Different Types of Facials & How to Actually Choose One

Let’s Get Real for a Second

If you’ve ever sat in a salon chair, staring at a menu that reads like a science textbook — Hydra, micro, RF, oxygen, vampire — and thought, “I just wanted to look less dead, why does this sound like surgery?” … you’re not alone. I’ve been there, sweating under that steaming machine, wondering if I’d just paid for expensive face wash.

So let’s break it down. No jargon. Just the truth about facialstoday — the ones worth your time, and the ones that are basically a nap with cucumber water.

Classic Facial: The OG

• What it is: Cleanse, steam, scrub, mask, moisturiser.
• Who it’s for: Anyone who just wants to feel clean and pampered.
• My take: It’s relaxing, you glow for a couple of days, then it’s back to reality. Great if you need a quick pick-me-up, but don’t expect it to erase sunspots you’ve been collecting since college.

Hydrafacial: The Instagram Darling

• What it is: A fancy machine sucks out gunk, exfoliates, and pushes hydrating serums in.
• Who it’s for: Oily, dull, clogged-pore people who want instant radiance.
• My take: Honestly, it works. You’ll walk out looking dewy and alive. But it’s like therapy — one session won’t fix your entire life. You need repeats if you want lasting results.

Chemical Peel: The Brave Choice

• What it is: Acids that peel away dead skin layers (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, TCA if you’re hardcore).
• Who it’s for: Pigmentation, uneven tone, acne scars.
• My take: Light peels are fine, like shedding old skin gently. Medium peels? Your face will flake like pastry for a week. Don’t do this two days before your wedding. Seriously.

Microneedling (and its cousin RF Microneedling)

• What it is: Tiny needles poke your face to force collagen production. RF adds heat for tightening.
• Who it’s for: Scars, big pores, early wrinkles.
• My take: Not relaxing. You’ll look like a tomato for a day or two, but long-term? Chef’s kiss for texture. Just don’t go to someone who bought their machine off Instagram.

LED Light Facial: Chill, but Sneaky Effective

• What it is: Blue light kills acne bacteria, red light calms and heals.
• Who it’s for: Sensitive, acne-prone, inflamed skin.
• My take: Zero pain, zero downtime. It’s subtle, though — think “maintenance,” not “miracle.” I like it after harsher treatments when my skin feels fragile.

Laser / Resurfacing: The Big Guns

• What it is: Energy beams zap away damage, boost collagen, fade spots.
• Who it’s for: Deep scars, stubborn pigmentation, anti-ageing warriors.
• My take: Amazing results if you’ve got the budget and patience. But this is not your casual Saturday spa run. It’s medical, needs a pro, and you’ll be glued to SPF for life.

Sculpting & Massage Facials: The Feel-Good Ones

• What it is: Lymphatic drainage, microcurrents, gua sha — basically face yoga with perks.
• Who it’s for: Puffy faces, tired eyes, brides who want snatched jawlines in photos.
• My take: You’ll look less bloated and more “alive,” but results fade fast. Still, nothing beats that post-massage zen.

So… Which One Should You Book?

• Big event tomorrow? Hydrafacial or sculpting massage.
• Battling pigmentation or scars? Light peel or microneedling (but give yourself recovery time).
• Constant breakouts? LED or acne-focused facials.
• Just want to feel human again? Classic facial, no shame.
• Want the big guns? Lasers — but only with a derm, not your neighbourhood salon auntie.

Things Nobody Warns You About

• Aftercare is 80% of the results. Sunscreen, gentle moisturiser, hands off your face.
• “Natural” doesn’t mean gentle. I once had a “herbal facial” that left me red for days.
• Don’t chase glow packages that bundle five aggressive treatments together. Your skin has limits.
• Price ≠ results. A mid-range clinic with a trained aesthetician beats a five-star spa upselling fluff.

Final Word (From My Over-Exfoliated Soul)

There’s no universal “best facial.” The best one is the one that fits your skin’s current mood and your life’s current chaos. Start with your skin type, pick based on your problem, and always ask yourself: “Do I have time to hide indoors if this goes wrong?”

Facials aren’t magic. They’re tools. Pick the right one, and you’ll look like yourself — just less stressed and a little more lit from within.