In the world of skincare, we often hear about medical grade facial treatments and at-home skincare routines, each claiming to hold the secret to radiant, healthy skin. But which one is better? The truth is, both facials and at-home skincare play crucial roles in achieving the ultimate skincare results. When used together, they can compliment the effectiveness of each other beautifully. Let’s break down why both are important for your skin and how to accomplish the perfect balance!
The Power of Medical Grade Facials
1. Expertise and Tailored Treatments
One of the most significant advantages of medical grade facials is the expertise of our highly trained providers. Whether you have acne, dryness, or signs of aging, our providers can customize a facial that targets your specific concerns. Their knowledge allows them to recommend the most effective treatments, from exfoliation and hydration to specialized masks and serums, all based on your unique skin type and condition.
2. High Quality Products
At a medical practice focused solely on aesthetics, you have access to high-quality, medical-grade products and tools that are not available in stores. With these products, treatments can penetrate deeper into the skin, providing more noticeable and immediate results. The ingredients that make up each product often help to rejuvenate the skin in ways that at-home products cannot replicate.
3. Deep Cleansing and Exfoliation
Regular facials include deep cleansing to remove impurities and excess oil. This can help prevent clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Our facials also include exfoliation to eliminate dead skin cells on the surface. This makes facials especially beneficial for those prone to acne and irritation.
4. Relaxation and Stress Relief
Aside from the aesthetic benefits, facials are also a time to unwind and pamper yourself. The soothing atmosphere combined with our facial techniques helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of well-being. Stress is known to contribute to breakouts, inflammation, and premature aging, so a little self-care goes a long way.
The Benefits of At-Home Skincare
1. Consistency and Convenience
While medical grade facials are beneficial, they are typically spaced out every 4-6 weeks. At-home skincare allows you to maintain your routine on a daily basis. Consistency is key to achieving lasting results, and having a tailored at-home skincare regimen ensures that you’re nourishing your skin with the right products each morning and night.
2. More Control Over Ingredients
When you choose your skincare products, you have full control over the ingredients you’re putting on your skin. At Pittsburgh Aesthetics, we recommend complimenting our medical grade treatments with medical grade at-home products. With two skincare lines, Alastin and SkinCeuticals, our providers are able to customize an at-home skincare regimen that is tailored to your needs.
3. Maintenance Between Facials
While medical grade facials offer deep treatment, they can’t replace the daily care your skin needs. At-home skincare helps you maintain the results from your last facial and keep your skin looking its best. Cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens are the tools that help lock in hydration, repair, and protect your skin throughout the month.
Why Both Are Important
It’s not about choosing one over the other—facials and at-home skincare complement each other. Our medical grade facials provide deep, targeted treatments that offer immediate, noticeable results, while an at-home skincare routine ensures long-term maintenance and consistency. Together, they create a holistic skincare routine that targets both short-term and long-term skin health.
Here’s how to make the most of both:
- Before your facial: Start with a good, simple at-home routine leading up to your facial. Cleanse and hydrate your skin. It is recommended to avoid using any harsh exfoliants or active ingredients the day before your facial to ensure your skin is in its best condition for your treatment.
- After your facial: Continue using the medical grade products recommended by your provider as part of your daily skincare routine. This will help you maximize the results from the facial and keep your skin glowing in the weeks that follow.
- Schedule regular facials: Aim to book a facial every 4-6 weeks, depending on your skin’s needs and your provider’s recommendations. In between facials, maintain your skincare routine at home.