What skin treatments include
Skin treatments is a broad label. At most med spas it covers four kinds of service: facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and light-based skin treatments. Each one works on the skin's surface or just below it, and each comes in many versions.
A facial usually means cleansing, exfoliation, a mask and sometimes extraction. A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin for a set time, in strengths that run from light to deeper. Microneedling uses a device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer. Light-based treatments use devices that send light energy into the skin.
Which of these, if any, suits you is a decision for a licensed provider at a consultation.
Things to mention even if nobody asks
Some details are easy to forget at a consultation but matter for skin treatments. Mention them to the provider:
- a history of cold sores, since some treatments can trigger them
- raised or thick scars from past injuries
- any recent waxing, threading or hair removal cream on the area
- a peel, laser or microneedling session elsewhere in recent months
- new skin care products, especially strong acids or vitamin A creams
- a planned vacation in the sun soon after
A licensed provider uses these to decide what is suitable and when.
Write it down before you go
Consultations can move quickly, and it is easy to forget a question once you are in the chair. Writing a few notes beforehand helps.
Start with what you want to ask about: a spot, a texture, a tone, a treatment you read about. Then add your health basics: conditions, medicines, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Finish with your questions, such as how many visits people usually have and what aftercare involves.
When you send a consultation request on this site, a short version of the first part is enough. Keep the rest for the consultation itself.
Questions about skin treatments
Which skin treatment is right for me?
That is a question for a licensed provider at a consultation. They look at your skin type and tone, your health history, your medicines and what you want to ask about, then say what is suitable, if anything. You can send a consultation request without choosing a treatment first.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses a handheld device with very fine needles to make tiny punctures in the outer layer of the skin. A numbing cream is often applied first, and some providers pair it with a topical product. Who may perform it depends on state rules. A licensed provider decides whether it is suitable for you.
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.
Ask your questions first. A local provider can contact you by phone, text or email.
Ask a providerMore consultation topics
Wrinkle relaxers and fillers
Send a request to ask a licensed provider about injectables. Who may give them is set by state law.
Laser consults
Laser hair removal usually takes a series of sessions. A provider can explain what that may look like for you.
Ask about body treatments
Curious about non-surgical body contouring? Request a consultation with a provider in or near Little Rock.