18 Types of Facials | Differences & Benefits

There’s no shortage of facial options, but figuring out which one makes sense for your skin? That’s where things get tricky. 

Whether you’re after glow, hydration, or something that goes deeper, the right pick depends on more than just your skin type. 

We’ll break down 18 types of facials and how to choose based on your skin goals, sensitivities, and routine.

18 Types of Facials (& What Each Does Best)

1. Classic (Traditional) Facial

A well-rounded treatment that includes cleansing, light exfoliation, steam, extractions (if needed), a mask, and moisturizer. 

It’s often tailored to your skin type, making it a reliable maintenance facial or a safe starting point if you’re unsure where to begin.

Best for:

• All skin types
• First-time facial clients
• Ongoing skin upkeep

2. Deep Pore Cleansing Facial

Targets stubborn congestion using stronger exfoliation, steaming, and manual extractions to clear out blackheads and oil buildup. 

High-frequency devices are often used afterward to kill bacteria and reduce redness.

Best for:

• Oily, breakout-prone skin
• Frequent blackheads, especially in the T-zone
• Skin that feels clogged or looks dull

Avoid if: 

You have inflamed or cystic acne – opt for gentler options like LED therapy instead.

3. Hydrafacial

Uses a vortex suction tip to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and infuse the skin with targeted serums. 

It’s a gentle but high-tech facial that provides an instant glow and hydration boost without discomfort or downtime.

Best for:

• Dehydrated, dull, or congested skin
• Uneven tone or texture
• People prepping for an event or photo shoot

4. Chemical Peel

Uses acids to exfoliate and resurface the skin. Light peels offer a subtle refresh, while deeper ones address significant issues like scarring and sun damage. 

Post-peel, the skin sheds to reveal smoother, more even skin underneath.

Best for:

• Acne scars or dark spots
• Fine lines and rough texture
• Premature aging and sun damage

Keep in mind that deeper peels mean more downtime. Always follow up with SPF.

5. Oxygen Facial

Delivers a stream of pressurized oxygen plus hydrating serums into the skin. It plumps and refreshes without irritation, making it ideal for travel-stressed or tired skin.

Best for:

• Dull, tired skin that needs a pick-me-up
• Pre-event prep
• Mild dehydration or sensitivity

6. LED (Light Therapy) Facial

Uses red or blue light wavelengths to treat skin concerns at the cellular level. 

Red light supports collagen and healing; blue light targets acne bacteria. Often combined with other treatments but can also stand alone.

Best for:

• Acne, inflammation, or redness
• Fine lines and early aging
• Sensitive skin needing a non-invasive option

Note: Works best when done consistently – think of it as a long-game facial.

7. Microdermabrasion

A mechanical exfoliation that buffs away the outer skin layer using a diamond-tipped wand or crystals. Boosts cell turnover and smooths texture with no harsh chemicals.

Best for:

• Rough, uneven texture
• Enlarged pores and early aging
• Brightening dull skin quickly

8. Dermaplaning

Gently scrapes away dead skin and peach fuzz with a surgical blade, leaving skin instantly smooth. Great for improving product absorption and makeup application.

Best for:

• Skin that feels rough or looks lackluster
• Peach fuzz removal
• Sensitive skin needing non-chemical exfoliation

Skip if: 

You have active breakouts or highly reactive skin.

9. Microneedling Facial

Uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. Often combined with serums or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for even better results.

Best for:

• Acne scars and large pores
• Skin laxity or fine lines
• Long-term skin rejuvenation plans

Not ideal for: 

Active acne or extremely sensitive skin.

11. Hydration Facial

Deeply moisturizes the skin using serums, masks, and barrier-repair treatments. Especially helpful when your skin feels tight, dry, or reactive.

Best for:

• Dry, flaky, or tight-feeling skin
• Post-travel or weather changes
• Supporting a damaged skin barrier

12. Brightening/Glow Facial

Combines exfoliants and antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide to even out tone and restore radiance. Popular before events or after summer sun.

Best for:

• Dull, uneven skin tone
• Mild pigmentation
• Radiance boosts before occasions

13. Acne Facial

Targets breakouts with exfoliation, extractions, calming masks, and blue LED. Often used as part of a treatment plan, not a one-time fix.

Best for:

• Mild to moderate acne
• Blackheads, whiteheads, and oil control
• Skin needing support between derm visits

14. Enzyme Facial

Uses fruit enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells gently. Great for people who can’t tolerate acids or scrubs but still need regular exfoliation.

Best for:

• Sensitive or reactive skin
• Mild dullness
• Gentle maintenance between stronger facials

15. Balancing Facial

Addresses combination skin using a split approach: hydrating dry areas while controlling oil in others. Often includes multi-masking.

Best for:

• Oily T-zone and dry cheeks
• Hormonal or seasonal skin shifts
• Skin that never fits one category

16. Lymphatic Drainage/Sculpting Facial

Uses massage techniques or tools to stimulate lymph flow, reduce puffiness, and lightly contour features like the cheekbones and jaw.

Best for:

• Puffy, bloated-looking skin
• Jawline definition
• Boosting circulation and glow

17. Laser Facial / IPL Photofacial

Uses concentrated light energy to treat sunspots, broken capillaries, and uneven pigmentation. Performed in clinical settings by trained providers.

Note that it’s ideal for all skin tones unless device is skin-type safe.

Best for:

• Sun damage, redness, and age spots
• Uneven texture or tone
• Deeper pigmentation issues

18. Vampire (PRP) Facial

Involves drawing your blood, separating out the PRP, and applying it to the skin (often via microneedling). 

Boosts healing and collagen with your body’s own growth factors.

Best for:

• Deep acne scars or lines
• Skin needing repair and renewal
• Long-term texture and firmness goals

How to Choose the Right Facial for You

Still not sure which facial to book? 

Here’s how to narrow it down based on your top concern:

Pro Tips:

• New to facials? Start with a Classic or Hydration facial. They’re safe, customizable, and a great way to ease in.
• Booking before a big event? Look for treatments with zero downtime like Oxygen, LED, or Dermaplaning.
• Dealing with multiple concerns? Don’t be afraid to ask your esthetician about combining treatments or building a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a facial for best results?

It depends on your skin type and the facial type, but a general rule is every 4–6 weeks. That’s the natural skin cell turnover cycle – regular treatments help maintain progress without overwhelming your skin barrier.

Can I combine different facials for better results?

Yes, but timing and compatibility matter. For example, pairing LED therapy with a hydrating facial can enhance glow, while combining peels and microneedling in one session could be too aggressive. Always consult your esthetician to build a safe, layered plan.

Are facials safe if I’m using retinol or acne medication?

Not always. Strong actives like retinol or isotretinoin can make skin more sensitive. Be transparent with your esthetician about your routine – they might skip exfoliants or extractions to avoid irritation.

What should I avoid after a facial?

Skip harsh exfoliants, heavy makeup, and sun exposure for at least 24–48 hours. Your skin is in recovery mode, so treat it gently, stay hydrated, and apply sunscreen to protect that post-facial glow.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of ground – from pore-clearing classics to high-tech options like microneedling, LED, and chemical peels. 

And while all these types of facials serve different purposes, the thread running through them is this: good skin care is personal. What works for someone else won’t always work for you, and the real results tend to come with consistency – not just the occasional treat.

That’s why our 7-color LED face mask is built to meet your skin where it’s at. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, or fine lines, it’s a simple way to keep the benefits of pro treatments going between sessions or skip the spa entirely when that makes more sense. Shop now!