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Research

Understanding the Difference: Medical Grade Facials vs Traditional Facials

By: Our Team

4/3/2025

Medical-grade facials are designed to be more advanced and tailored than traditional spa facials. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them stand out:

Expertise and Professionalism

Medical-grade facials are performed by licensed skincare specialists or estheticians with advanced training, often with additional certifications in medical aesthetics. This ensures they have a deeper understanding of skin anatomy, conditions, and the science behind effective treatments.

Traditional facials, on the other hand, are often performed by estheticians with general skincare knowledge, and while they can provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, they may not address specific skin concerns as deeply or scientifically.


Customization and Targeted Treatments

Medical-grade facials are highly customized and tailored specifically to address individual skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation, aging, and uneven texture. The provider conducts a thorough assessment of your skin, looking at factors like skin type, texture, concerns, and overall health. Based on this, they design a facial to target your specific needs with more potent ingredients and techniques.

Traditional facials are less customized, focusing on relaxation and general skin maintenance (basic cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration), without the depth of analysis or targeted treatment. The products used are generally not as specialized or powerful.


Use of Advanced Tools and Ingredients

Medical-grade facials often incorporate advanced tools and techniques and medical-grade products that you wouldn’t typically find in a regular spa. These might include chemical peels, microneedling, or LED therapy. These treatments are designed to enhance the skin's absorption of active ingredients and stimulate collagen production.

Traditional facials tend to rely more on hands-on techniques like massage, steaming, and light exfoliation, without these advanced medical technologies. The treatments focus more on hydration, exfoliation, and relaxation with lower-potency ingredients.


Longer-lasting Results

Due to the advanced treatments and targeted ingredients, medical-grade facials tend to provide longer-lasting and more noticeable results, as well as longer-lasting improvements in skin health.  This could include improving texture, reducing wrinkles, and brightening skin. The products used work at a cellular level, which can lead to more permanent changes over time. 

Traditional facials often offer immediate skin rejuvenation and relaxation but may not address deeper skin concerns or provide long-term skin improvement.


Professional Guidance

Medical-grade facials are typically administered by licensed professionals, such as dermatologists, estheticians, or doctors, who are trained to work with medical-grade products. They can provide more in-depth advice and treatment options for skin issues.

Traditional facials are generally performed by estheticians in spas, with a focus on relaxation and cosmetic care, rather than addressing specific medical or dermatological issues.



When it comes to skincare, investing in medical-grade treatments, such as ZO Skin Health, can make a world of difference. With the right expertise and customized care, you can achieve glowing, healthy skin that lasts. Trust the team at West End Aesthetics to help you look and feel your best.


* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.