Keep in Mind That Not All Facials Are Created Equal
If it's a pricey facial, it's important to consider -- and inquire -- both about the protocol and the products being used. If a treatment relies on a relatively inexpensive product line and there are no extra bells and whistles, it's worth wondering whether it's really worth the steep price tag. Heather Mikesell, Executive Editor of American Spa magazine, says to ask the following questions: Does it incorporate an expensive device or piece of equipment? Does it require some special knowledge to perform it? Does it feature a pricey or rare ingredient? (FYI, there's a caveat to this, but more on that in a minute.) If not, it may just be more like a facial that you could DIY without spending so much cash.
To the same point, all of those extra masks and eye and lip treatments they'll ask if you want to add to the base price of the facial aren't always worth it. "If it's simply an application of a product, you might be better off just purchasing the product and applying it yourself," advises Mikesell.
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Think Twice About Certain Ingredients
"Some ingredients are definitely more fad than fab," says Mikesell, who points out that it's all about what can actually penetrate the skin to deliver real benefits. "While being slathered in chocolate certainly smells good, the skin benefits may be nominal. It might feel decadent to experience a 24-karat gold facial, but unless the ingredients are able to penetrate the skin, you're not going to see the results you want," she adds. More specifically, if a treatment calls out precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) or gems, it's absolutely worth inquiring as to what kind of delivery system is used to get them into the skin; otherwise, they can be a total waste of money.
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Remember That You're Not Just Paying for the Service
As a general rule, expect higher -- usually much higher -- prices at luxury resorts, which cater to high-end travelers who often don't think twice about splurging on expensive services, notes Mikesell. "You're paying not only for the treatment, but also for all the amenities that accompany it," she says. If you're OK with missing out on some of those admittedly fun extras (think: that cucumber-infused water and a plush robe), you can often find similarly good treatments at more basic spas for less money.
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Ask Questions About Injectables
More and more spas are now offering medical aesthetic services -- things like laser hair removal, Botox, fillers -- hence the term med spa. But regardless of what kind of spa it is, avoid getting suckered into a seemingly great deal without doing your due diligence. "In most states, these types of medical treatments legally require that either a doctor, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner perform them, not a nurse," notes Alex Theirsch, founder of The American Med Spa Association. Whether you're at a spa where these services cost a little or a lot, it's essential to first ask who is administering them and confirm their credentials before spending any money...and potentially putting your safety at risk.
