I have a good friend with luscious luminous skin who years ago received the trusted advice that, starting at the age of thirty, women should get a facial once a month. She’s been following that advice ever since and it sure seems to be working for her. And this is a woman who uses good old fashioned inexpensive Noxema for her home care.

According to experts in the field and several estheticians that we consulted, getting a facial every four to six weeks is ideal. That’s how long it takes for your skin to regenerate new skin cells. There isn’t much point to getting them more often unless you have a specific concern, like severe acne. In that case, a dermatologist may recommend more frequent facials until the problem subsides.

Receiving a good facial will serve not only to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin but provides on opportunity to have your skin analyzed and learn about what home care will keep your skin looking its best. We recommend facials that include microdermabrasion or some other form of thorough exfoliation, like a glycolic peel.

We think your facial should be from a medi-spa and have more of a dermatological focus, rather than be relaxation oriented. For relaxation, get a massage. For the best in skin care, seek out an esthestician who will focus on the outcome, which may include some discomfort, like peels that tingle and extractions that hurt.

There are several advantages to establishing a relationship with a regular esthetician. That person will become very familiar with your skin type and skin issues or challenges. He or she will be able to make recommendations and then follow up to see how your skin responds. We recommend that you try a few facialists until you find one that you click with and who isn’t just pushing product. Ask friends, your dermatologist or even a stranger or an acquaintance you meet, who has great skin, if they have someone they’d recommend.

Your facialist will likely assign you a good home care routine. We don’t think you need to buy products exclusively from where you receive your facial, as they may be on the priciest end of the spectrum. You should however pay close attention to what they use and recommend and then seek out products like that in your price range from other sources.

Investing in a good at home mask for your skin type, will provide you with that extra boost in between facials. Masks are for the face what deep conditioners are for the hair. They will turbo rehydrate your skin. Some of the masks we like are: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask , $52, DDF-Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, $34. If you wish to take it easier on the wallet, you could try a soothing homemade Matcha Green Tea mask or a Spicy Tumeric Mask.

So, going back to the original question: how often should you get a facial? If your budget allows you to go once a month, great. If not, try to go at least four times per year at the change of each season. If you can give up a new pair of shoes every now and then to put the money into your face instead, we endorse that decision.

If you’re like us, there will come an age when warding off wrinkles and looking fresh will become more of a priority to you than the latest shoe or handbag trend. Or as Joan Rivers says: “Put your money into your face. I’d rather see a young face get out of an old car, than an old face get out of a new car”. Sounds reasonable to us. But please, let’s not take it as far as Joan does…

 Melissa Sebastien

Editor, www.allingoodface.com