Facial treatments explained

These days there are many technologies and techniques that may be used during a proper facial, and it can be hard to keep them straight, especially if your spa is trying to talk you into paying more for them. At Wild Bird Beauty, we’re proud to include all of the latest treatments in the price, so we can focus on just doing what’s best for your skin. I’ve put together this cheat sheet of some of the treatments I rely on most often. 

Microderm

What: A lovely little vacuum tool that sucks away dead skin and stimulates collagen. However, traditional microderm works by essentially sand-blasting the skin with aluminum oxide crystals, which creates a mess of particulates. The more modern approach, which is the one that I use, works with a diamond-tipped wand that gently removes dead skin, evens and brightens, and allows for excellent product penetration. 

For: Microderm is a great, high-end treatment that’s particularly effective on scarring and pigmentation. It typically comes with major upgrade fees at most other spas. 

Not for: Women during pregnancy, people with sensitive skin, or if you have a sunburn. Note that you should not be getting this treatment 5 days before or after a sunny vacation. 

Dermaplaning

What: A manual procedure where I use a medical-grade scalpel to gently remove dead skin and especially peach fuzz. It mitigates imperfections and acne scars. 

For: People who want to remove peach fuzz without having to wax, which can be painful, break capillaries, and make your skin sensitive. With dermaplaning, the hair does NOT grow back thicker. 

Not for: People with an event in 2 days or less, as it will make your skin sensitive. 

Enzyme Peel

What: An exfoliation technique where I apply enzymes to gently eat away dead skin. There are different types of enzymes that are commonly used like lactic acid and salicylic acid. The treatment is great at stimulating collagen growth and creating fresh, healthy skin. I particularly love the Yuzu Peel from Savor Beauty that I offer, which uses salicylic acid as the active ingredient. It smells great too - a lemonade on a warm day. 

For: Peels are great for all types of skin of all ages, and those who are too sensitive for microderm. It’s very effective at fixing congestion and breakouts.

Not for: Women during pregnancy, however the cherry peel that I offer DOES work during pregnancy as it’s non-acidic and is great at stimulating cell turnover. 

High Frequency

What: A machine with a glass electrode that applies a small electrical current that oxygenates the skin and increases circulation. Think of this as the magic eraser for problem areas. It tackles scars, blemishes, burns, dark eyes, and more. It’s fabulous at killing bacteria and healing breakouts. I love to use it after making extractions to make sure everything is clean and tight again. 

For: Anyone. It’s a staple of the treatments I do at Wild Bird. 

Not for: Women during pregnancy. 

Microcurrent

What: Another machine that uses mild electrical current to tighten and lift skin. If High Frequency is like a magic eraser, microcurrent is like the gym for your face. It increases circulation and elastin, and no, it doesn’t hurt. 

For: I love it for almost everyone as a common part of my treatments.

Not for: Women during pregnancy or anyone with metal in the upper part of their body.

Lymphatic Facial Massage

What: A manual treatment, or massage, that drains the buildup of lymphatic fluids in the face. It gently pushes toxins out of your lymphatic nodes, and even helps with reducing breakouts.

For: Everyone

Not for: There are no limitations, but I try to avoid it if I’ve done a lot of extractions, because your skin will be very sensitive. 

LED Therapy

What: LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. This treatment uses light to stimulate collagen and trigger cell growth. The machine that I use at Wild Bird is the Celluma, based on technology developed by NASA. I call it my little time machine. It reduces fine lines and other signs of aging. 

For: Everyone. As you can see, it looks super cool and I recommend it to most clients.

Not for: No restrictions