Published by Dr. Lasi's Skin & Hair Clinic
Facials are a popular way to refresh the skin before weddings, festivals and events. But a facial that suits one person can cause breakouts, redness or darkening in another. A medifacial is a facial chosen and carried out under a dermatologist's supervision, after your skin has been assessed.
What is a salon facial?
A salon facial usually includes cleansing, scrubbing, steaming, massage, extraction and a face mask. It can be relaxing and leave the skin feeling soft. However, the same steps are often used for everyone, and strong scrubs, hot steam, bleach and heavy creams can worsen acne, sensitive skin, rosacea and melasma.
What is a medifacial?
A medifacial uses clinically tested products and devices selected for your skin type and concern. Before treatment, the doctor checks for active acne, infection, eczema, recent procedures and medicines such as retinoids that make the skin more sensitive. At Dr. Lasi's, medifacials include options such as hydra, oxygen and PRP-based facials.
Key differences
- Assessment: a medifacial starts with a skin examination; a salon facial usually does not
- Products: medical-grade products with known strengths, chosen for the skin concern
- Fewer harsh steps: aggressive scrubbing, bleaching and long steaming are avoided
- Safety: the team can recognise and manage reactions, and can tell when a facial is not suitable
- Part of a plan: it can be combined with acne, pigmentation or anti-ageing treatment
Which concerns can a medifacial help?
- Dull, dehydrated or tired-looking skin
- Oily, congested skin and blackheads
- Mild tanning and uneven tone
- Preparation for weddings and events
- Maintaining results between other skin treatments
A medifacial is a supportive treatment. It does not replace medical treatment for acne, melasma, deep pigmentation or scars, which usually need prescription creams, chemical peels or laser treatment.
What happens during a session?
- Skin check and choice of facial
- Gentle cleansing and exfoliation suited to your skin
- Extraction of blackheads where appropriate, done carefully
- Application of serums, for example hydrating, brightening or oil-control serums, with a device where used
- Soothing mask, moisturiser and sunscreen
Most sessions take 45 to 60 minutes, and there is little or no downtime. Mild redness can occur for a few hours.
Who should wait or avoid a facial?
- People with active, inflamed acne or skin infection
- Those with eczema, rosacea flares or very sensitive skin, unless the doctor advises a suitable option
- People who have had a peel, laser or waxing on the face very recently
- Those using strong prescription creams, unless the doctor approves
Planning before a wedding
Do not try a new facial for the first time a few days before a big event. Start a skin plan two to three months before, and schedule the last facial about a week before the day, so any redness has settled. Our bridal treatments page explains how pre-wedding skin plans are usually arranged.
Want a facial chosen for your skin? Book an appointment or call +91 81398 82226.
This article is for general information. For advice about your own skin or hair, please book a consultation.