Medical spas and day spas sound pretty similar on the surface but they’re actually completely different! Many people confuse the two, or presume they’re the same thing. It’s a common belief that when you go to a day spa, you’re getting the same treatment as you would in a medical spa. 

But – the results you get from medical facials are not the same as a regular spa facial. 

Medical facials are the third most common non-invasive cosmetic procedure in North America and there are over 1.5 million procedures done every year. 

Unlike medical facials, a day spa facial will feel good and you’ll feel great afterwards, but it doesn’t have the same long-lasting effects as a medical facial. 

There are a few differences between medical facials and spa facials and it’s important to know these differences so you can decide which option is right for you. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the differences between the two and go over the reasons why you might need to visit a medical professional to get the results you want. 

Day Spa Results Are Only Temporary

Going out to a day spa to be pampered is always a great idea (hello relaxation), but that’s usually where the benefits of a day trip to the spa end. It’s a fantastic feeling to come out of a spa facial — but this only lasts a couple of days or so. Eventually, your skin will go back to how it was before your treatment. 

Spa facials are applied by an esthetician and they make you feel pampered and relaxed. They apply botanicals, exfoliants, masques, and nice-smelling lotions to the face. These facials are often followed up by an upper-body massage. It’s a wonderful experience but unfortunately, it doesn’t give you any long-lasting results. 

Spa facials only treat the epidermis, the surface layer of your skin. This layer is very tough and protects your skin from the environment. Your skin needs more than pampering for lasting effects to occur. 

The Long-Lasting Results of Medical Facials

Medical facials, unlike day spa facials, offer long-lasting results. This is because they expose the lower layers of the skin. By exposing these layers, physical changes to the surface and appearance of the skin can occur. 

There are different types of facials offered in a clinical setting that can target various skin conditions and provide you with specific enhancements of your skin. 

If you’re tired of seeing acne on your face or are dealing with painful psoriasis or eczema then you can get a lot more benefits from a medical facial than a spa facial. 

Cleanliness and Safety

When visiting a medical facility, your treatments are handled by medical professionals – doctors, nurses and medical aestheticians – which means your skin conditions can be treated in a safe and sanitized environment. They have to follow certain standards in their medical practice, so you know that your visit to an authorized medical spa will be a good one. 

A medical facial can help treat your acne, Melasma, reduce pore size, reduce wrinkles and so much more – all in a clean and secure area. 

When undergoing your procedure there is an MD on site that will be overlooking your treatment as it’s done. The medical aestheticians and nurses doing your treatments will have to follow certain protocols to ensure optimal health and safety.

Medical Facials Treat Multiple Conditions

Day spas are one of the best solutions for stress and can provide you with the perfect relaxing getaway. Medical spas on the other hand have different equipment that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions to improve the overall vitality of your skin. 

There are quite a few different types of skin rejuvenation procedures that are available in a medical setting. These procedures include:

Chemical Peels

You’ll often see chemical peels advertised in day spas but these chemical peels are quite weak in comparison to the ones available in medical settings. A medical-grade chemical peel is used to treat acne, Melasma, reduce pore size, uneven pigmentation, and help reduce wrinkles. 

At Ageless Living, we have a variety of different strengths of chemical peels to fit that skin condition that’s troubling you – so you get exactly what you’re looking for.

Medical Microdermabrasion 

This isn’t like the over-the-counter exfoliants that you buy in a drug store. Medical microdermabrasion is a procedure that only trained and certified medical professionals can provide. 

It’s a painless procedure that helps provide relief for anybody who suffers from acne, scarring, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles or fine lines. 

IPL Photofacial

As we age the production of collagen is often slowed in our bodies which causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear. IPL Photofacial treatment helps stimulate the production of collagen by using pulses of intense light directed into the cells.

This procedure is completely painless and helps to reduce any redness, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and rosacea. 

Blu-U Photodynamic Treatment

This treatment uses a unique blue light to get rid of Propionibacterium, which is the bacteria that causes acne. Around two weeks after this treatment, you can experience clear acne-free skin.

Medical Facials

Medical facials (dermatologist facials) are not performed in day spas. The products used in medical facials can only be purchased by a medical professional, and your practitioner will combine all the right products to make sure the treatment meets all your needs. 

Fractora and Microneedling

Fractora and Microneedling, also known as the Vampire Facial, is a minimally invasive facelift that has revolutionized facials. 

It’s an advanced technique that is incredibly effective for tightening your skin and resurfacing your face. You’ll have a noticeable improvement in your skin with this treatment.

The Major Difference Between the Products

In day spas you’ll often be able to buy products after your facial that smell absolutely divine. They feel nice on the skin and give you that luxury feeling at home, but unfortunately they have no lasting benefits for your skin. 

After a medical facial, you can also purchase products, but they’ll make a noticeable difference in the health of your skin. These clinical products have been through extensive research and are scientifically proven to provide you with a positive improvement to your skin. 

It all comes down to your personal needs at the end of the day. 

If you’re looking to have a relaxing break and give your face a quick refresh then a day spa facial is the perfect place to be. 

However, if you are dealing with an irritating skin condition, or want younger looking skin then you’ll want to have a medical facial. 
If you’d like to learn more about medical facials and other skin treatments available, get in contact with us today for your free consultation.