Medical facials, also known as photofacials, are specifically recommended for skin issues such as dryness, pigmentation and acne. (Shutterstock)
With November, the celebratory season of festivals and weddings has officially started. As people attend several functions during this phase, they want to look and feel their best. And, when it comes to beauty treatments, a rejuvenating facial has been the norm.
However, of late, many people have been going the extra mile, as they have ditched beauty facials for medical ones. “Medical facials, also known as photofacials, are specifically recommended for skin issues such as dryness, pigmentation and acne,” says Dr Ruby Tandon, celebrity dermatological surgeon, AfterGlow.
Speaking about this trend, Anurag Kedia, director, Four Fountains De-Stress Spa, says, “The trend in facials is moving away from all-purpose facials to problem-solving facials, which have more visible results. Guests often come to our spas and clinics looking for facials that will solve their specific problem.”
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However Dr Harshna Bijlani, co-founder and medical head of The Ageless Clinic, feels you should be careful about who you approach for such treatments. She says, “Medi-facials, at times, involve the use of chemical peels (a process in which a chemical is used to peel off a layer of the skin, so that new skin can replace it). The facials can also use lasers and IPL (intense pulsed light), microdermabrasion, etc. So, it is important to go to a doctor’s clinic to get a medi-facial.” She adds that, in India, there are no qualifications required for therapists to conduct such procedures. “Most of them have been trained on the job. So, it is important to select a reputed clinic, as they will be stringent in the selection of their therapists,” she says.
The ultrasonic facial is an anti-ageing treatment, and helps open skin pores and hydrate the skin. (AFTERGLOW)
Beauty vs medical facials
“Beauty facials are all-purpose facials, whereas, medical facials are customised to treat specific problems, to deliver clear, functional benefits,” says Dr Sandesh Bhosale, manager services, NuAyurveda Clinic.
Medical facials use high-quality, non-irritant customised products that contain active ingredients. These treatments can be done on any body part that has problematic skin. For example, if someone has dark elbows or knees, they may go in for a lightening treatment.
The centres that offer such facials are equipped with doctors, skilled manpower, and infrastructure.
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Myths about medical facials
They are painful
Not necessarily. Usually, the concentration of the peels used is quite mild, and the clean-up process, while not painless, is quite bearable
They are expensive
Basic medical facials are usually not expensive. It depends on the clinic, and what products or technologies the doctors or specialists use
It is only for people above the age of 30
Acne is a major concern among teenagers, and so, people who are 15 and above are prime candidates for such treatments. Hence, 15 is the minimum age for medical facials.
TAKE HEED
The trend in facials is moving away from all-purpose facials to problem-solving facials but may have side effects. (Images Bazaar)
Certain kinds of medical facials may have side effects. They can result in minor swellings, redness and increased translucence (when nerves are visible). In extreme cases, they can cause blistering, bleeding and pigmentation as well. Those who have extremely sensitive skin, keloids and lesions, or are pregnant, must not opt for these facials. Share your complete medical history with your skin specialist before choosing any such facial.
Benefits of medical facials
A doctor first understands your skin type and your individual issues. He or she, then, suggests a treatment accordingly.
Navara Mukha Lepam, which includes a scrub, steam and face massage with Navara rice, is used to remove toxins from the face. It also helps retain the overall vitality of facial tissues. (NUAYURVEDA CLINIC)
1. A doctor first understands your skin type and your individual issues. He or she, then, suggests a treatment accordingly.
2. A doctor first understands your skin type and your individual issues. He or she, then, suggests a treatment accordingly.
3. Doctors have the permission to use medical-grade cosmetic products, such as higher-strength peels.
4. They incorporate technologies such as Q-switched laser, intense pulsed light (IPL) and radio frequency (RF), which offer results that a beauty facial cannot achieve.
5. You have access to your doctor post-treatment, along with a tailor-made post-treatment home-care regimen.
The radio-frequency facial is used for skin rejuvenation. It tightens, tones and nourishes the skin. (AFTER GLOW)
[“source-hindustantimes”]