Skincare
A facial menu can be confusing: hydrating, brightening, calming, deep cleansing, gold, diamond. There’s no single “best” facial, only the one that suits your skin right now. This guide explains what generally happens in a facial, how to think about your skin, and which of our facials people with different concerns tend to choose. Every facial at Artisa Spa starts with a short consultation, so you don’t need to get it exactly right before you book.
What happens in a facial
Most facials include some or all of these steps, adjusted by your therapist to your skin on the day:
- Cleansing to lift away make-up, sunscreen and the day’s build-up.
- Exfoliation to remove dead surface cells.
- Extraction, only where needed and where suitable, to clear blocked pores.
- Facial massage, which most people find deeply relaxing.
- Mask and moisturiser chosen for what your skin needs.
The steps and products vary from facial to facial, which is why the consultation matters.
Start with how your skin behaves
Before choosing, think about how your skin usually feels:
- Does it feel tight after washing, or flaky in places? (often described as dry)
- Does it get shiny, with visible pores or blackheads? (oily or congested)
- Oilier in the T-zone, drier on the cheeks? (combination)
- Does it flush or react easily to new products? (sensitive)
- Has it lost some firmness, or does it simply look tired?
You don’t need a label. Tell your therapist what you notice and they’ll take it from there.
Dry or tight skin
Look for a facial built around hydration rather than intensive exfoliation. People with dry skin often choose the Hydrating Facial (60 minutes). For a lighter, regular option, the Cleansing & Moisturising Facial (45 minutes) focuses on cleansing and rebalancing moisture.
Oily or congested skin
Thorough cleansing and careful extraction are the priority. The Deep Cleansing Facial (60 minutes) is the usual choice. Oily skin still needs hydration, so a good deep cleansing facial finishes with a balancing moisturiser rather than skipping it. If you have breakouts, the Anti-Acne Facial (60 minutes) is chosen with blemish-prone skin in mind. For persistent or painful acne, see your GP or a dermatologist; a spa facial isn’t a medical treatment.
Combination skin
Combination skin does best when different areas are treated differently: clarifying steps where it’s oily, richer hydration where it’s dry. Mention it at your consultation. The Deep Cleansing or Cleansing & Moisturising Facial are good starting points.
Sensitive or reactive skin
Gentler is better. The Calming Facial and the Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Facial (both 60 minutes) are the options designed for sensitive skin. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, use prescription skincare, or have reacted to treatments before, tell us before you book; we may suggest a patch test first. We don’t give medical or dermatological advice, so for a skin condition please check with your GP or dermatologist as well.
Mature skin, or skin that’s lost some firmness
The Anti-Ageing Facial (60 minutes) is the one people usually choose for mature skin. Regular facials, spaced sensibly, tend to suit skin better than one intensive treatment followed by a long gap.
Dull or tired skin
When skin isn’t dry, oily or sensitive, just tired, people often choose the Brightening Facial (60 minutes). Our Gold Facial and Diamond Facial (60 minutes each) are popular when you’d like something a little more special before an event.
First facial? Start simply
There’s no need to begin with the longest option. The Express Facial (30 minutes) is a short, simple introduction that gives your therapist a chance to get to know your skin before suggesting anything more.
Facials for men
Every facial above is also available as a men’s facial, from the Men’s Express Facial to the Men’s Diamond Facial. They follow the same steps and products as the equivalent facial, adjusted to your skin. Choose Men’s Facials when you book and the form shows the therapists who provide your chosen treatment.
Quick reference
| What you notice | Facials people often choose | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Tight, dry or flaky | Hydrating; Cleansing & Moisturising | 60 / 45 min |
| Shiny, blackheads, congestion | Deep Cleansing | 60 min |
| Breakouts | Anti-Acne | 60 min |
| Combination | Deep Cleansing or Cleansing & Moisturising | 60 / 45 min |
| Sensitive, flushes easily | Calming; Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing | 60 min |
| Loss of firmness | Anti-Ageing | 60 min |
| Dull or tired | Brightening; Gold; Diamond | 60 min |
| First facial | Express | 30 min |
Beyond the face
The same idea of cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating applies to the body. A Back Facial (60 minutes) looks after an area that’s hard to reach yourself, and you can add a facial to a Body Scrub (scrub and massage) in one appointment: see Body & Skincare.
Getting the most from your facial
General guidance:
- Arrive with little or no make-up if you can.
- Pause strong actives such as retinol or exfoliating acids for a day or two before and after, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
- Try to leave your skin make-up-free for a few hours afterwards.
- Use SPF, especially after any exfoliation.
Adding an Eyebrow Tint (15 minutes) to your visit is an easy way to finish the look.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which facial I need?
Start with how your skin behaves day to day, then book the closest match. Your therapist assesses your skin at the consultation and can adjust the treatment, so you don’t need to be certain.
How often should I have a facial?
Many people come every four to six weeks; your therapist can suggest what suits your skin. If you plan to come regularly, a specialised facial course lowers the price per session.
Can I wear make-up after a facial?
It’s best to wait a few hours. If you need to go straight out, keep it light.
Are facials suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, with the right approach. Choose the Calming or Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Facial, and tell us about any sensitivities, allergies or skin conditions when you book.
Do I need to prepare?
Not much: come with clean, make-up-light skin and pause strong actives for a day or two beforehand.
