From light to more involved
One useful way to think about skin treatments is by how far they go. At the lighter end are facials: cleansing, exfoliation, masks and massage, done by hand. Next come chemical peels, which range from mild surface peels to stronger formulas that need more aftercare. Microneedling sits further along, since a device makes tiny controlled punctures in the skin. Light-based treatments use energy from a device and are set by the provider for each person.
This scale is rough. A strong facial can be more involved than a mild peel. The point is that skin treatments differ a lot in depth, and a licensed provider is the person to say which level, if any, makes sense for you.
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.
What to bring
You do not need much for a skin consultation. Bring:
- a photo ID
- a written list of medicines, including vitamin A creams and anything taken by mouth for acne
- the names of the skin care products you use most days
- notes on past treatments and how your skin reacted
- a short list of questions
If you have photos of a flare-up that is not showing on the day, those can help the provider see what you mean. Do not stop any prescribed medicine to prepare unless the person who prescribed it agrees.
Questions about skin treatments
What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses a handheld device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer of the skin. A numbing cream is often applied first, and some providers pair it with a topical product. Who may perform it depends on state rules. A licensed provider decides whether it is suitable for you.
What are light-based skin treatments?
They are treatments that use a device to deliver light to the skin, such as intense pulsed light or LED panels. Settings and devices differ, and some are less suitable for deeper skin tones or recently tanned skin. A licensed provider looks at your skin and history before suggesting one.
How many visits do skin treatments take?
It depends on the treatment, your skin and what you want to ask about. Some people have a single facial. Peels, microneedling and light-based treatments are often planned as a series. A licensed provider can tell you what is typical for a given treatment, without promising a set number.
Ask your questions first. A local provider can contact you by phone, text or email.
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