What’s a Facial and Which Is the Right One for You?

The best facial ultimately depends on your skin type and concerns. The right pick for you will be one that can target specific skincare woes and help you reach your goals, whether that involves smoothing, brightening, hydrating, or anti-aging. If you are staring at a long list of facials and are unsure where to start, speak to a licensed aesthetician for more guidance on which facial types may suit your needs.

8 Types of Facials and Their Benefits

To help you understand your options, we are breaking down eight popular types of facials to consider for your next skin facial appointment. Keep in mind that you will usually want to leave facial treatments to the pros for the best experience and to avoid damaging your skin. However, a few at-home beauty treatments can help you replicate the benefits of a facial without an appointment. We are sharing it all below.

1. Classic facial

A classic or traditional facial is a one-shot deal that can simultaneously tackle most of your skincare needs and is an excellent option for beginners. This type of face treatment typically combines cleansing, exfoliation, and blackhead extraction with a gentle massage and a hydrating mask to help beautify your complexion. During your appointment, your facialist will likely pick products formulated for your skin type for the most customized results. The service can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour and generally requires no downtime.

At-home routine: Learning how to cleanse your skin correctly can help you maintain these results between visits. For a salon-worthy glow at home, try the following products:

• L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser: This cleanser is specially formulated to nourish the skin and boost radiance while gently exfoliating and removing all traces of impurities and makeup. It helps skin look smoother, brighter, and more refined. You can use it daily by massaging it onto wet skin and rinsing thoroughly.
• L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Tri-Peptides Age‑Defying Serum: This potent serum is packed with a high concentration of anti-aging ingredients to visibly reduce wrinkles and firm skin. It has a lightweight, silky texture that absorbs quickly. Apply it to your face and neck after cleansing but before moisturizing.
• L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream: This lightweight moisturizer attracts and retains moisture to intensely hydrate and visibly re-plump the skin. It features essential ceramides to help seal in moisture. Smooth it over your face and neck every morning and night.
• L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum: This caffeine-infused eye serum comes with a cooling, stainless steel ball applicator that allows you to give yourself a full eye contour massage. It is proven to visibly brighten dark circles and replump eye lines for younger-looking eyes. Use the roller ball to massage the serum under the eye area until absorbed.

2. Microneedling facial

Consider a microneedling facial if you are dealing with an uneven skin tone or texture due to acne scars, stretch marks, large pores, or wrinkles. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of facial involves inserting tiny needles into the top layer of skin to help visibly smooth, firm, and plump the skin over time. You can expect this face treatment to last around 45 minutes, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve your desired result.

At-home routine: Learning how to layer skincare is vital when your skin is recovering from this process. After an appointment, or to mimic the plumping effects, focus on moisture restoration and bounce.

• L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Formulated with natural collagen, this fragrance-free moisturizer provides 48-hour hydration to help restore skin's cushion and bounce. It visibly plumps skin and fills wrinkles for a firmer look and feel. Apply it to clean skin in the morning and evening.
• L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Moisture Bounce Serum: This serum works to provide intense daily hydration that helps to restore skin's natural moisture barrier. It leaves it feeling smoother and looking more radiant over time. Apply a few drops to your fingertips and press into the skin before your moisturizer.

3. LED light therapy facial

If dullness is your primary concern, LED therapy facials may be worth a closer look. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of facial utilizes different forms of LED lights to help improve the skin’s overall appearance. Often, these skincare treatments also include the use of topical products, such as exfoliants, to improve the results.

At-home routine: Skin will be more sensitive to the sun after an LED facial, so you will want to be especially vigilant about your sunscreen application. And if you want to skip the appointment, add chemical exfoliants to your weekly routine.

• L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum (pictured below): This potent serum instantly increases radiance and helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. It visibly evens skin tone for a younger-looking, refined complexion. Apply it to a clean face in the morning for best results.
• L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30: This lightweight sunscreen protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays that can contribute to premature signs of aging and dark spots. It provides a non-greasy, invisible finish suitable for all skin tones. The Skin Cancer Foundationrecommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-applying it at least every two hours.

4. IPL laser resurfacing

According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, intense pulsed light therapy is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses an intense laser beam to help improve skin tone and texture over time. It can also help decrease the appearance of fine lines, scars, and sun damage.

Depending on your starting point, you may need to undergo between three and six skincare treatments to achieve your desired results. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center often recommends this type of face treatment only for those with light complexions, as some IPL devices do not work well on darker skin tones.

At-home routine: Following a nighttime skincare routine can help support your skin during the recovery period. And if you are looking for the effect without going through the procedure, go for a treatment to stimulate the natural renewal process.

• L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol (pictured below): This serum stimulates cell renewal to fight signs of aging like deep wrinkles and loss of firmness. It refines and renews the complexion, providing a brighter and more youthful look. Apply it at night to clean skin, starting with a few times a week and gradually increasing frequency.
• L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask: This overnight treatment provides intense hydration and firms the skin while you sleep. It is formulated to visibly reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. Smooth it over your face and neck as the last step in your evening routine.

5. Microdermabrasion facial

Physical exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using scrubs or manual tools. In a pro’s chair, physical exfoliation often comes in the form of a microdermabrasion facial. This non-invasive face treatment typically consists of using a handheld device to gently sand the top layer of your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. By buffing away dead skin from the skin’s dull outer layer, microdermabrasion can help refresh the skin’s appearance, even out texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and post-acne marks.

It is worth noting that this type of facial generally requires a series of follow-up skincare treatments to maintain its results. Keep an eye on skin barrier repair and sun protection.

At-home routine: Achieve gentle resurfacing without harsh beads by using targeted chemical exfoliants. Read about how to use glycolic acid for exfoliation tips.

