The Boy’s Guide to Getting a Facials

Facials are one of the most accessible and therapeutic spa treatments for guys, alongside manicures and massages. They’re probably one of the most pleasurable, and they’re also one of the least painful when compared to brow threading and back waxing.

They’re also not only for women. Brandith Irwin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of SkinTour.com, thinks that men can benefit from facials just as much as women. “Facials can help with dull skin, clogged pores, non-inflammatory acne, and some aging concerns. They’re also calming, and self-care reduces stress!”

A facial might be just the grooming treatment you need whether you want to look your best for an upcoming function, need to address a specific skin concern, or just enjoy a little pampering (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t right now?). “Men want and deserve amazing skin,” Irwin adds, and we agree, so keep reading to find out what a good facial can do for you.

Why Should You Consider a Facial?

Facials are similar to dining out at a restaurant in that you could potentially duplicate the experience at home, but it wouldn’t be nearly as wonderful without the proper tools, ingredients, and knowledge. Put your face in the hands of a facialist, and they’ll cleanse, tone, exfoliate, mask, extract blackheads, securely squeeze zits, massage, and moisturize your skin until you not only look but feel your best—and you’ll love your skincare experience even more because you’re not doing the cooking.

When it comes to facials, do males have different needs than women?

Men’s skin differs from women’s in many ways—oilier, it’s hairier, matures differently, and is thicker, to name a few—but there are more similarities than differences. “This indicates that, in general, the same facials that work for women work for men,” Irwin explains. “The only exception is the beard area, where males may require particular creams or treatments to prevent ingrown or inflamed hairs as a result of shaving.”

Is It Necessary to Prepare?

No preparation is required, according to licensed esthetician Enrique Ramirez, who practices in Los Angeles and New York, and you don’t have to worry if you have a beard. “Most professional aestheticians are now comfortable with bearded males, so shaving before a facial is no longer a requirement,” he adds. Once you’ve arrived, all you have to do is put your trust in the competent hands of the facialist. Ramirez says, “Meditate, breathe, and simply let go.” “And don’t forget—fine it’s to delegate authority, which is often the source of men’s anxiety!”

I’m Having a Breakout, can I still have a Facial?

“Yes,” Irwin confirms. “In fact, we strongly advise it!” (If you have acne that is really severe, she recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist first to bring it under control.) “Because they exfoliate the dead skin cells that clog your pores, facials with microdermabrasion can help treat and prevent breakouts.”

Picking the Right Facial For You

There are three major types of facials, according to Irwin, though spas often add their own twist to make them stand out.

1. Standard: Cleaning, applying a face mask to eliminate pollutants, extractions (the process of physically removing clogged pores), and finishing with a mild massage are typical procedures. “A basic facial might be the best option if you just want to de-stress,” says Irwin.
2. Standard plus microdermabrasion or a peel: A tiny suction device (think of it as a painless vacuum cleaner) deep cleans pores and eliminates dead skin in a way that a brush or exfoliant can’t. Peels remove the top layer of skin, revealing younger-looking, brighter skin beneath. She advises, “Please only receive peeling from qualified specialists!”
3. Hydra-facials:These clean, exfoliate, and suction out the pores. Antioxidants (anti-aging), anti-acne, and anti-pigmentation infusions can be added to produce a more personalized, tailored treatment. “I always prescribe pore cleansing facials because most men don’t take care of their skin at home,” Ramirez says. “Advanced procedures like microdermabrasion or fruit acid washes will give the skin that squeaky-clean feeling.”

What Are Extractions?

Extractions are one of the most beneficial, as well as enjoyable, components of facials. During extractions, the esthetician either manually (with their fingers) or with specific instruments clears clogged pores and blackheads (think a tiny painless vacuum cleaner that cleans pores). “When done correctly, extractions increase pore drainage, help topical medications, cleansers, and other products penetrate better, and eliminate germs, all of which help prevent recurrent blemishes,” says Irwin.
Even facialists are admirers of the product: Ramirez admits, “I enjoy extractions!” “Any facial that includes a lot of extractions is acceptable for me!” Here’s Why You Shouldn’t

Use a Home Extraction Tool

Best Time to Get a Facial

Many men get their first facial to prepare for a particular occasion. Maybe you’re getting ready for a date, a wedding, a birthday celebration, or a business presentation. And why wouldn’t you want to? Facials, on the other hand, are therapies. They frequently use products and cleansing processes that your skin is unfamiliar with, which can cause skin to become sensitive, flushed, and blotchy.

They can occasionally induce mild outbreaks a few days later. “This is fairly frequent, so don’t be alarmed!” Ramirez explains. “After all, your facialist just crawled under, over, and in between your skin to get rid of the filth and particles, and this dermal movement can encourage the bacteria that your skin harbors. The germ eventually goes, but not before leaving its mark.”

This is why it’s critical to get your timing right. He advises against getting a facial on the day of a big occasion. “Instead, schedule it for a week before.” Skin will have settled and will be at its best by then.

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

The beautiful thing about facials is that you may save them for special occasions, use them as a pick-me-up, or incorporate them into your skin care routine on a monthly basis if you have the funds. “The amount of time required for maintenance varies, but every 4–12 weeks is a good idea based on your specific skin issues,” Irwin explains. “For acne-prone skin, a 4- to 6-week interval is beneficial.” How Frequently Should You Get Facials? Expert Opinions.

How to Find a Facialist

Both of our experts believe that word of mouth and personal referrals are the best ways to discover a reputable facialist. “You can start by asking your female friends for a recommendation, as women are quite spa/salon-savvy and will know all the good esthys in town, or will at least know how to find one,” Ramirez says, adding that you should also check whether your chosen spa offers men’s treatments and is experienced in men’s skincare.

“In general, the internet is the worst way to find healthcare,” Irwin adds. “Anyone can make a great website, and it’s difficult to validate credentials on it. If you’re unsure, check with your dermatologist to see if they have any suggestions.”

Facialists and estheticians may not be able to diagnose medical skin problems (“their license prohibits any diagnostics, and it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist if you have a skin disease,” says Irwin), but they are a wealth of skincare knowledge due to the amount of skin they see on a daily basis–so take advantage of their expertise. Always inquire about the skin-saving regimes and tactics they prescribe for your skin.

What Is the Cost of a Facial?

The cost of a basic, hourlong facial varies depending on the esthetician, location, and complexity of the treatment, but expect to pay roughly $80–$90. Facials at Ramirez’s Face to Face NYC spa range in price from $100 to $275 for a treatment that aims to restore and revitalize skin while also combating indications of aging. Try a 30-minute express facial if money is a concern or you just want to see if facials are suitable for you. They’re generally less priced and will give you a taste of what’s available.

The Final Takeaway

So now that you know the facts about facials, you’re probably debating whether or not to have one. Facials are a good method to buff and polish skin for a special occasion in the short term (similar to taking your favorite suit to the dry cleaners), but they’re also ideal for males who are too busy to bother with elaborate skincare routines at home.
“The best thing about facials is that they give you a youthful and healthy glow,” Ramirez exclaims. “You’ll appear to have just stepped off the cover of Men’s Health!” Of course, you’ll have to work on your abs and pecs yourself.