I'm NGL—the first time I ever got a facial, I was low-key freaking out inside. I had no idea what to talk about with my facialist (are you even supposed to talk?)‚ and what if the extractions were painful, or the treatment gave me breakouts and irritated my sensitive skin?
Thankfully (and as is often the case) none of my anxieties came true, and many spa experiences later, I can proudly say that I am now a certified facial girlie. If you're looking to make this your personality too, the perfect place to go is Massage Envy. I know what you're probably thinking—they do facial treatments there? Um, yes, and they have a wide variety of options to choose from for every skin type and concern.
In case you need some help deciding, I asked Adrianne Lackey, a skincare and product-development specialist at Massage Envy, to share the treatments she recommends to newbies (though they're all great for facial vets too).
Keep reading to find out what you need to know about each treatment.
For a Major Glow: Oxygenating Treatment
This is the top treatment Lackey recommends for facial newbies (and pros) of almost all skin types, including acne-prone. "This oxygenating treatment uses PCA Skin Products and helps detoxify skin and exfoliates, giving you a glowing complexion," she says. There's no expected downtime, so you can do it any time of year, whenever your skin is looking a little dull.
Your aesthetician starts by performing a skin analysis and double-cleansing to whisk away oil, makeup, and debris, leaving you with a fresh, clean slate. Next, they'll apply an enzymatic mask that helps exfoliate and brighten the skin, says Lackey; while it's working its magic, the aesthetician will perform a hand and arm massage.
The treatment continues with extractions as needed, a series of correctives, an additional enzymatic exfoliation, and the application of a trio of products that encourage circulation and oxygenation of the skin. The result is an overall rejuvenated, radiant complexion. You'll leave with recommendations for an at-home product regimen to help keep the glowy vibes going
To Target Specific Skin Concerns: Chemical Peel
We promise: They aren't nearly as scary as they sound. As Lackey puts it, "a chemical peel is great if you're wanting to get a jump-start on targeting skin concerns like acne, fine lines and wrinkles, or discoloration."
After a consultation, your aesthetician will prep the skin with a cleanser and then apply a peel solution that's tailored to your specific needs. You might experience slight itching or tingling as it does its thing, but Lackey reassures that PCA SKIN chemical peels are formulated with unique ingredient blends that deliver a comfortable experience without sacrificing efficacy. Immediately following, you'll notice a healthy glow, and you’ll also be sent home with a complementary Post-Procedure Solution kit to make caring for your post-treatment skin a breeze. Lackey says PCA SKIN chemical peels have minimal downtime and can even be customized to limit or maximize peeling depending on your preference.
For Smoother Skin: Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning at Massage Envy combines physical and enzymatic exfoliation with the temporary removal of fine 'peach fuzz' hairs to give you buttery-smooth feeling skin. The aesthetician uses a premium, stainless-steel blade to carefully shave peach fuzz and dead skin cells; the session also employs the PCA SKIN Enzymatic Treatment for even more smoothing power. The process is finished with skin-nourishing correctives and a lightweight moisturizer, which hydrates and calms skin while providing a boost of antioxidants.
The Bottom Line
Feel ready to take on your skin goals? The only thing left to do is book. No matter which facial treatment you go for, you'll be in good hands at Massage Envy.
Ariel Wodarcyk is a freelance beauty and wellness writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared in Cosmo, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Popsugar, and Makeup.com. Outside of work, you can find her hunting down signature scents for loved ones and scouring PerfumeTok.
