Facials are more than just a pampering experience. They are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
A basic facial is a foundational skin care treatment that focuses on cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating the skin. It’s a great way to jumpstart or maintain a regular skin care routine and can be customized to suit your individual skin needs.
What Is a Basic Facial?
A basic facial is a multi-step skin care treatment performed by a licensed esthetician or skin care professional. It typically includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions (if needed), a mask, and moisturizing. Some facials may also include massage to increase circulation and relaxation and help rejuvenate the skin.
This treatment is ideal for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, and is often the first step in addressing skin issues like dryness, dullness, clogged pores, wrinkle formation, or uneven texture. Whether you’re new to facials or want a regular maintenance routine, a basic facial is a great place to start.
What Happens in a Facial Treatment?
While every spa or esthetician may vary slightly in technique, a typical basic facial includes the following steps:
- Consultation: The esthetician asks about your skin concerns, allergies, and goals.
- Cleansing: Your face is cleansed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
- Exfoliation: A scrub or enzyme treatment removes dead skin cells.
- Steam: Opens pores to help with extractions.
- Extractions (optional): Removes blackheads or whiteheads if needed.
- Mask: Chosen based on your skin type and concerns.
- Massage: Promotes relaxation and improves circulation.
- Moisturizer and SPF: Locks in hydration and protects your skin.
These basic facial steps help your skin feel smoother, cleaner, and more refreshed.
What Are the Benefits of a Facial?
There are many reasons to treat yourself to a facial. Some of the top basic facial benefits include:
- Deeply cleanses your pores
- Removes dead skin cells
- Improves blood circulation
- Promotes collagen production
- Reduces stress and tension
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Helps manage acne and breakouts
- Enhances absorption of skincare products
If you’re dealing with dull or tired-looking skin, a basic facial spa experience can make a visible difference.
How Often Should You Get a Facial?
For most people, getting a basic facial every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal. This allows your skin to complete its natural renewal cycle and maintain a healthy glow. However, if you have specific skin issues or goals, your esthetician may suggest a different schedule.
Recommended Facials Offered at Catara Med Spa
At Catara Med Spa, we understand that every face is different—your skin type, concerns, and goals all matter. That’s why our facials are customized by experienced medical aestheticians who take the time to assess what your skin truly needs.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your glow, manage acne, or reverse signs of aging, here are our most trusted facial treatments—with expert tips to help you get the best results:
HydraFacial
Best For: Dehydrated, congested, dull, or mature skin
This multi-step, medical-grade facial combines deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, painless extractions, and an infusion of antioxidant-rich serums. It uses vortex technology to detox and hydrate the skin without irritation.
Schedule a HydraFacial every 4–6 weeks if you struggle with blackheads or visible pores. Avoid harsh exfoliants for 48 hours post-treatment and be consistent—results build over time. It’s also an excellent prep before events when you want instantly glowing skin.
Custom and Organic Facials
Best For: Sensitive skin, first-timers, those wanting a gentle but effective refresh
These facials are tailored in real time, using organic, plant-based products to soothe, nourish, and balance the skin. Ideal for anyone needing a break from harsh ingredients or reacting to environmental stress.
Let your aesthetician know about any allergies or lifestyle stressors (like travel or hormone changes). These facials are designed to support the skin’s barrier—making them perfect after sun exposure, medication use, or minor skin flare-ups.
Dermaplaning
Best For: Dull skin, fine lines, peach fuzz, uneven makeup application
A sterile blade gently exfoliates the skin’s surface and removes vellus hair. It helps skincare penetrate more effectively and makes your skin look polished and smooth.
Pair dermaplaning with a hydrating mask or LED light therapy for enhanced absorption and glow. Avoid dermaplaning if you have active acne or rosacea flare-ups, and never attempt it at home.
The Glass Skin Facial
Best For: Anyone wanting ultra-dewy, poreless-looking skin
This treatment layers hydration and barrier-repair ingredients while using exfoliation and brightening methods that are gentle but highly effective. It mimics the flawless, lit-from-within glow often associated with Korean beauty trends.
Consistency is key. One facial will leave you glowing, but to maintain that glass-skin look, schedule monthly treatments and commit to at-home hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Avoid heavy makeup immediately after treatment to let your skin breathe.
Skin Perfecting Treatment
Best For: Uneven tone, rough texture, enlarged pores, post-acne marks
This advanced skin perfecting treatment combines targeted exfoliation (like enzymes, acids, or gentle peels), pore refinement techniques, and brightening serums. It helps to smooth skin texture and improve overall clarity.
A great option to alternate with HydraFacial or LED sessions. Be honest with your aesthetician about any retinoid use, as skin might be more reactive. Expect mild peeling or flaking in the days that follow—this is normal and temporary.
LED Treatments
Best For: Acne-prone skin, inflammation, rosacea, anti-aging
Different wavelengths of LED light target specific concerns. Blue light kills acne bacteria, red light boosts collagen, and near-infrared reduces inflammation. Completely non-invasive with no downtime.
LED works best in a series. Ask your aesthetician about weekly sessions (especially if treating acne or post-treatment redness). Combine with facials for a powerful skin-healing boost. Avoid using retinol or photosensitizing ingredients right before your appointment.
Chemical Peels
Best For: Acne scars, discoloration, fine lines, and dull skin
How It Works: Professional-strength solutions exfoliate the top layers of skin, helping to fade dark spots, smooth texture, and reveal a brighter complexion. Peels range from light to medium-depth, and your skin type will determine the best option.
Don’t be afraid of the word “peel”—our aestheticians choose formulas that are effective without excessive downtime. Use SPF religiously post-treatment and avoid exfoliating for a week. A series of 3–6 treatments is usually recommended for deeper concerns.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Our expert team offers complimentary skin consultations to help you choose the right facial for your goals. Whether you want a single glow-up or a long-term skin transformation, we’ll help you build a treatment plan that actually works.
Is There Anything I Should Avoid Doing After My Facial?
Yes! To get the most out of your treatment and avoid irritation, you should:
- Avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours
- Skip exfoliating products for 48 hours
- Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning
- Don’t pick at your skin
- Avoid heavy sweating or workouts the same day
These precautions help your skin recover and benefit fully from the facial.
FAQs
What Should I Do if I Have Specific Skin Concerns or Allergies?
Always share your skin concerns and any allergies with your esthetician before the treatment. This ensures your basic facial steps esthetician follows are safe and tailored to you. At Catara Med Spa, we customize each facial based on your individual needs.
Can I Wear Makeup to My Facial Appointment?
It’s okay to wear makeup, but it will be removed during the cleansing step. If you can come with a clean face, it saves time and allows your esthetician to assess your skin more easily.
Why Choose Catara Med Spa for Your Facial Treatment
We believe everyone deserves healthy, glowing skin. Our expert team offers high-quality, customized skin care solutions in a relaxing and welcoming setting. Whether it’s your first facial or part of your monthly routine, we make sure your experience is top-notch from start to finish. Contact us today and get your free consultation.