What’s the Difference Between Clinical Facials and Spa Facials?
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a real difference between a spa facial and a clinical facial, you’re not alone. While both offer moments of self-care and skin nourishment, they serve very different purposes — especially when it comes to results.
What is a Spa Facial?
Spa facials are designed for relaxation and short-term skin refreshment. Think of them as a luxurious break for your skin, often involving gentle exfoliation, steam, masks, and massage. While they can leave you glowing for a few days, they typically don’t address long-term skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, or ageing.
What is a Clinical Facial?
A clinical facial, on the other hand, is performed by a qualified dermal clinician in a medical-grade environment. These treatments are tailored to your skin’s specific concerns and often include active ingredients, advanced devices, and evidence-based protocols.
At Platinum Cosmetics, our clinical facials go beyond surface-level care. We use diagnostic tools to assess your skin, and our clinicians may incorporate modalities such as:
Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels
LED light therapy
Clinical-grade masks
Enzyme exfoliation
What Skin Concerns Can Clinical Facials Help With?
Congestion and breakouts
Uneven skin tone or texture
Dullness or dehydration
Sensitivity or redness
Early signs of ageing
These facials are ideal for preparing the skin ahead of more advanced treatments like laser rejuvenation or skin needling, and they’re especially effective when paired with a consistent at-home routine.
SkinCeuticals Support Between Facials
Our team often recommends SkinCeuticals products to help maintain results between in-clinic treatments. Some client favourites include:
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser – Perfect for gently removing dead skin cells and maintaining clarity post-treatment.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel – Ideal for calming redness and supporting hydration in sensitive skin.
SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair – A top choice after clinical treatments to support barrier repair and healing.
Explore our full SkinCeuticals collection here.
Book a Clinical Facial in Port Melbourne
Whether you’re looking to refresh your skin or take a more targeted approach to a skin concern, a clinical facial might be the right fit. Our experienced clinicians can assess your skin and recommend the best combination of treatments and home care for your goals.
Visit our Contact page to book your consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic.