Where skin treatments fit among med spa services
A med spa usually offers four groups of services: skin treatments, injectables, laser hair removal and body treatments. Skin treatments are the group aimed at the skin itself, mostly on the face, neck and hands.
Inside that group you will usually find:
- facials of different kinds
- chemical peels in a range of strengths
- microneedling, sometimes paired with a topical product
- light-based treatments such as intense pulsed light or LED
Some people ask about one treatment by name. Others only know what is bothering them about their skin. Either is a fine place to start a consultation request, and a licensed provider takes it from there.
A short checklist for the provider's side
When you sit down for a skin consultation, expect the licensed provider to work through a quiet checklist. Skin type and tone. Current concerns. Health conditions, especially anything affecting the skin or healing. Medicines and supplements. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Recent sun or tanning. Past treatments and any reactions.
From that, they decide which treatments are reasonable to discuss, which to rule out, and which to leave for later. You can ask to hear their reasoning. If something on the list does not apply to you, say so. If something worries you, ask before agreeing to anything.
Three notes to make
If you only have a few minutes, make three notes before a skin consultation.
One: what you want to ask about. Describe it simply, where it is and how long it has been there.
Two: your health and medicines. Conditions, allergies, prescriptions, creams, supplements, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Three: your history. Past facials, peels, microneedling or light treatments, and any reactions.
Bring the notes, add your questions at the bottom, and hand them over if that is easier than saying it all aloud.
Questions about skin treatments
What is the difference between a facial and a chemical peel?
A facial is a hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliation and masks. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that range from light to deeper. Peels usually come with more specific aftercare. A provider can explain which, if either, suits your skin.
What are light-based skin treatments?
They are treatments that use a device to deliver light to the skin, such as intense pulsed light or LED panels. Settings and devices differ, and some are less suitable for deeper skin tones or recently tanned skin. A licensed provider looks at your skin and history before suggesting one.
Can I have a skin treatment if I am pregnant?
Some skin treatments and products are usually avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and others may still be an option. Tell the provider at the start of the consultation, and they will decide what is suitable. For questions about your pregnancy, your own doctor or midwife is the right person to ask.
Ask your questions first. A local provider can contact you by phone, text or email.
Ask a providerMore consultation topics
Wrinkle relaxers and fillers
Send a request to ask a licensed provider about injectables. Who may give them is set by state law.
Laser consultation
Tell a local provider which area you have in mind, and they can talk through laser hair removal with you.
Body consultation
Start with questions. A provider can talk through visits, aftercare and cost before anything is planned.