There are many options when it comes to booking a facial in Vancouver, so much so that it can be pretty overwhelming to decide where to go. In your search to book a facial in Vancouver you will most likely find yourself trying to choose between a spa experience where the music and treatments are designed to put you into a state of bliss, or a medical aesthetic clinic headed by dermatologist or a medical doctor which typically focus on treatments like injectables (neuromodulators like botox and dysport, and fillers like Juvederm and Restylane), lasers, and radiofrequency devices.

The issue then arises: where can you get a facial in Vancouver that offers more than a fluffy, feel-good experience, and does not involve downtime or altering your appearance? And if you’re looking to get extractions — the removal of comedones, a.k.a. blackheads — many clinics do not offer this as part of their facial service.

It is rare to find a clinic that takes a specialized focus on skin treatments and facials. That niche is where our practice resides.  If you find this experience when searching for a facial in Vancouver resonates with you, we invite you to read on and discover our approach to skin, and and how if differs from what you will experience at a spa or medical aesthetic clinic.

Factors to consider when choosing a facial in Vancouver

Qualifications of your service provider

British Columbia does not require a license to practice aesthetics. This means that someone could have purchased a skin device (Hydrafacial is a great example of this) and been trained on how to use it in one day. Because there is no governing body to ensure that service providers are qualified, there are a host of issues that can arise if you do not work with someone who is properly educated in health and safety measures, and has a deep understanding of the skin.  Don’t assume that the person you are working with has an aesthetics diploma. If this information is not readily available on their website, ask them about their education and training before you book in.

You can learn about the qualifications of our practitioners here.

The consultation process

The cornerstone of your initial visit is a detailed intake form which contains questions to help us understand how you are currently caring for your skin, and evaluate any health concerns, nutritional practices, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors that will affect the quality and health of your skin. Our clinic focuses on supporting the healthy functions of the skin — it’s what we refer to as the”collective approach”. By taking all of these variables into consideration, we can better design a customized treatment plan that will address your personal needs and goals.

It is worth noting that this tailored approach is a part of every treatment we provide, but we also offer a 30 minute stand-alone consultation for anyone who would like to learn about their skin in depth, and get expert advice on home care and a professional treatment plan.

Professional products

We work with professional product lines from afa and Dermalogica which feature products that are only available for professional use. Professional exfoliants, serums, and masques provide results that are superior from what can be achieved with retail products. This also implies that for safety reasons, the products should only be administered by qualified professionals. Working with a clinic that has professional strength products makes a difference to the outcomes that can be achieved, so it is worth investigating when researching where to get a facial in Vancouver.

What is their approach and does it resonate with your goals?

Peruse the website of the clinic you are considering. It shouldn’t take long to get a sense of what their approach is and if it feels like a fit for you.

  • Do they feature images of real people? Or is their marketing full of stock models?
  • Is their treatment menu one-size-fits-all? Or do they talk about taking an individualized approach to treating skin?
  • Are the products and technology they use reputable and grounded in science? Do they treat skin holistically, or via a Western medicine lens?

Our approach blends science-backed ingredients and technology with holistic methods. We believe this yields the most natural and sustainable outcomes for long-term skin health and beauty.

Reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients

There’s nothing quite as compelling as a genuine review in helping you make your final decision on where to get a facial in Vancouver. Take some time to look at the reviews of the clinic you are considering. You can also learn a lot about how they handle their negative reviews too.

You can find our reviews here.

The markers of a great facial in Vancouver

Now that we have outlined some of the key elements to look for when choosing a facial in Vancouver, let’s discuss some of the components that should be included with your treatment as well as how to prepare in advance and care for your glowing skin afterwards.

Steps involved in a typical facial treatment

The elements of a classic facial include: cleansing; skin analysis; professional exfoliation; extraction work; face, neck and shoulder massage; professional serum and masque; application of finishing products including a facial mist, eye cream, serum, moisturizer, and sun protection.

The most popular treatments we offer that include all of these elements are:

Preparing for your facial treatment session

  • Your service provider should inform you of any potential risks involved with your treatment as well as how to prepare in advance of your session.
  • Typically you will want to stop using hydroxy acids and retinol products, and avoid having your facial hair waxed or threaded 3 days prior to your visit.
  • You must wait a minimum of two weeks after getting neuromodulator or filler injections.
  • You must be off of isotretinoin/Accutane for 6 months
  • In the case of dental or plastic surgery procedures, follow the guidance of your service provider and get their permission before receiving a facial.

Aftercare tips for maintaining the results of your facial treatment

  1. Drink plenty of water after your treatment and get a good nights rest.
  2. Avoid exfoliating your skin for a minimum of 3 days.
  3. Apply sunscreen to protect your fresh, new skin, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
  4. Depending on the type of treatment you had, you may wish to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and/or strenuous exercise immediately following your treatment. When in doubt, talk to your skin therapist.

Dealing with potential side effects

  • If you find your skin purges after a treatment, do not pick! Contact your skin therapist for advice on how to handle the purge. They may suggest coming in for a blue light LED session, or recommend using a clay masque, both of which can help manage the acne and speed up the healing process.
  • The same goes if you have a reaction. Contact your skin therapist immediately. They will be able to help you get things under control quickly and effectively and get your skin feeling better stat!

How much should a facial in Vancouver cost?

When determining fair pricing for a facial in Vancouver, the setting, the quality of the products that are being used, and most importantly the qualifications and experience of your skin therapist will factor into the cost. Take these aspects into consideration when comparing prices, and also look at the location convenience. Is it close to where you live or work? Is it transit accessible? Is it easy and affordable to park nearby?

Many spas and clinics will have loyalty programs in place that offer special savings. If you’re committed to investing in your skin, membership programs or treatment bundles are a great way to save some money. Additionally, subscribing to social media channels or email newsletters will keep you abreast of seasonal promotions and sales.

You can learn about our Facial Packages and Loyalty Perks here.

Conclusion: Achieve your best skin with a bespoke facial in Vancouver

Working with a skilled and trained professional is the surest way to enjoy complete confidence in your skin.

Consistency is key

Receiving treatments regularly and following a prescribed home-care routine with high quality ingredients will secure your results.

Knowledge is power

Along the journey, you will better understand your skin and feel empowered to make decisions that will help you achieve your goals.

If you’re ready to commit to your skin and see real results, we invite you to book a facial with us.