From day one of entering the beauty profession in the mid 1980s, my schooling taught me that people should get a facial once a month. The reason for this is that it takes that amount of time for the skin cells to move through a full life cycle of cell growth and make their way from the dermis to the surface of the skin where they are naturally sloughed off. Ask most any esthetician today, and they will more than likely say the same thing, as this has always been the common thought.

But, is getting a facial really necessary every four weeks?  What does a facial actually do and why is one needed so often?                                     

In today’s world of high tech facial, there are a lot more modalities that can be added to a basic facial to enhance the results.

Micro current, photo facials, ultrasound, micro needling and radio frequency are just a few examples.

While it’s true that the full life cycle of cell growth is about 30 days (give or take), this thought process was established way back in the day when schools only taught the basic European Facial. Today, exfoliation products are used almost daily, facial scrubs, retinol and serums with ingredients like lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids.

So if the sole purpose of a facial is for catching the cells at the end of their life cycle like what has always been told, you do not have to get a once-a-month facial. With that being said anyone who is looking for skin rejuvenation and corrective treatment must receive treatments monthly to get results.

You really NEED a facial once a month (if not more), if your skin has…

1. Little clogged bumps or whiteheads (known as closed comedones) that are under the skin, are not painful and don’t go away no matter what you do at home. (No laser or exfoliating peel can take the place of professional extractions to remove the blockage in the pores. Once the pores are cleaned out, exfoliating products with salicylic acid will help to keep them clean so eventually less extractions are needed.
2. Acne that needs to be dried up and post-breakout marks that need to be faded.
3. Brown spots and discoloration that you’re looking to lighten.
4. Wrinkles and laxity that need to be minimized.
5. Sun damage that needs to be corrected.

I consider facials a true necessity and often times will recommend clients to come in  bi -weekly for additional treatments above and beyond a  basic facial.