The facial game has changed! Over the past decade, I’ve seen facials shift from relaxation-based luxury spa treatments to results-driven skincare treatments with added touches of relaxation for intentional nervous system relief. Estheticians have more access to education and quality skincare, leading to better skincare treatments than ever. Facials actually mean better skin and a better understanding of your skincare routine and what your skin needs. Or that's at least what I think we should up our standards to.

What You Might Expect From a Traditional Spa Facial

What comes to mind when you think of “spa facial? Relaxing music, fluffy robes, creamy masks, cucumbers on the eyes? Thats honestly kind of close to the facials of yesteryear; the main goal of a facial used to be relaxation and feeling pampered. Facial and spa items weren’t chosen for their specific ingredients, innovations, and proven results. Masks and other skincare items were meant to feel luxurious and calming, chosen for their pleasant textures and smells. The focus of the massage was for release in the shoulder area and head, plus a little bit of focus on the face; all mainly relaxation-based. And while I honestly still value a luxury experience, relaxation, aromatherapy, and satisfying textures, the main goal of a facial has pivoted since the 90s and early 2000s.

scrub me secret: Relaxation is more valuable than you might think. When your body enters a state of relaxation, your nervous system can enter a state of calm that reduces cortisol and inflammation. This is great for overall health, the immune system, and other functions of the body. I always say one of the keys to having youthful skin for a long time is staying calm, relaxed, and happy.

This is typically how a traditional facial experience would go: skin is cleansed, steam is used while a detoxifying or exfoliating mask is applied, maybe extractions of blackheads/whiteheads, and another mask is applied while you have a hand massage. After that, the mask is removed; maybe one more mask is applied while your shoulders and face are massaged for about 10 minutes. I think we have all had these facials where products are continually applied and then removed, and thats basically the whole treatment. I think we can all collectively say, we want a little more for our money and time spent.

What Modern Facials Are Like: What to Expect From Your Esthetician

So what should we expect from a facial, now in 2026 and beyond? I’ll break it down for you in sections⬇️

The consultation

A great esthetician is a true skincare expert and should be able to chat about skincare goals, talk to you and educate you about your skin, and have a good understanding of a wide range of products and ingredients. This basis of knowledge and education allows the esthetician to choose or suggest the appropriate services for your skin. This is different from the past, when you booked the facial that looked good or seemed like what you needed, and then your esthetician performed the service you reserved with no consultation.

The skincare

Skincare items that are used during facials are now chosen for their quality ingredients, innovative delivery methods, results-driven formulations, and skin and body health benefits. I’ve been an esthetician since 2010, and I feel like there are so many more skincare lines to choose from for back bar (items in larger quantities to use on clients) now vs a decade or more ago. In today’s landscape, your esthetician can use products with skin-safe, nutrient-rich, effective ingredients without many barriers. Don’t settle for a spa that uses skincare from the beauty supply 🤭 We want to see quality skincare chosen with thought!

Facial massage or other advanced services

Services like facial massage, LED therapy, advanced masks or enzymes, etc are thoughtfully chosen for your specific skincare needs and skin type. LED is chosen for complexion clearing or collagen rejuvination. Masks with peptides, antioxidants, enzymes, hydrating, or other advanced ingredients are chosen with intention, not just to fill time. Facial massage is intentional and purposeful: for lymphatic drainage, release, circulation boost, microcirculation, or all of the above. And still as relaxing as ever! Anything extra is done with intent to improve the skin.

scrub me secret: Other things I like to add on to facials? Dermaplaning for exfoliation and removing vellus hairs and nano needling - a serum infusion that also firms the skin and helps fade fine lines.

The aftercare

Your esthetician will apply specific toner, serums, moisturizer, and any other products they feel are right for your skin. There should be verbal or written instructions on how to take care of your skin for the remainder of the day and a suggested skincare routine for the day(s) after. This will ensure you get the best results.

scrub me secret: Many places now offer custom facial options. I personally love booking a custom facial for myself because I know we will be chatting about my wants and skincare needs before the facial starts. My suggestion? Definitely book a custom facial, especially if it’s your first time.

A Facial at Scrub Me Skin Care Studio

A facial with me at my skin care studio is a bit different than other facials you have experienced. It has all the elements of things I listed above (through consultation, quality/effective skincare, thoughtful additional treatments, and aftercare that leaves you with happy skin), but I have an approach to skincare that isn’t extremely common among estheticians.

My consultation portion is a little bit different. Even if I have known you for years or have seen you for many treatments, I always take a closer look at your skin with my magnifying lamp after cleansing and before we get started with the treatment. During this close look, I decide how to customize your facial and chat with you about any specific needs, upcoming events or trips, and anything else. This helps me choose specific skincare items and treatments for you. I customize it all the way down to the sequence of the facial and what toner and serums I will use for you at the end. And I always let you know my plan before we get started.

I rely heavily on my facial massage education to give you and your skin the best results. About half, or more, of the time of your facial treatment will be spent on custom facial massage to give you results like more contour, a more lifted face/neck, smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, less puffiness, and an overall radiant glow. The best part is that this facial massage really helps improve the overall health of our living skin tissue, and it provides aesthetic results.

So while I do use advanced skincare like LED therapy, high frequency, enzymes, potent spot treatments, nano infusion, and targeted serums, I truly believe that the main results come from this specific facial massage.

I use the LightStim device at my skincare studio

So basically, all of your treatments are customized to a T, and it’s less about product and more about facial massage and light therapies.

One final part of the Scrub Me Skin Care facial that makes it stand out among others is the detailed check-in after your first treatment. I’m really dedicated to helping you understand your skincare routine and what your skin needs. I want your facial to have longevity and really improve your skin and make it healthier. When you visit for your first facial, if you have skincare routine needs, I share detailed information for your skincare routine, product recommendations, and helpful articles that pertain to topics that we specifically talked about during your visit; this information comes in the form of an email within 36 hours of your facial. I encourage you to keep in touch if you have any product or skincare questions in between facials. The result is the healthiest, happiest skin you’ve ever had!

scrub me secret: sometimes a client of mine will be gifted a skincare item from a family member or friend, or they will be thinking about buying something new, and they check in with me via DM or text before they use it on their skin. i love that because that means they are serious about their skincare! New items are fun, but healthy, clear skin is the goal. So it’s good to get it esthetician-approved before use.

Resources for Facial First-Timers

These are blog posts I’ve written that will help you navigate your first time facial or a facial with a new esthetician. 📖

An Esthetician's Guide to Getting the Best Facial

New Esthetician? Here’s How to Get the Best Facial + 4 Skin-Clearing Tips

Beauty Budget Hack: How Monthly Facials Replace Costly Habits

Esthetician Insider: Choosing the Right Products for Skincare Treatments

The Modern Facial: How Facials Went From “Fru Fru” Spa Treatments to Serious Skin Care