Your Guide To Facials For Fabulous Skin

Even if you’re scrupulous about everyday skin care, a professional facial can be a welcome treat for your face. Whether your skin has been damaged by acne or the sun, or just needs a pampering pick-me-up, you’ll find a wealth of options out there. No matter where you go for a facial, the array of options is enough to make your head spin. Here’s a guide to the most popular treatments:

Chemical peel. Exfoliates the top layer of skin and helps to rejuvenate new cell turnover, stimulate collagen, remove precancerous sun damage.

Microdermabrasion. Very similar to a chemical peel in terms of benefits, but the top layer of skin is “sandblasted” rather than chemically removed.

Photofacial. Also referred to as IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, the process uses a laser to more aggressively, more deeply remove top layers of skin and treat fine lines, spider veins and skin tone. The drawback: more “down time” with redness, flaking and sun sensitivity.

Extraction. Breaks the surface of the skin where a pimple resides and plucks it out. The pore is cleansed and allowed to heal.

Mud mask. Lifts out dirt and bacteria deep down in pores.