Although some cheaper products have the same ingredients they are not as refined and have larger molecules which does not allow them to be absorbed as much. I am an esthetician and completely understand trying to rationalize something that seems like a splurge into your budget. Going to the spa to have a facial does have some benefits though: One, estis and derms do have access to stronger, professional ingredients that the FDA will only allow a licensed professional use. Two, we also have access to professional machines such as galvanic currrent(Estheticians use disincrustation (anaphoresis) to facilitate deep pore cleansing. During this process, galvanic current is used to create a chemical reaction that emulsifies or liquefies sebum and debris. This treatment is very beneficial for oily or acne skin because it helps soften and relax the debris in the follicle for extractions. Iontophoresis is the process of introducing water-soluble products into the skin with an electric current. This process allows estheticians to penetrate ions of an applied solution into the deeper layers of the skin with the galvanic current. Ions are atoms or molecules that carry an electrical charge. Current flows through conductive solutions from the positive and negative polarities. This is known as ionization, the separating of a substance into ions.) and High Frequency Machine(The oscillation created by high frequency facial machines, vibrates water molecules in the skin. The High Freqency machine is useful for cleansing the skin, stimulating circulation, oxygenation of the skin and healing of open lesions after performing extracting using the sparking effect with the mushroom electrode. High frequency can also create a warming sensation, having a relaxing effect on the skin.). Now there are machines that the general public can purchase but they are much weaker than the one your derm or esti will be using(like the Zeno). Three, everybody needs to relax. IF you don't take some R & R for yourself you are going to get sick more often and not live as long. So, you can go for results, relaxation or both. Now-extractions can be preformed at EVERY facial you have, at SOME facials or you can ask them to NEVER preform them. The public can also buy extraction tools but be very careful when using these because if you use them incorrectly you can cause damage and scarring. Please ask me or your esti or derm if you have any questions regarding that.~Glamazon~

I am a strong believer in not letting anyone who is not a Dr or nurse near my face with a ten foot pole, especially as I have problem/sensitive skin. I'd say get facials done if they make you feel better, but I'd be interested to see what evidence there is to say that facials do have any measurable benefit besides making the recipient feel pampered (if their skin doesn't react!).

I bet a lot of derms would also take issue with "extractions". Extracting blackheads etc. manually doesn't solve the underlying issue and they will be back in a few days, not to mention it could potentially be damaging to your pores - there's a reason why lots of derms have a "don't squeeze!" mantra. My dermatologist told me she constantly has women coming to see her who have had beauticians etc. tell them that this product and that product are anti-ageing, but most of those products do not have high enough concentractions of the active ingredients to have an effect, and there is no scientific evidence to support them.

I know I am very biased on the subject, but the best anti-ageing products are sunscreen with UVB and UVA protection, and anything else your dermatologist might prescribe. Keep it simple.

I wrote about this somewhere else here so I'll try to condense it. I did a year of monthly facials (heavy-duty with extractions, exfoliations, peels, etc.) instead of going to the derm. I abolutely loved it, even the extractions because it was so satisfying. I went to a reputable place where everything was clean and nice and it was so relaxing. But my skin, which is acne-prone, didn't improve. Now I'm on stuff from the derm again and my skin is much better. I'd still go for facials if I had the extra money, but I'd skip the harsh stuff like extractions and chemical peels.

I have only gotten a facial once in my life at a spa. It was pretty rough for me. I have a really simple skin regimen and would prefer to do facials at home or with a friend. I use stuff from Lush and it does wonders for me, especially Ocean Salt exfoliator and Celestial moisturizer. My two FAV's.

YES. I once worked at a medi-spa, and made pal with the Esthetician. She ended up starting a private practice out of her office, so I started going to her (she had some good deals too, like every 4 facials you get a free microderm). My skin was LUMINOUS. I was in my late teens at the time and it worked wonders, so I would imagine that at any age up it would be amazing. But right now with all the amazing products I'm using, my skin is lookin' just as good as it did back then. So maybe it's a combination of both? Once you really know what works for you skin it can really start glowing, but I do recommend keeping up with facials every 6-8 weeks (or at least a splurge every 3!) because they can get in there and do things we cant! Like extractions and the quite literal zapping of zit... plus its nice to let someone else do the work.

I try to get a facial every week. I love the experience, and it gives me more time in he AM (no exfoliating or masking at home) which is always a plus! I also don't have to pay for my spa services, and wouldn't get half as many if I did. If you have access to professional products, I'd say try a do - it - yourself facial at home, see if you are happy with the results.

Hi Helloking,
Thanks for your comments. I worked in the salon/spa biz for years so I know the professionals reasons for thinking facials are a worth the time and money. You are essentially a sales person for facials (as you should be, as that is your business) and you believe in your product, which is fantastic. Being a beauty and health writer I do have access to many products that are not sold to the public so I do get the opportunity to use the best of the best on my skin. But I gotta be honest with you ~ a lot of it is no better than Olay or any of the other bigger brands, because these brands now use all the same active ingredients that the spa/high end brands use. They are in lesser concentrations a lot of the time, but that is fine too. My derm is not a fan of facials. Every person has their opinions about all this beauty stuff and I am just interested to hear about the experience other woman have had with facials. Do you get montly facials? Thanks again for taking the time to share your comments. Much appreciated!

I'm an esthetician, and I work in a spa doing facials, waxing, and nails. Facials are very beneficial, the stimulation causes cell renewal to speed up, the extractions get the impurities out before they turn into blemishes, and the steam detoxifies your skin. The esthetician at the spa has access to all kinds of serums and essential oils and other additives that are not available for home care. I recommend that you continue your facials, but it you can't afford every month, go every other month, but be sure to keep up with your home skin care regimen, You should be cleansing, toning, and moisturizing twice a day and exfoliating and masking at least once a week if not more often depending on your skin type. AND NEVER EVER use regular bar soap on your face. The PH in that stuff is outrageous! You might as well wash your face with drain cleaner!