What skin treatments include
Skin treatments is a broad label. At most med spas it covers four kinds of service: facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and light-based skin treatments. Each one works on the skin's surface or just below it, and each comes in many versions.
A facial usually means cleansing, exfoliation, a mask and sometimes extraction. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that run from light to deeper. Microneedling uses a device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer. Light-based treatments use devices that send light energy into the skin.
Which of these, if any, suits you is a decision for a licensed provider at a consultation.
Medicines, pregnancy and recent sun
Three topics come up in almost every skin treatment consultation.
Medicines. Some medicines make skin more sensitive, including acne medicine taken by mouth, vitamin A creams and some antibiotics. Bring a list, including supplements.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some peels and products are usually avoided during pregnancy. Say so if you are pregnant, trying, or breastfeeding.
Sun. A recent tan, sunburn or self-tanner can change what a provider is willing to do that day, especially with peels and light-based devices.
A licensed provider weighs these together. None of this is a reason to stay away from a consultation. It helps the provider decide what fits.
Preparing questions about cost and visits
Price and timing questions are easier to ask when you have them written down. Cost is set by each provider, so ask for it at the consultation. Useful questions to note:
- How many visits do people usually have for this, and how far apart?
- Is the consultation itself charged?
- What does aftercare involve, and what products would I need?
- Are there times of year when this treatment is less suitable?
- What happens if I need to reschedule?
Add notes on your skin, health and medicines, and you will have most of what the provider needs.
Questions about skin treatments
Which skin treatment is right for me?
That is a question for a licensed provider at a consultation. They look at your skin type and tone, your health history, your medicines and what you want to ask about, then say what is suitable, if anything. You can send a consultation request without choosing a treatment first.
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.
Do my medicines matter?
Yes. Some medicines make skin more sensitive, including acne medicine taken by mouth, vitamin A creams and some antibiotics. Bring a full list, including supplements, to your consultation. Do not stop a prescribed medicine to prepare for a treatment unless the person who prescribed it agrees.
Curious about skin, laser, injectable or body treatments? Start with a consultation request.
Start a requestMore consultation topics
Dermal fillers
General information on fillers and wrinkle relaxers, given by licensed providers where state law allows, plus what to ask first.
Laser consultation
Tell a local provider which area you have in mind, and they can talk through laser hair removal with you.
Body treatments
Non-surgical body treatments such as body contouring. Ask a local provider what a treatment involves and whether it may suit you.