The best facial to suit your skin type

You wear your face every single day, so buying good quality skincare products and booking in-salon treatments is a good investment. Still, with so many treatments on offer, things can get confusing. We chat to the experts to help you choose the best facial for your skin type.

If you’re oily and congested  

If you’ve got oily skin or struggle with blackheads and acne, you’ll benefit from a deep cleansing facial. This might include the application of a serum or mask that contains salicylic acid as it has the ability to penetrate your pores and exfoliate them. “If needed, the therapist will also be able to perform extractions using sterile equipment,” says Pape. “This is much better than doing it yourself because, if not done properly, you risk scarring and spreading bacteria that can make things worse.” 

If you have dry skin 

If you’ve got very dry skin, you’ll want a facial that’s all about moisture. While you can layer on your own hydrating products at home, certain salons will have transdermal devices that use an electrical pulse to push hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid deeper into your skin. “Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and can hold up to 1 000 times its own weight in water, so it’s a great hydrator”, says Pape. 

If your skin is ageing 

Regular anti-ageing-focused facials can be a secret weapon when it comes to softening wrinkles, especially if they involve lasers that trigger your skin to create more collagen - the protein that keeps it looking firm and wrinkle-free. You’ll also want your therapist to apply topical anti-ageing ingredients. Pape recommends retinol and peptides as they encourage collagen production as well as anything that can increase your skin’s ATP (adenosine triphosphate), something it uses as an energy source. One of the best ingredients to do the latter is co-enzyme Q10.

Hyperpigmentation 

Struggling with hyperpigmentation? Look out for facials that promise to brighten or exfoliate, many of which will also include the application of a peel. “Peels are a great way to help minimise hyperpigmentation as exfoliation encourages skin cell renewal, thereby revealing a brighter, fresher-looking complexion,” says Pape. “There are lots of different peels out there, but a trained therapist will be able to recommend one that would suit you best.” 
 

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