Four kinds of skin treatment, in plain terms
When a med spa lists skin treatments, it usually means some mix of the following. Names and menus differ from one provider to the next.
- Facials. A hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliating and masks. Some add steam or extraction.
- Chemical peels. An acid-based solution applied and then removed. Peels come in several strengths.
- Microneedling. A pen-like device with fine needles passed over the skin, sometimes with a serum.
- Light-based treatments. Devices such as intense pulsed light or LED panels that deliver light to the skin.
A licensed provider looks at your skin and history before suggesting any of them.
What a provider looks at first
Before suggesting any skin treatment, a licensed provider usually asks about a handful of things:
- your skin type and how it tends to react to products
- your health history, including conditions such as eczema, rosacea or cold sores
- medicines you take, including acne medicine by mouth and vitamin A creams
- whether you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- recent sun exposure, tanning or self-tanner
- past treatments and how your skin handled them
These answers shape which treatments are an option and at what strength. If a provider skips these questions, it is fair to ask why.
On the day
A few small steps make the day of a skin consultation easier. Ask beforehand whether to arrive with a clean face, and allow time to remove makeup if needed. Bring your list of medicines and products, your notes on past treatments, and your questions. Wear something comfortable with an open neckline if the neck or chest is part of what you want to ask about.
During the visit, take notes or ask if you can. If the provider suggests a treatment, ask what it involves, what aftercare looks like and what side effects to watch for. You do not have to decide on the spot.
Questions about skin treatments
What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses a handheld device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer of the skin. A numbing cream is often applied first, and some providers pair it with a topical product. Who may perform it depends on state rules. A licensed provider decides whether it is suitable for you.
Do my medicines matter?
Yes. Some medicines make skin more sensitive, including acne medicine taken by mouth, vitamin A creams and some antibiotics. Bring a full list, including supplements, to your consultation. Do not stop a prescribed medicine to prepare for a treatment unless the person who prescribed it agrees.
Should I avoid the sun before a skin treatment?
Many providers ask you to avoid tanning, sunburn and self-tanner before peels and light-based treatments, since recent sun can change what they are willing to do. Ask the office for its own instructions before your visit, and mention any recent sun at the consultation.
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