A relaxing facial can be incredibly refreshing. However, if your goal is to address specific skin concerns—such as acne, pigmentation, inflammation, uneven texture, early signs of aging, or recovery from procedures—then achieving noticeable improvement requires the use of medical-grade ingredients, carefully designed clinical protocols, and tailored treatments.
In this context, the term "medical" is not merely a marketing term; it signifies a higher standard of care that is based on professional expertise, safety measures, and a strategic focus on long-term skin health. In the U.S., skincare and devices fall under specific regulatory categories. For example, the FDA defines the difference between a cosmetic and a drug primarily based on its intended use and the claims made about it. It does not recognize marketing categories like “cosmeceutical.”
At Surface MedSpa + Wellness, our facials are developed and delivered under the direction of Dr. Joel Beck, a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of advanced surgical and clinical experience. Let’s break down what actually makes a facial “medical,” what a spa facial is best for, and how we can help you choose the right one for your goals.
What a Spa Facial Does Well
A spa facial is usually designed around:
- Relaxation
- Temporary glow
- Basic cleansing/exfoliation
- Comfort and sensory experience
For many people, a spa facial is often a great choice if:
- Your skin is stable
- You’re not trying to treat a specific condition
- You simply want to feel refreshed
Of course, they have their limitations. Spa facials typically aren’t built for deeper clinical concerns, such as:
- Persistent acne
- Melasma tendencies
- Reactive redness/rosacea
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk
- Post-procedure recovery
What Makes a Facial “Medical”
Clinical skin assessment
A true medical facial starts with analysis
- We’ll assess your skin type, barrier status, sensitivity triggers, pigment risk, acne pattern, inflammation, and what you’re doing at home
- Medical assessment is crucial for avoiding aggressive treatment of “dryness” when it’s actually a barrier disruption, or chasing “brightness” when you’re prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation
Medical oversight
In a medical setting, treatments are chosen and sequenced with a stronger safety framework, especially when you’re combining modalities
- Outpatient healthcare settings such as ours follow foundational safety expectations like hand hygiene, instrument processing, and environmental cleaning
- In North Carolina specifically, the cosmetic arts are regulated under state law
- That matters because it’s one reason where you go—and who is supervising what—is part of what makes a facial legitimately “medical”
Access to medical devices and higher-risk modalities
Many modern “facial” outcomes are driven by technology, such as hydradermabrasion systems, energy-based devices, and microneedling variants
- The FDA maintains pathways for medical device authorization and clearances
- Microneedling is a prime example of why oversight matters; the FDA has legally authorized specific microneedling devices for particular uses and has also issued safety communications about risks associated with specific uses of RF microneedling
- In North Carolina, the Medical Board has published guidance that energy-based treatments aren’t “spa-level” when they cross into medical procedure territory
Integration with a long-term treatment plan
- A spa facial often stands alone
- A medical facial is usually designed to prepare skin before lasers, peels, or injectables, or to calm and rebuild after a procedure
- Medical facials help you maintain results over time and improve consistency and predictability month to month
- That continuity is where real skin change happens
Which One Do You Need?
A spa facial may be perfect if you want:
- Relaxation and stress relief
- A short-term glow for an event
- Basic maintenance when your skin is stable
However, a medical facial is usually the smarter move if you have:
- Persistent acne or congestion
- Pigmentation concerns or uneven tone
- Sensitivity, inflammation, or redness/rosacea tendencies
- Post-surgical or post-procedure skin needs
- A goal that requires a plan (not just a single visit)
Not Sure Which Facial Is Right for You? Surface MedSpa is Here to Help.
A facial is considered “medical” when it is performed with clinical expertise in a regulated medical environment and is tailored specifically to your individual needs. This approach considers your unique skin biology, risk factors, and long-term objectives. Achieving this level of care is not accidental—it requires specialized training, oversight, and a thorough understanding of how the skin responds to various treatments. That's precisely what we are here to provide.
If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level treatments and seek a facial experience grounded in medical expertise and tangible results, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation with our team today.
