Facial treatments

What is a facial and how does it work?

A facial works on the outer skin layers, without injections, in several steps:

• Cleansing and exfoliation – enzymes or mild acids (AHA, BHA, PHA) remove dead cells; mechanical cleansing extracts blackheads by hand.
• Active ingredients – serums and masks with vitamin C, low-strength retinol, niacinamide, peptides or hyaluronic acid; in pHformula facials a delivery complex (PH-DVC) carries them deeper without visible peeling.
• Carboxytherapy – a gel and mask react on the skin and release a controlled amount of carbon dioxide, without injections.
• Device facial – OlyLife combines radiofrequency warmth (RF) with gentle muscle stimulation (EMS).

Facials at Melior Clinics

• pHformula M.E.L.A. – pigmentation and melasma.
• pHformula C.R. – redness, rosacea, sensitive skin.
• pHformula A.C.N.E. – acne and oily skin.
• pHformula A.G.E. – signs of ageing and sun damage.
• pHformula V.I.T.A. C – dull, tired skin.
• Mechanical facial cleansing – blackheads and clogged pores.
• eKseption acid facial – AHA, BHA and PHA acids.
• Carboxytherapy – CO₂-releasing gel and mask.
• V Metall facial – AHA peel and a mask with platinum, silver and diamond polypeptides.
• SKEYNDOR: Corrective deep-wrinkle facial and revitalising and firming facial.
• Natura Bissé: Vitamin C facial and Red Carpet facial.
• OlyLife Face Lift & Tone – RF + EMS device facial.
• Prices – the full price list.

Stand-alone peels such as BioRePeelCl3 and PRX-T33 are under Chemical peels.

What happens during a facial?

The specialist first assesses your skin and asks about medicines (especially topical retinoids and antibiotics), allergies and recent treatments. Make-up is removed at the clinic.

• Duration: usually 45–60 minutes; SKEYNDOR up to 90, OlyLife about 20.
• How it feels: usually relaxing; actives may tingle or feel warm, and mechanical cleansing can be uncomfortable in places.
• Sessions: pHformula facials are usually a course of 3–6, mostly 2–4 weeks apart; carboxytherapy 4–6 sessions once or twice a week; V Metall 4–6 sessions weekly. Mechanical cleansing is usually repeated monthly.

Who should not have a facial?

• acute skin inflammation, infection or an active cold sore;
• open wounds, damaged skin or sunburn;
• allergy to the ingredients;
• fever or an acute viral illness;
• a recent chemical peel or laser treatment (usually a 1–2 week gap);
• pregnancy and breastfeeding for pHformula, eKseption and SKEYNDOR facials; others are assessed individually.

OlyLife is not done with a pacemaker or another active electronic implant. The final decision is made by the specialist at the consultation.

After the facial

The skin may be slightly pink, warm, sensitive or dry for a few days; redness after mechanical cleansing can also last a few days. At least SPF 30 is needed daily, and saunas and hard exercise are best avoided on the day. After acid-based facials, acids, retinol and home scrubs are avoided for 5–7 days, and tanning for at least a week.

Frequently asked questions

Which facial is right for my skin?

It depends: pHformula M.E.L.A. for pigmentation, C.R. for redness and sensitivity, A.C.N.E. or mechanical cleansing for acne. The specialist chooses after assessing your skin.

Can I wear make-up after a facial?

After most facials the skin is left to rest for a few hours up to a day; light make-up is fine if needed. The specialist will advise.

How is a facial different from injection treatments?

A facial works on the surface, cleansing, exfoliating and delivering actives without needles; injection treatments place a product into or below the skin. Both can be part of one plan, usually 1–2 weeks apart.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, Stockmann department store, 5th floor.