Types of Facials in Melbourne: Full Breakdown

December 21, 2025

Types of facials in Melbourne can feel confusing fast.
Every salon claims their facial is “custom”, “advanced”, or “results-driven”.
I’ve tried, reviewed, and compared facials across Melbourne suburbs to understand what actually works, who each facial is for, and which ones are a waste of money.
This guide gives you a clear, practical breakdown so you can choose the right facial without guesswork.

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What a facial actually does (and what it doesn’t)

A facial is not magic.
It won’t permanently fix skin in one session.
What it does well is reset, support, and correct when used properly.

A good facial can:

Improve texture and hydration
Reduce congestion and inflammation
Support barrier repair
Enhance the results of home care

A bad facial just feels nice and changes nothing.

Classic facial

The classic facial is the baseline option in Melbourne salons.

What it usually includes:

Cleanse
Light exfoliation
Steam or softening step
Manual extractions
Mask
Moisturising finish

Best for:

First-time facial clients
Low-maintenance skin
General upkeep

Limitations:
Results are subtle and short-term.

Hydrating facial

Hydrating facials are extremely popular in Melbourne due to climate and air conditioning.

Focus areas:

Dehydrated skin
Tightness
Dull tone

Key ingredients often include:

Hyaluronic acid
Ceramides
Glycerin

Best for professionals who need low downtime and instant comfort.

Deep cleansing facial

This facial targets congestion and clogged pores.

What to expect:

Stronger exfoliation
More extractions
Focus on oil flow and pore clearing

Best for:

Oily or acne-prone skin
People wearing makeup daily

Not ideal right before events due to redness risk.

Enzyme facial

Enzyme facials use fruit or bio-enzymes instead of acids.

Why they’re popular in Melbourne:

Gentler than peels
Suitable for sensitive skin
Minimal downtime

Best for:

Sensitive or reactive skin
First-time exfoliation clients

Results are gradual but safe.

Chemical peel facial

Chemical peels are often misunderstood.

They use controlled acids to accelerate skin renewal.

Common peel types:

Lactic
Glycolic
Salicylic
Mandelic

Best for:

Pigmentation
Acne
Uneven texture

Downtime varies.
Always ask before booking mid-week.

LED light therapy facial

LED facials use light wavelengths to support skin repair.

Common benefits:

Red light for inflammation and ageing
Blue light for acne bacteria

LED is rarely effective alone.
It works best as an add-on to other facials.

Microdermabrasion facial

Microdermabrasion mechanically exfoliates the skin.

What it improves:

Rough texture
Mild pigmentation
Surface dullness

It’s effective but outdated for sensitive skin.
Many Melbourne salons now prefer gentler alternatives.

Oxygen facial

Oxygen facials are popular before events.

What they do:

Temporarily plump the skin
Boost circulation
Improve short-term glow

They are cosmetic, not corrective.
Think polish, not repair.

Acne facial

Acne facials are structured and targeted.

They focus on:

Bacteria control
Safe extractions
Inflammation management

Good acne facials include home care education.
Without that, results won’t last.

Anti-ageing facial

Anti-ageing facials are preventative, not reversing.

They usually involve:

Peptides
Antioxidants
Massage or LED

Best for:

Early signs of ageing
Maintenance

They won’t replace injectables or long-term routines.

Custom facial

Custom facials vary widely by salon.

A real custom facial includes:

Skin analysis
Treatment adjustment during session
Product changes based on response

If a “custom facial” is pre-set, it’s not truly custom.

Express facial

Express facials are designed for speed.

Typical duration:

30 minutes

Best for:

Lunch breaks
Maintenance between full treatments

They skip massage and extras to focus on essentials.

Men’s facial

Men’s facials focus on function, not fluff.

Common goals:

Oil control
Ingrown hair reduction
Texture improvement

Melbourne salons increasingly offer gender-neutral facial menus.

Sensitive skin facial

Sensitive facials prioritise barrier repair.

Key features:

No aggressive exfoliation
Minimal heat or steam
Calming ingredients

Ideal for rosacea-prone or reactive skin.

Pregnancy-safe facial

These avoid restricted ingredients.

Focus areas:

Hydration
Calmness
Safety

Always confirm ingredient lists before booking.

How often should you get a facial

Most Melbourne therapists recommend:

Every 4–6 weeks for correction
Every 6–8 weeks for maintenance

More is not always better.

Choosing the right facial for your skin

Ask yourself:

What is my main concern
How much downtime can I handle
Do I want correction or maintenance

Avoid choosing based on trends alone.

What to avoid when booking facials

Red flags include:

Guaranteed instant results
One-size-fits-all menus
Heavy upselling without explanation

Good salons educate first.

Internal guides worth reading next

If you want suburb-specific insights, these help:

FAQs about types of facials in Melbourne

What is the most popular facial in Melbourne
Hydrating and deep cleansing facials.

Are chemical peels safe
Yes, when performed correctly.

Do facials actually improve skin
Yes, with consistency.

How long do facial results last
Typically 2–4 weeks.

Are expensive facials better
Not always.

Can men get the same facials
Yes.

Is LED worth it
As a supplement, yes.

Are express facials effective
For maintenance, yes.

Can facials help acne
Yes, as part of a routine.

How do I choose the right facial
Base it on skin concerns, not trends.

Final thoughts

Types of facials in Melbourne range from cosmetic quick fixes to serious corrective treatments.
The best facial is the one matched to your skin, schedule, and goals.
Once you understand what each facial actually does, choosing becomes simple.

Book your visit at your preferred Lotik location from here.

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