topic Re: Facial in Beauty

Facial

CritterKeeper — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:37:38 GMT

I'm thinking about getting a facial for the first time. I want to treat myself for my 50th birthday. I have never had a facial, as I usually don't spend money like this on myself.

What are your thoughts on facials? Worth it? Relaxing?

Thanks,

Re: Facial

I am still oxox — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:44:12 GMT

It all depends on the state of your skin

Re: Facial

CritterKeeper — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:48:38 GMT

I don't have too many issues, and honestly, I'm lazy when it comes to skincare. I notice that I looked dull and tired all the time, so I thought this might 'brighten me up a bit'.

Plus, I would like a little pampering.

Re: Facial

SilleeMee — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:50:02 GMT

I couldn't stand someone touching my face. I have a hard enough time at the dentist.

Re: Facial

JeanLouiseFinch — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:52:28 GMT

@CritterKeeper - a number of years ago, I used to get facials a few times a year. The spa usually has a menu of services you can choose from for the kind of facial you want. The aesthetician also did some massage techniques on me besides putting products on the face. The hand massage she gave was probably my favorite part of the entire experience. I've moved on from getting facials because I have the ability to do my own skincare and extended treatments at home when I want to. Nowadays I go for a monthly 45 minute massage and think it's a much better way to spend the money than a facial. JMO

Re: Facial

jlkz — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:57:42 GMT

@CritterKeeper

Fir my first facial, I checked with a local dermatologist's office for an appointment with an aesthetician who does microdermabrasion. It is usually a 30- minute appointment where they use a high tech device that immediately removes dead skin which has dulled the complexion.

They may prep the skin and afterwards will apply different lotions, one of which will contain SPF to protect the cleared skin. You can apply makeup there.

It is relaxing and your skin will glow.

I never bought any stuff for sale in the office....your CVS or Walmart carries different products you may want to use to keep your skin bright and glowing. Ask the aesthetician for recommendations given your skin's condition.

Suggest you keep to simple cleansing, easy to do moisturizing for night. I use Paula's Choice wrinkle defense tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 and Gellar's Brighten and Glow powder foundation. My skin looks very good at 81.

Another suggestion: check for other posters' recommendations.

Enjoy your experience. I usually go 3 times a year for a microdermabrasion treatment.

Re: Facial

SportyShorty07 — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:03:40 GMT

@CritterKeeper Happy upcoming 50th Birthday ✨🎉🍰💃! I got a facial at the Aveda store in the mall- it was about 10 years ago. I donated $25 to their help the environment charity fund and got a free facial for donating. The facial was really relaxing and the lady steamed my face and used a couple of different products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize etc. My skin looked really glowy for the rest of the week. That was my only professional facial, but it was a nice experience and I really enjoyed it.

Re: Facial

ThinkingOutLoud — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:19:55 GMT

Be aware that your face can be red afterwards in case you're planning to go out following. Also, be prepared for the upselling with their overpriced products. The results don't seem to last very long either so I'd opt for a massage instead which can have more healing benefits than a facial does.

Happy 50th!

Re: Facial

Still Raining — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:54:57 GMT

Happy 50th 💐 Good time to have a treat.

Re: Facial

CANDLEQUEEN — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:06:20 GMT

Happy 50th!!!! I have had 3 facials in my life, and I really liked them. However the benefits of the glowing skin does not last. They also will try to sell you a bunch of products that you may not need.

To me, it is a nice treat, but I also would rather get an hour massage....

The facials do feel good though and since you have never had one, you might want to just try it for yourself and be the judge!

Re: Facial

Calibeach — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:07:11 GMT

@CritterKeeper wrote:
I'm thinking about getting a facial for the first time. I want to treat myself for my 50th birthday. I have never had a facial, as I usually don't spend money like this on myself.

What are your thoughts on facials? Worth it? Relaxing?

Thanks,

Happy Birthday @CritterKeeper I think this is a great treat for yourself and an opportunity to learn from a licensed esthetician, as well to have exposure to brands/products you might not have used. This is how I learned about facial techniques, process and the microcurrent device/process for sculpting and eventually I bought the device to do it at home

I typically have a professional facial a couple times a year, preferably quarterly. And I do weekly facial treatments at home. There are definitely benefits to seeing a professional but equally important to do upkeep at home.

Suggest that you review the facial options that your spa is offering so that you can decide what's best for your skin and your budget. If you are not sure, start with the Classic. The Hydrafacial is also one of my favorites and I've also received Sculpting Facials.

There is also alot of information online about facial treatments, just do a google search.

