Four kinds of skin treatment, in plain terms
When a med spa lists skin treatments, it usually means some mix of the following. Names and menus differ from one provider to the next.
- Facials. A hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliating and masks. Some add steam or extraction.
- Chemical peels. An acid-based solution applied and then removed. Peels come in several strengths.
- Microneedling. A pen-like device with fine needles passed over the skin, sometimes with a serum.
- Light-based treatments. Devices such as intense pulsed light or LED panels that deliver light to the skin.
A licensed provider looks at your skin and history before suggesting any of them.
Questions worth asking about a skin treatment
A consultation goes both ways. The provider asks about you, and you can ask about the treatment. Useful questions include:
- What exactly is this treatment, and how deep does it go?
- Who performs it, and what is their license or training?
- Is it suitable for my skin type and tone?
- Do any of my medicines or conditions change things?
- How many visits do people usually have, and how far apart?
- What should I avoid ahead of time and afterward, such as sun or certain products?
- What side effects are possible, and what should I do if one happens?
You can find more on the questions to ask page.
Three notes to make
If you only have a few minutes, make three notes before a skin consultation.
One: what you want to ask about. Describe it simply, where it is and how long it has been there.
Two: your health and medicines. Conditions, allergies, prescriptions, creams, supplements, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Three: your history. Past facials, peels, microneedling or light treatments, and any reactions.
Bring the notes, add your questions at the bottom, and hand them over if that is easier than saying it all aloud.
Questions about skin treatments
What is the difference between a facial and a chemical peel?
A facial is a hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliation and masks. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that range from light to deeper. Peels usually come with more specific aftercare. A provider can explain which, if either, suits your skin.
Can I have a skin treatment if I am pregnant?
Some skin treatments and products are usually avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and others may still be an option. Tell the provider at the start of the consultation, and they will decide what is suitable. For questions about your pregnancy, your own doctor or midwife is the right person to ask.
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.
Tell a provider in Chandler what you would like to ask. You decide what happens after you talk.
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