at whichever location is most convenient for you!