What happens in a salon facial?
Two cleanses, an exfoliation, a massage and a mask.
At a glance
- Where One of three beauty rooms
- Who A therapist
- Starts with A few questions
- Ends with Moisturiser, sunscreen in the daytime
A salon facial takes place in one of three small beauty rooms off the corridor, each with one treatment bed. First the therapist asks how your skin feels day to day, what goes on it, and whether anything has irritated it before.
The massage covers the face, neck and shoulders, and the mask stays on while you rest. Men book the same rooms and the same steps.
What happens in a clinic facial?
It starts with a consultation, before anyone touches your skin. The questions come first: what you have noticed, what is on the bathroom shelf and whether any cream has been prescribed. Then your skin is looked at in good light, and what follows depends on that conversation.
- A medical facial has its steps chosen for your skin, and is assessed and overseen by a qualified doctor.
- A hydra facial follows a set sequence: it cleans, exfoliates and hydrates in one sitting, using a handpiece and serums. Who gives it, and in which room, is confirmed when you reserve.
The products and steps are chosen for each person, so we do not list them here. The consultation can also end with a simpler answer. If a salon facial would do, we will say so, and nothing clinical begins.
How do the two compare?
| Salon facial | Clinic facial | |
|---|---|---|
| Chosen for | Care for the skin, not described as a treatment for anything | Something you would like looked at medically |
| It starts with | A few questions | A consultation |
| The steps | Two cleanses, then an exfoliation, a massage and a mask | Chosen for each person after the skin has been looked at |
| Afterwards | Most people go straight back to work | Covered at the consultation |
What do the names mean?
Less than you would hope. Price lists often use these words loosely.
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Myth A “medical facial” always has a doctor in it. Tap for the fact
FactA “medi facial”, “medical facial” or “clinical facial” may or may not involve a doctor. Ask who looks at the skin first and who carries it out.
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Myth “Medical-grade” means one fixed thing. Tap for the fact
FactIt describes products, and it is not a term with one agreed meaning. Ask what it means wherever you see it.
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Myth A spa facial is a different facial. Tap for the fact
FactIt is usually a salon facial under another name.
What if a cream is prescribed?
Tell the therapist before the facial begins. If the prescription is recent, a consultation may be the more sensible place to start.
Can I use both rooms?
Yes, at different times: a consultation about something specific in one season, salon facials in between. If you are following a plan from the doctor, ask how a salon facial fits around it.
A therapist will not diagnose anything, but may suggest a consultation if something seems worth a closer look. The choice stays with you. Before a wedding, the pre-bridal programme plans both rooms around the dates.
Still not sure which room?
Which room is right for me? asks three short questions and points you to a room. The skin-type guide is another place to start. In either room, we explain the price before anything begins.
This is general information, not medical advice. Suitability is assessed in consultation.
