Everything You Need To Know About "Anti-Aging" Facials, From Experts

A ton of spa menus offer some version of an "anti-aging" facial—while there is nothing that can truly halt the aging process (and you shouldn't want to! Aging is living!), these facials target specific signs of aging so you can secure long-term skin health. What does this facial entail, exactly? So glad you asked—allow us to dive in below. 

Think firming or microcurrent to lift and tone, LED light (especially red LED light) to support elasticity, lymphatic drainage to improve circulation—it covers basically any common concerns someone with mature skin might have. 

Every aging facial looks a bit different, depending on what specific concerns you have, be it tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, or sagging. However, here are some of the most common services the pros will provide: 

"I always start by asking a lot of questions during the first few minutes of the facial, especially if it is the first time I am seeing the client. It's important for me to know things like how much someone is outdoors, if they are experiencing high levels of stress, and even sometimes what their diet is," says Juli Garrido, esthetician at Face Haus. "From there, I can make an informed decision when choosing between a chemical peel to improve texture and [ease] sun spots, microcurrent to address sagging skin, or cupping and gua sha for improved circulation and detoxification." 

Microdermabrasion is a micro-targeted exfoliation technique that involves crystals or a metal grit to suck debris from your skin—imagine a mini vacuum, suctioning up all the gunk. This method can help smooth skin texture and even tone, if you're hoping to address dark spots and signs of photoaging.     

You can read all about microcurrent facials here. 

Find everything you need to know about LED light therapy facials here. 

Find our full guide to lymphatic drainage facials here. 

Even those without specific skin aging concerns might want to dabble in this type of facial every once in a while. After all, addressing potential concerns early on is the key to warding off signs of aging for as long as possible. No, you cannot avoid fine lines and wrinkles forever, but you can delay their arrival, and early intervention "is so much more effective than waiting until after the effects of time and our environment begin to show up on the skin," Garrido adds. 

Other than that, it's best to consult your doctor if you have any lingering concerns or questions, especially if you're thinking about lymphatic drainage or microcurrent—remember, the lymphatic system is part of the immune system, and microcurrent devices deliver electrical pulses to the body. 

Finally, don't expect lasting results after just one session. "You will definitely notice a difference in the way your skin feels after your first treatment, but lasting change happens over time," says Garrido. Results are cumulative, which is why experts recommend you opt for a professional facial every four to six weeks if you can swing it. "It took years for these signs of a life well lived to emerge, so patience and consistency are the secret ingredients to great results," Garrido adds. 

And at the end of the day, it's also up to you to put in the work between facials. That said, you can address aging concerns (and see noticeable improvements) with your regular skin care routine. Think: retinol, AHAs, daily SPF, and powerful antioxidants. You may also want to consider daily beauty supplements to support the skin internally.* "As with anything in our bodies, it is what we do each day that makes the most difference," says Garrido. The facial just provides a bit of a boost. 

Aging facials are super general since they target a variety of skin aging concerns, and an esthetician might perform different services depending on what exactly you'd like to address. However, that means aging facials can provide tons of benefits, even for those who might not be dealing with signs of aging quite yet. If you don't think an aging facial is right for you (totally fine!), feel free to check out the six other types of facials to find the service best suited to your skin goals.