As clients’ first point of contact at Ashtoria, one of the most common questions I get asked is “What is the difference between a medical facial and a regular facial?”
The first thing I make sure to explain is that products used in a medical facial are of medical grade, meaning the molecules in these products are micronized. Micronized molecules are small enough to effectively penetrate the skin and encourage healthier skin at the cellular level. These products are regulated by the FDA and can only be purchased in a medical spa or dermatologist's office under the recommendation of a licensed physician. On the contrary, over-the-counter products that remain on the surface of the skin do not penetrate deeply enough to provide lasting results. They are not regulated by the FDA and can be purchased in drugstores, department stores, and through online retailers.
Here’s a simple breakdown of these two product categories:
Medical-grade products = treatment = effective, lasting results with continued use
Over-the-counter products = topical = immediate results when applied, but go away if you discontinue use
A true medical facial uses medical-grade skincare products such as cleansers, masques, peels, serums, and moisturizers to target and treat specific conditions of the skin – be that aging, acne, redness, hyperpigmentation, or other concerns. If you love the results you achieve through medical-grade facials, you can maintain and enhance your results with medical-grade skincare at home.
Another component of a medical facial is the technology used in conjunction with the products. This can vary by office or provider, but the most common options include microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, hydrofacial, oxygen facial, and electro-frequency. Most medical spas require these services to be requested in addition to a regular facial (and at an additional cost), but what I like about Ashtoria’s Luxury Medical Facial is that it is all-inclusive and customizable based on your skin’s current state. Our facials are a consult and a treatment in one; your provider will observe and review your skin concerns and current skincare regimen to determine how to proceed with treatment. You may only require one or two of the technology components I mentioned above, and the combination of technology and skincare may vary from treatment to treatment as your skin changes over time. Because of this, no two Luxury Medical Facials are quite the same!
Most people think of facials as a service that allows you to relax, and they should, but I also like my facials to serve as a deep treatment that leaves my skin looking its very best. I really encourage you to try a medical-grade facial at least once – my only warning is that the results will leave you hooked!
P.s. You can try your first Luxury Medical Facial at Ashtoria for 50% off!