• L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum: This serum is a high-potency exfoliant that helps to visibly even skin tone and reduce wrinkles. It promotes a smoother and more refined skin surface. Apply 4-5 drops to clean skin at night before your moisturizer.

6. Dermaplaning facial

If peach fuzz is a concern, you might consider a dermaplaning appointment. This popular face treatment uses a handheld, scalpel-like instrument to gently skim off the top layer of skin. Removing dead skin cells and fine hairs helps reveal the newer, smoother, and more radiant skin beneath. Another upside to dermaplaning is that makeup is less likely to cling to dry patches or uneven surfaces afterward, allowing you to achieve a more seamless makeup application.

Dermaplaning is not for everyone, though. Before booking an appointment, speak to a trained healthcare professional to see if this face treatment is right for you.

At-home routine: After physical hair and cell removal, support the skin's barrier and enhance its glow.

• L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Midnight Serum: Formulated with an Antioxidant Recovery Complex, this serum supports the skin's own cell renewal process overnight. It helps you wake up to younger-looking, firmer, and more radiant skin. Apply it every night to a clean face before your moisturizer.
• L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Vitamin C Glow Moisturizer, 72H Hydration: This non-greasy moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration while visibly brightening the skin. It helps to protect against environmental damage and leaves the skin with a healthy glow. Smooth it over your face and neck daily.
• L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Serum Le Duo (pictured below): This dual-chamber serum combines a potent antioxidant complex with a nourishing oil to deeply revitalize the skin. It helps to improve skin density and luminosity for a more youthful appearance. Mix the two formulas in your palm and apply to clean skin.

7. Chemical peel facial

A chemical peel is another type of exfoliating facial that uses specific chemicals versus manual sloughing to help gently dissolve the topmost layer of skin. The goal of this facial treatment is to resurface the skin for a brighter, smoother-feeling, and more even-looking appearance. According to the Mayo Clinic, different strengths of chemical peels are available, and the chosen level will influence your results and upkeep schedule. Keep in mind that, unlike other face treatments, a more intense chemical peel can sometimes increase the likelihood of discomfort and downtime.

At-home routine: If you are not up for the downtime, choose a professional-inspired strength product for dark spot reduction. Try the following:

• L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel: This formula features a 25% blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA alongside Niacinamide. It is designed to visibly fade all types of dark spots, renew skin texture, and dramatically brighten the complexion. Apply to clean skin for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water.
• L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum (pictured below): This serum is specifically formulated to target and fade stubborn dark spots and post-acne marks. It helps to reveal a more even and luminous skin tone over time. Apply a few drops to your face in the morning and evening.

8. Hydrating facial

When cream fails to address your dryness or flaking, a hydrating facial may be in order. As its name suggests, this type of facial treatment provides your skin with intense moisture to promote a softer, smoother complexion. During this treatment, your facialist will likely cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your face, apply a hydrating mask, and give you a relaxing massage. There is normally no downtime for this skin facial; after pumping your skin with hydration, you and your glowy complexion will be ready to go. You can also follow our dry skin routine to keep your moisture levels high daily.

At-home routine: Plump and lock in moisture daily with targeted hydrating products.

• L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream: This fast-absorbing formula helps the skin attract and retain moisture. It uses hyaluronic acid and three ceramides to intensely hydrate and visibly re-plump the skin, reducing the appearance of all types of fine lines. Use it daily as your primary moisturizer.
• L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This serum targets multiple signs of aging while providing essential moisture to the skin surface. It helps to visibly firm, plump, and smooth the skin for a more rejuvenated look.

What Are the Benefits of Facials?

As demonstrated above, facials offer a range of benefits for your skin:

• Deep cleansing: Many facials aim to remove impurities, dirt, and excess oil from the complexion.
• Exfoliation: The process of sloughing off dead skin cells, like with microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, can help skin appear fresher, brighter, and more radiant.
• Hydration: Professional-strength products used in some facial treatments work to rehydrate the skin, plump fine lines, and smooth skin’s texture.
• Enhanced skin texture and tone: Many facials, especially ones with targeted lasers, help address and improve uneven skin tone and rough texture.
• Relaxation: The experience of a facial massage can be a deeply relaxing and stress-relieving ritual.

What Happens During a Professional Facial?

During a professional facial, you can expect a systematic approach to skin health. The process typically begins with a thorough skin analysis to determine your skin type and specific concerns. This is followed by deep cleansing and exfoliation to prep the surface. If needed, the aesthetician may use steam and perform extractions to clear pores. A facial massage is often included to boost circulation, followed by a targeted mask treatment. The session usually concludes with the application of specialized serums and a moisturizer to lock in the benefits.

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

How often you get a facial depends on your needs and the specific treatment. Some facial types—like microneedling, brightening, IPL, and microdermabrasion—may require multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best results. Classic or hydrating facials, on the other hand, can usually be done more frequently—up to a few times per month—depending on how your skin reacts to the services. If you are unsure how often you should head in for a face treatment, we suggest asking your aesthetician or dermatologist for their advice.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Facial?

You should get a facial whenever you start noticing concerns that your daily skincare products alone cannot tackle. It is also wise to get regular facials to ward off issues before they appear. If your complexion is lacking hydration or appearing dull, get a skin facial. If you want to try a non-invasive option for signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, get a face treatment. And if you have had an extra stressful day at work or school and need to feel refreshed, get a facial.

Truly, there is no specific time you need to get a facial. However, making these beauty treatments a regular part of your self-care routine is worth considering if you have the time and means.

Next Up: All About Gommage, the French Exfoliation Technique for Smooth, Soft Skin

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris