For success in various aspects of life, whether it be in fitness, nutrition, or finances, consistency is crucial. The same applies to getting facials for the skin you desire.  

Single facials may provide temporary hydration and refreshment, but regular facials are what lead to lasting results. 

So, how often should you schedule facials?  

The answer is straightforward: medical grade facials are typically recommended every 4 weeks. This interval allows for a full skin cell turnover cycle, promoting healing and regeneration, ultimately revealing radiant skin.  

Getting facials too frequently can cause irritation, as the skin doesn't have enough time to heal. Continuously repeating the process without allowing for repair can lead to more harm than good. 

Keep in mind that everyone's skin is unique and may require a personalized approach to achieve the best results. It is always advisable to follow the recommendations of a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. 

At Cosmedica Skin Centre, our specialists are knowledgeable in identifying individual skin care needs and creating personalized treatment plans. When it comes to facials, we offer a tailored plan based on several factors. 

This article will explore the factors that determine the frequency of medical grade facials, the effectiveness of regular facials, and how to sustain the benefits of your skin care investment. 

3 Factors That Influence How Often to Get a Facial 

Skin Type/Concern 

When considering the frequency of medical grade facials, it's essential to take into account your skin type and specific skin concerns. 

The skin's reaction to facials can vary greatly depending on whether it's dry, sensitive, prone to acne, aging, or has hyperpigmentation issues. The speed at which the skin recovers from a facial is a significant factor in determining the frequency of facials. 

Some skin types may require more time, such as over 4 weeks, to fully recover, while others may benefit from more frequent facials.  

Type of Facial 

The frequency of facial treatments is largely determined by the strength of the facial. 

Medical grade facials can generally be sorted into 4 main categories: mild/gentle facial, laser resurfacing & light therapy, superficial to medium depth chemical peel, and deep chemical peel. 

Mild/Gentle Facial 

Mild medical grade facials are gentle on the skin and typically involve microdermabrasion, exfoliation, hydration, and infusion of active ingredients. These facials require no downtime and results are immediate. Your skin will feel refreshed and hydrated after a day or two.  

However, patients whose main concern is dull or dehydrated skin will find the best results within two to three treatments every two weeks. 

Our popular mild facial is the Bela MD Facial.  

The Bela MD is a staff favourite at Cosmedica. It provides thorough exfoliation, while also infusing the skin with a serum specific to your skin type. This relaxing treatment is a great refresh for the skin and can be done as frequently as every few weeks if desired.  

Laser Resurfacing & Light Therapy 

Light and Laser facials works to improve skin texture, pigmentation, scarring, and can even help tighten skin. Most of these treatments can be done 4 weeks apart over a course of 3 months. Again, the exact timing will depend on the individual and the strength of the laser used. 

Unlike mild facials, most light and laser facials require 5-7 days of downtime.  

At Cosmedica, some common laser and laser resurfacing therapies are the Clear & Brilliant and Broadband Light (BBL). We recommend a series of 3 to 5 of these treatments for optimal results.  

Superficial to Medium Depth Chemical Peel 

A Superficial Chemical Peel exfoliates the outermost layers of skin and uses either alpha-hydroxy (AHA) or beta-hydroxy (BHA) acids to resurface the skin. It can be repeated about every 4 weeks, with 4 to 6 treatments being typical.  

On the other hand, a Medium-Depth Chemical Peel targets the deeper layers of skin using glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). TCA is a more intense treatment that typically requires at least 4 weeks in between. 

Meanwhile, glycolic acid peels have little to no downtime and can be done every 3-4 weeks.  

At Cosmedica, we offer a variety of Clinical Peels. Most clinical peels offered are mild and incur no downtime or significant peeling.  

Deep Chemical Peel 

Lastly, a Deep Chemical Peel uses a high concentration of TCA to penetrate the papillary dermis and even deeper, the reticular dermis.  

This chemical peel is the strongest option and usually requires downtime with about 2 weeks of peeling. 

Although there is an extended downtime, a Deep Chemical Peel can be done every 4 to 7 weeks. Again, this is always dependent on the unique reaction of each patient. Some patients might require more downtime in between appointments. 

Budget 

It's also wise to factor in budget when determining the frequency of facial treatments. 

Medical grade facials of high quality can be costly, with some being more expensive than others. Despite the cost, consistent facials tend to yield worthwhile results. 

With multiple treatments in mind, the temptation to opt for the most budget-friendly option may arise. However, cheaper is not always better when it comes to facials. It is important to find an experienced medical aesthetician to avoid skin damage. 

It's essential to conduct thorough research and understand what and who you're paying for. A high-quality medical grade facial performed by a skilled and reputable professional is well worth the cost in the long run. 

Consider it an investment in the health and beauty of your skin for the future. 

Why Get Regular Facials? 

While one facial session can provide temporary skin radiance, recurring facials produce substantial results and address specific skin issues. 

With each facial, the progress and results are accumulated from the previous session. That's why it's recommended to have facials every 4 weeks for about 3 to 6 months. Depending on your skin type or concern, it's fine to wait 4 to 6 weeks between facials, but any longer and your skin's progress may stall. 

Recurring facials may seem like a time and financial commitment, but they are a great preventative option for aging and sun-damaged skin. Being consistent with medical grade facials starting in your 20’s will result in more graceful aging. 

How to Maintain the Results of Your Facials 

The value of your facial treatments is only realized when you preserve the results. 

The crucial rule in skin care: always use a high-quality facial sunscreen and apply and re-apply it generously. 

Investing in medical-grade skincare products can help sustain and even enhance the outcomes of your facial treatments. 

In a nutshell, skin care is a long-term effort, and it's always wise to schedule a touch-up facial to maintain your radiant skin. 

Get a Personalized Facial Protocol at Cosmedica 

Ultimately, the best way to determine the right facial treatment and frequency for your unique skin type and concern is by consulting with an expert. 

At Cosmedica, patients meet with a consultant before choosing a facial treatment. During the consultation, the patient can discuss their concerns and ideal outcomes to determine the appropriate treatment plan. 

Visit us at Cosmedica Skin Centre in Victoria, BC, or book a consultation online today!