Facials vs. Medical Spa Treatments: What's the Difference?
Understanding the Difference: Facials vs. Medical Spa Treatments
OK, so we get this question ALL the time from clients. “Should I just stick with my regular facial or is it worth spending more on those medical treatments?" Trust us, we totally get the confusion.
At Refined Aesthetics and Wellness, we’ve been doing esthetics for years, and honestly, even we get overwhelmed sometimes by all the new treatments popping up! Like, every skincare conference we go to has some fancy new machine that promises miracle results...
But here's the deal, both regular facials and medical spa treatments have their place. We’re not just saying that because we offer both at our med spa! It really comes down to what your skin needs and what you're trying to achieve.
If you're in Logan, Utah, stick around and we’ll share what we offer at Refined Aesthetics and Wellness. No pressure though, we’re just happy to help you understand your options!
What is a Facial?
A facial is basically skincare's version of a really good house cleaning. Not like a quick vacuum, more like when you actually move the furniture and get all the dust bunnies hiding underneath!
When you come in for a facial with one of our other estheticians, we're focusing on giving your skin a really good deep clean while making sure you're relaxed too.
Types of Facials
We offer a bunch of different facials depending on what your skin needs:
Signature Facial – Nothing fancy, just the basics done really well. Cleansing, some exfoliation, mask, moisturizer. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason!
Glow Get it Facial – You need this if you live in Utah. The air here is BRUTAL in winter. Our lips are chapped just thinking about January.
Bounce Back Anti-Aging Facial – This one uses a customized tightening mask that features powerful anti-aging ingredients. It also includes dermaplaning and red light therapy!
Acne Facial – Not just for teenagers! This facials uses acne control products that really help clear things up.
Jelly Mask Facial – For when your skin looks tired and dull. We all have those days where someone asks if we're feeling OK when we're actually fine... that's when you need this.
Facials are great for maintenance. They'll make everything look and feel nicer, but they're not rebuilding the engine, if that makes sense?
What is a Medical Spa Treatment?
Medical spa treatments are where things get more serious. We're not just working on the surface anymore, we're making changes deeper in the skin.
We had to get special training and certification for these treatments, they're no joke! But the results can be pretty amazing, especially for those stubborn issues that regular facials just can't fix.
Common Medical Spa Treatments
Here's what people ask for most often:
Chemical Peels – Don't freak out at the name! The mild ones aren't that intense, I promise. They're great for sun damage and fine lines.
Microneedling – OK so we roll tiny needles over your face to make your skin think it's injured so it makes more collagen. Sounds crazy but it WORKS.
Laser Treatments – These target all that sun damage from our younger days.
HydraFacial – It's like a power wash for your face but gentle. Your skin will feel so clean after, it's almost addictive.
Injectables – Botox, fillers, all that good stuff. We take a super natural approach though, you'll still look like YOU, just a bit refreshed.
Skin Tightening – For those areas that have gotten a bit... looser with age.
The big difference with these compared to regular facials? You'll probably see more dramatic changes that actually last.
Benefits of Facials and Medical Spa Treatments
Let's break down what you get from each:
Benefits of Facials:
Deep Cleansing – Gets all the gunk out of your pores. SO satisfying.
Relaxation – If you fall asleep during a facial, we take it as a compliment!
Hydration Boost – Your skin just drinks everything up afterward.
Improved Circulation – That's why you get that post-facial glow.
Gentle Exfoliation – Bye-bye, dead skin cells!
Benefits of Medical Spa Treatments:
Long-Lasting Results – We're talking months, not days.
Advanced Skin Rejuvenation – Your skin actually starts acting younger.
Tackles the Tough Stuff – Those issues you've had forever? We can help with those.
Stronger Ingredients – Way more powerful than what you can buy at Sephora.
Non-Surgical Results – You can look like you've turned back the clock without going under the knife.
We always tell our clients, if you just want to relax and maintain, go for facials. But if something specific is bugging you? The medical treatments might be worth saving up for.
The Process: What to Expect
Getting a Facial
Chat Time – First, we'll talk about what's up with your skin. Had any breakouts lately? Using any new products? Changed your diet?
Clean & Scrub – We’ll get all that makeup and environmental gunk off, then gently exfoliate.
Extraction Time – AKA the part where we get to squeeze your pores (with professional tools, not our fingers!). Some people hate this part, some find it weirdly satisfying.
Treat & Nourish – This is where we'll use masks and serums specific to what your skin needs.
Protect & Hydrate – We'll make sure you're moisturized and SPF'd before you leave. And yeah, you need SPF even if it's snowing outside!
Getting a Medical Spa Treatment
Serious Consultation – We need to know EXACTLY what we're dealing with. Sometimes we'll even take before photos (don't worry, it's just for your file). We always ask for permission before posting any before and after photos on our socials.
Getting Ready – Depending on what we're doing, we might need to numb you up or prep your skin in other ways.
The Treatment – This is where the real work happens. We always talk through what we're doing so you're not lying there wondering what that weird noise is.
Recovery Tips – Some treatments mean you'll be a little red or flaky after. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect and how to deal.
Next Steps – Many treatments work best as a series. We'll figure out the right schedule for your skin and budget.
Where to Get Facials and Medical Spa Treatments in Logan, Utah
If you're in Cache Valley, Refined Aesthetics and Wellness. OK, we’re biased, but we really do offer both amazing relaxing facials and the more intense medical treatments.
What makes us different? For starters, we're just like you. We aren’t a med spa that will make you feel bad about your skincare routine.
We're constantly learning too. Skincare science changes so fast!
And we're honest. If a treatment won't work for you, we’ll tell you. We’d rather you not spend your money than be disappointed. Last week we actually talked a client out of an expensive treatment series when we realized a simple product change would probably fix her issue.
Is a Facial or Medical Spa Treatment Right for You?
So how do you decide? Here's our take:
Go for a facial if - you're looking for some self-care and general skin maintenance. It's like going to the gym regularly, it keeps everything in good shape.
Choose a medical spa treatment if - you've got specific issues that bug you when you look in the mirror. Spots that won't fade, lines that are getting deeper, that kind of thing.
Maybe do both? - A lot of our regulars get a series of medical treatments to address their big concerns, then do monthly facials to maintain the results. Best of both worlds!
Choosing the Best Treatment for Your Skin
Bottom line, there's no right or wrong choice here. It's all about what your skin needs and what fits your budget.
Still confused? Just come talk to us! We do free consultations at Refined Aesthetics and Wellness. Sometimes just having an expert look at your skin can save you from buying a million products that aren't even right for you.
Call us, shoot us a text, or book a free consultation online, and we'll figure out what makes sense for YOUR skin. Whether it's a relaxing facial or something more intense, we've got Northern Utah and Southern Idaho covered.
And hey, if nothing else, treat yourself. We all deserve a little pampering now and then, right? Life's too short for bad skin days!