Where skin treatments fit among med spa services
A med spa usually offers four groups of services: skin treatments, injectables, laser hair removal and body treatments. Skin treatments are the group aimed at the skin itself, mostly on the face, neck and hands.
Inside that group you will usually find:
- facials of different kinds
- chemical peels in a range of strengths
- microneedling, sometimes paired with a topical product
- light-based treatments such as intense pulsed light or LED
Some people ask about one treatment by name. Others only know what is bothering them about their skin. Either is a fine place to start a consultation request, and a licensed provider takes it from there.
A short checklist for the provider's side
When you sit down for a skin consultation, expect the licensed provider to work through a quiet checklist. Skin type and tone. Current concerns. Health conditions, especially anything affecting the skin or healing. Medicines and supplements. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Recent sun or tanning. Past treatments and any reactions.
From that, they decide which treatments are reasonable to discuss, which to rule out, and which to leave for later. You can ask to hear their reasoning. If something on the list does not apply to you, say so. If something worries you, ask before agreeing to anything.
Getting ready for a skin consultation
A little preparation makes a skin consultation more useful. Before you go:
- Write down what you want to ask about, in your own words.
- List your medicines, creams and supplements, with doses if you know them.
- Note any past peels, facials, microneedling or light treatments, and roughly when.
- Write down any reactions you have had to products or treatments.
- Check your calendar for events or sunny trips in the weeks ahead.
Ask the provider whether to come with a bare face or whether makeup is fine. Bring your list and your questions, and keep a pen handy for the answers.
Questions about skin treatments
What is the difference between a facial and a chemical peel?
A facial is a hands-on service built around cleansing, exfoliation and masks. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that range from light to deeper. Peels usually come with more specific aftercare. A provider can explain which, if either, suits your skin.
What are light-based skin treatments?
They are treatments that use a device to deliver light to the skin, such as intense pulsed light or LED panels. Settings and devices differ, and some are less suitable for deeper skin tones or recently tanned skin. A licensed provider looks at your skin and history before suggesting one.
Should I avoid the sun before a skin treatment?
Many providers ask you to avoid tanning, sunburn and self-tanner before peels and light-based treatments, since recent sun can change what they are willing to do. Ask the office for its own instructions before your visit, and mention any recent sun at the consultation.
A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you. Send a request to begin that conversation.
Request a consultMore consultation topics
Injectables
Rules on who can give injectables are set by South Carolina. A consultation with a licensed provider comes first.
Laser sessions
Curious about laser hair removal? Request a consultation with a provider in or near Charleston and ask your questions.
Body consultation
Start with questions. A provider can talk through visits, aftercare and cost before anything is planned.