are there health benefits to getting a facial?

Despite skin being the largest organ, the things we do to care for it are often viewed as vapid or selfish. I have some thoughts on why that is, but I won’t get into that in this post. The reality is, skincare can have health benefits and you shouldn’t have to justify your decision to invest in your health.

I want to clarify first that I firmly believe the only reason you need to do something nice for yourself is the desire to do it. You shouldn’t need to justify that your monthly facial or seasonal chemical peel has health benefits. BUT, I also think it is important to understand the benefits of skincare outside of “self-care”.

So what are some health benefits to skincare and esthetic services?

In my opinion, the largest benefit of regular facials and chemical peels is their ability to minimize your risk of skin cancer and potentially catch skin cancer early before it progresses.

post-facial glow

Having regular skin evaluations by an esthetician can help you keep track of changes in the size and coloring of markings. While estheticians cannot (and should not) diagnose, we can recognize potentially cancerous lesions and recommend that you see a dermatologist.

Chemical peels have been shown to reduce and delay the formation of skin cancer.* Paired with a consistent skincare routine that includes correct usage of SPF - they are a powerful anti-aging and preventative combo.

Not to hop on a soapbox here, but this is one reason I find it infuriating that so many estheticians tout “chemical-free” skincare and treatments.

A simple definition of a chemical is: a substance with a defined composition. This means that it is always made up of the same stuff. ** For example, water is always made of 2 hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom that has bonded, if it has something is added to this chemical bond it becomes something entirely different. I am not a chemist, but this is rudimentary knowledge that everyone should know in order to make more informed decisions on who you support and the products you buy.

Now that we cleared that up, I will wrap up my “skincare is healthcare” bit. Just like you go to the gym or make conscious decisions to improve your heart or kidney health, choosing to care for your skin is no different! You can be proud of yourself for being proactive and making time for yourself each day to provide your body with some TLC.

Skincare doesn’t have to be daunting and I believe it should be accessible. Adding a few items as you’re able is totally fine, and I am more than happy to work with you to set up a routine within your budget.

If you are ever curious about where you should start with your skincare journey, feel free to reach out to me through our contact form here. I am happy to guide you on what treatment to book and you are always welcome to schedule a consultation to chat face-to-face.

*source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158909/

**source: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/science-101/what-is-a-chemical.html