Yes, most facilities will try to sell you the products and suggest upsell add-ons. Just be prepared to say no unless you want to splurge or you can say you will think about it. You can also ask for samples of products that you are interested in possibly purchasing in the future.

Is it relaxing, oh yes! Make sure to drink alot of water afterwards. Usually I like to do it on an off day so that I can go home, take a bath or soak in the hot tub and relax the rest of the day/night

Here is the info for a Classic Facial

What it is: Cleansing, plus serums, masks, and treatments tailored to your skin or the results you're after
Benefits: Glowy, hydrated, clearer, brighter skin
Who it's for: All skin types, and usually there are options for pregnancy

When you think of a facial, this is likely what you're thinking of. These are typically relaxing and spa-like, but can offer a myriad of benefits (sometimes, they're even bespoke and customized to your skin's needs). Sometimes, they're called "hydrating facials" or "glow facials." Spas might have a few different options depending on your skin type as well.

Your esthetician will cleanse your skin (sometimes twice), then apply a handful of masks, serums, treatments, and moisturizers to deeply clean and hydrate skin. Sometimes, these facials will include extractions, during which your asthetician will expertly clear your pores (remove blackheads the right way).

But not all facials will include extractions. If that's what you're looking for, make sure to check what the treatment features or even call ahead to ask if the esthetician will do them. And keep in mind: Extractions can cause some irritation and inflammation, so they're not recommended before big events. Talk to your provider beforehand to figure out what's right for you. You can always opt out of extractions if you don't want them!

These facials are usually great for making your skin look glowy or getting a deep clean, especially if you include extractions. And they're fantastic for helping you build your own skincare routine based, since you can ask your practioner questions and get product recommendations.

Re: Facial

CritterKeeper — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:21:16 GMT

Thank you for this info. It is quite helpful. :-)

Re: Facial

AFWIFE — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:25:01 GMT

@CritterKeeper

Happy 50th! I hit that number last year and I have loved every second of it!

I also love facials. I go about every 3 months. I switch back and forth on which facial I get depending on what I think my skin needs...brightening, hydrating etc. I actually have one scheduled for tomorrow.

While I can't really say the results last a long time, I do love the boost it gives my skin. I find it to be very pampering and a great way to just be able to fully relax for the hour.

I hope you find what you want and that you enjoy it immensely!

Re: Facial

judy0330 — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:41:43 GMT

I have a facial every 4 weeks. I have avoided sun my whole life so my skin really doesn't have many problems but I feel like it is just SO clean after a facial. As others have said -- you definitely have to find the right esthetician. The first one you choose might not be the best one for you. I went to someone for many years and then changed. The first one basically did the same exact facial every time. The new one does something different depending on what my skin needs. Especially dependent on season. I definitely recommend trying it out!!

Re: Facial

Calibeach — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:46:31 GMT

If you are fortunate to live near a Nordstrom that has a spa facility, this is a great option. I also like to schedule spa appointments when I travel and stay at resorts or cities like Las Vegas that have incredible spas.

Re: Facial

LuvSoCal — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 04:03:40 GMT

Facials are a wonderful treat and I get them regularly. Start with one that is relatively gentle (a good pore cleansing). I hope you have a good esthetician ...mine is very experienced and does a great job. She gives the best neck, shoulder and arm massage too. She also uses a microcurrent machine that is very effective at giving my face a nice lift. Her services are not inexpensive but I feel the experience and results are well worth it.

Happy 50th and enjoy!

Re: Facial

Shanus — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:38:56 GMT

@CritterKeeper HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY!!!

A facial can be quite relaxing. I do my own about once a month to gently exfoliate, massage and do lymphatic drainage.

Enjoy a treat (belated) from me!!

Re: Facial

Dazzlespaz1993 — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:53:43 GMT

I wouldn't get a facial..I dont want someone irritating my face..I would find another way to celebrate my 50th..

Re: Facial

tototwo — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:34:56 GMT

@CritterKeeper - Happy 50th Birthday!!! And many, many more.

Sorry, I can't advise you on the facial - I've never had one. But, hey!, if YOU want one, you should try it.

Re: Facial

tototwo — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:41:29 GMT

@monicakm - Hi. I'd never have a facial myself, but this Niacidamide serum looks interesting. Do you use it every day? or occasionally? I use a Vit C serum daily and have for 20-plus years. Does this take the place of Vit C for brightening? or in addition to Vitamin C? My old complexion is kind of blotchy and sometimes I just need a boost.

Any addition information? Thanks!