Do facials make a difference?

[ApplesTheHare]

I've only ever had a few facials and haven't noticed a difference for having them, but am I just having the wrong ones? My skin is very dry and acne scarring plus melasma is getting me down. Please share your tips for treatments/products that will help me get my glow back!

Disclaimer: I already use SPF and liquid gold regularly, along with decent moisturiser and a foundation with SPF in too.

I think it depends on the facialist. If I've had a brand facial (like a Clarins off-the-peg version) it's been nice but more about experience than results, but going regularly to a more independent facialist who uses a range of products and treatments depending on what's going on with your skin both made a difference at the time and helped me to learn what my skin really likes (for me that's massage, vitamin C and a bit of microdermabrasion).

For scarring & melasma I'd look at products with niacinimide & retinol. Also azelaic acid (no idea which products contain this but I think The Ordinary have a stand alone version).

Yes, massive difference with monthly facials, peels, caci, laser etc. plus using proper high end products at home.

Ive had acne, rosacea and dry skin though so needed it, plus I’m old.

Pamper type facials, though nice, would have little affect. Rule of thumb is the ones that hurt are the ones that work. Not severe pain but things like peels, micro-needling, laser treatments, hifu, radio frequency (latter not so painful) do have some effect in stimulating of collagen production thus improving scarring and/or removing upper skin cells so that skin care can better penetrate.

Some do. It really depends. There are feel good facials more like getting a spa experience with massage and stuff, and there are some facials that address your specific concerns, those are good. It really depends where you go. would suggest reading the description and seeing if they are actually using any machines or peels etc, or it's just some mask and moisturiser.

A good facial, regularly, good sleep, lots of water and not too much crap in your diet can result in fab skin.

Sigh. Life with a newborn- no sleep or time to go for a facial.

I go for a facial every 6 weeks. I love them! I've had loads of different facials over the years and they work for me personally. I've had Clarins, Darphin, Elemis and Dermalogica facials and others that I can't remember. I love the ones that do a scratchy scrub and a really good massage. I go into a sort of trance-like state, where I'm half asleep, half awake! Not keen on facials that use lots of oil though. Especially not if they then rub the oil into my hair.

I think they'll work if you have them regularly.

What I do notice these days is that no therapist removes blackheads anymore. They used to (from my nose).

Well it depends on the treatment. If you are having sonething like an enzyme peel it will make a huge difference for example

I get a facial, especially this time of year. She deep cleanses my face three times, then uses a scrub, all with a steamer going. She then moisturises my face, neck, shoulders and tops of my arms, and gives the area a really good massage. I then get a face pack applied and she does an `indian head massage. My face is cleaned again, a final moisturiser is applied and my eyebrows are waxed. It's an hour of absolute heaven and my skin glows and feels super soft without any dryness at all.

@Ropsleybunny

That sounds wonderful. What products does she use (brand)?

I went for an Eve Lom facial once at The Dorchester.

My skin was absolutely perfect for about a month afterwards. I still dream about it.

I get facials regularly as they are relaxing and the skin does feel relaxed and glowy too. If you’re looking for more permanent results, I’d go down the medicated route.

I have only ever had 2 facials in my life and they were a complete waste of money I felt no difference in looks or feel of my skin. One was using Decleor products and the other was Dermatologica. I went because I felt that I had blackheads and wanted some proper cleansing doing but they did no better than I can do at home.

Best facials I have ever had are an Anne Semonin one at a spa on holiday and one at Bliss where she did proper extractions and other stuff. Both improved the look of my skin for a good few weeks afterwards.

Most other facials have been nice enough in a relaxing way, but nothing special in terms of results.

Hardly any beauty therapists seem to blackhead extractions these days. Don't know why.
Because it's not exactly relaxing I presume?

Ropsleybunny that sounds like heaven. Wowee.

Thanks everyone, I think maybe I need to mix up the relaxing facials and the no pain no gain kind

In my experience the relaxing ones give an immediate glow that lasts a few days (so good for before a big event); a course of the not-nice ones is required for long term results.

I hate them. I had a few as part of a spa package over the years and they always bring me out in sports.