The 7 Most Common Types of Facials

Let’s be real: a professional facial is a top-tier luxury. It’s an hour of blissful pampering that leaves you looking like you just chugged a gallon of unicorn tears. But the cost? And the scheduling? Not so blissful.

So, what’s a glow-obsessed person to do? You bring the spa home, obviously. The world of at-home treatments has exploded, and in 2026, the tools are so good, your esthetician might get jealous. But first, you have to know what you’re even trying to do.

Here are the most common types of facials you can get in a salon, and more importantly, how to mimic the results from your very own bathroom.

 

 

The Best Facial Types for Pro-Level Skin

Forget generic facials. It’s all about targeting your specific skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with dullness, fine lines, or clogged pores, there’s a treatment for that.

 

 

1. The Deep-Cleansing Facial (aka The HydraFacial)

If your pores feel more like craters, a deep-cleansing facial is your calling. Think of it as a power washer for your face. These treatments use a vortex-like suction to pull out gunk while simultaneously pushing hydrating serums into your skin. You leave looking impossibly clean and dewy.

And yes, you can get that same pore-purging satisfaction at home.

 

 

Shark FacialPro Glow

The Shark FacialPro Glow will set you back $349, but it’s a worthy investment for anyone addicted to that post-extraction clean feeling. This device mimics a professional HydraFacial by using powerful suction to clear out pores while its hydrating cycle infuses skin with moisture for an immediate glow.

Reviewers are obsessed with how bright and radiant their skin looks after just one use. The Depuffi attachment is a standout feature, using hot and cold therapy to soothe skin and reduce puffiness. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

The Downside: That price tag is steep, so it’s definitely a splurge for the serious skincare devotee.

 

 

2. The Exfoliating Facial (aka Microdermabrasion)

Got texture? Dullness? Flaky patches? Microdermabrasion is your best friend. This facial physically buffs away the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the smoother, brighter skin hiding underneath. It’s incredibly effective for softening texture and helping your other products absorb better.

 

 

PMD Personal Microderm Classic

For $219, the PMD Personal Microderm Classic brings the power of professional exfoliation home. It uses diamond-coated tips and suction to literally sand away dead skin. You can see the proof on the filter when you’re done—it’s both disgusting and deeply satisfying.

Users report that with consistent use, their skin is dramatically smoother and dry patches are a thing of the past. It’s a powerhouse for tackling uneven texture and even softening the appearance of old scars over time.

The Downside: It can be a little slow if you’re trying to cover large areas like your chest or back.

 

 

3. The Sculpting Facial (aka Microcurrent)

Often called a “non-invasive facelift,” a microcurrent facial is like a workout for your face. It uses a low-level electrical current to stimulate and retrain the muscles, resulting in a lifted, toned, and more contoured appearance. The results are instant, but they’re also cumulative.

 

 

NuFACE Trinity+

The NuFACE Trinity+ costs a cool $395, and it’s the gold standard for at-home microcurrent. This FDA-cleared device delivers a noticeable lift to your brows, jawline, and cheekbones after just one five-minute session. Seriously, you’ll look snatched.

People love it for the instant gratification, but the real magic happens with consistency. Use it a few times a week, and you’ll see lasting contouring effects. It also has a red light therapy attachment option to help boost collagen.

The Downside: You have to use a conductive gel with it for the microcurrent to work, which is an ongoing separate purchase.

 

 

4. The Brightening Peel (aka The Chemical Peel)

Don’t let the word “chemical” scare you. A light chemical peel uses acids like AHAs and BHAs to dissolve the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. It’s a fantastic way to fade dark spots, smooth fine lines, and give your skin a major radiance boost without any physical scrubbing.

 

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

At $88 for a 30-day supply, these iconic two-step peel pads from Dr. Dennis Gross are a cult favorite for a reason. They deliver a perfect dose of multiple acids to exfoliate, tone, and brighten without any of the irritation you might expect from a peel.

They are unbelievably easy to use—just swipe step one, wait two minutes, then swipe step two. Lab tests confirmed they improve skin texture and reduce bacteria, and testers agree that their skin tone looks more even and lines are less visible. They’re a no-brainer for daily rejuvenation.

The Downside: Since they’re daily-use pads, the cost of refills adds up over the year.

 

 

5. The LED Light Therapy Facial

This high-tech facial uses different wavelengths of light to treat skin concerns. Red light is the star for stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation, making it amazing for anti-aging. Blue light, on the other hand, kills acne-causing bacteria, making it a go-to for breakout-prone skin.

You can get this done in a salon, but at-home masks and wands have become incredibly popular and effective. It’s the easiest facial ever—you just sit there and let the light do its work.

 

 

6. The Classic European Facial

This is the OG of facials. It’s the foundational treatment that includes all the hits: a double cleanse, steam, gentle extractions, a long and luxurious facial massage, and a targeted mask. It’s less about intense technology and more about classic techniques.

A Classic European is perfect for maintenance and relaxation. It’s a total reset for your skin and your mind. You’ll leave feeling clean, balanced, and completely zen.

 

 

7. The Oxygen Facial

Want that instant, red-carpet plumpness? An oxygen facial is the answer. This treatment involves a machine that sprays highly concentrated molecules of oxygen right into your skin, infused with skin-loving serums packed with vitamins and botanicals.

The effect is immediate: skin looks plumper, more hydrated, and ridiculously glowy. It’s the ultimate special-event prep for when you need to look your absolute best, right now.

 

 

So, What’s the Best Facial Type for You?

Honestly, it all depends on your main goal. If you’re fighting dullness and texture, start with some form of exfoliation like microdermabrasion or a peel. If you’re seeing sagging or a loss of definition, microcurrent is going to be your new obsession.

For clogged pores and general grime, a deep-cleansing facial will work wonders. And if you just want to relax and maintain healthy skin, you can never go wrong with a classic treatment.

The best part is that you don’t have to choose just one. You can mix and match at-home treatments to create a custom routine that keeps your skin guessing—and glowing.