Nobody’s Having Facials Anymore – They’re Just Having Procedures.

Misia
May 28
3 min read

Updated: May 29

Why We Need to Reclaim the Art of the Facial.

woman having hands-on facial with organic skincare brand Estime&Sens

We’re living in a world where “results” have become the holy grail. Scroll through Instagram and you’ll see more before-and-after shots of injectable procedures, laser treatments, and skin-tightening machines than you will of anyone simply enjoying a facial. Somewhere along the way, facials became the underdog of the skincare world – dismissed as indulgent, outdated, or “not enough.”

But here’s the truth: facials aren’t gone. They’ve just been overshadowed by procedures that promise quicker, more dramatic change. And while there’s absolutely a place for those treatments – especially when guided safely by professionals – something is being lost in the rush for instant transformation. Something deeply human.

Let’s take a look at what’s really going on – and what we might be missing when we swap facials for procedures.

The Allure of the Procedure

Let’s face it (no pun intended), aesthetic procedures can deliver visible results. Whether it’s microneedling, skin boosters, injectables or lasers, these tools can soften lines, lift contours, and improve skin texture. They're powerful, and when used correctly, can play a valuable role in a modern skincare journey.

But the danger lies in thinking they are all we need.

What We’re Missing When We Ditch the Facial

1. The Power of Human Touch A machine can’t replicate the healing, grounding experience of someone placing warm hands on your skin with care and intention. Human touch has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system – which helps you rest, restore and repair. In other words, a good facial doesn’t just treat your skin – it rebalances your whole nervous system.

2. Ritual and Resilience Facials create space. Space to pause, breathe, reflect. When you commit to monthly facials, you're not just committing to better skin – you’re creating a ritual that builds inner and outer resilience. It’s an act of reclaiming time for yourself in a world that constantly demands you be everything to everyone.

3. Connection Your facialist isn’t just applying products – she’s listening to your skin, your body, and often your heart. The facial room becomes a place of connection and care – something sterile procedures don’t offer. In a world where so many of us feel isolated or burnt out, that connection is gold.

4. Skin Education A skilled facialist reads your skin like a map. Regular facials offer ongoing feedback, tailored advice, and a relationship with your skin that’s rooted in understanding, not just intervention. You learn what your skin needs and how to support it through seasons, hormones, stress and age – rather than fighting it with a one-size-fits-all solution.

5. Rediscovering Who You Are There’s something powerful about lying still, face bare, without distraction or defence. In that quiet space, something softens. You come home to yourself. And in doing so, you remember that beauty isn’t just in looking youthful – it’s in being present, connected, and fully you.

Facials Are Also About Skin Health – Not Just Relaxation

One of the most overlooked benefits of facials is that they offer a focused opportunity to deeply feed and nourish the skin with the right ingredients. At Soothe, we use this time to infuse your skin with the nutrients it truly needs – from vitamins and minerals to essential fatty acids that support cell renewal and barrier repair. Facials are also an ideal way for clients to experience how their skin responds to professional-grade products – especially if they’re prone to sensitivity or concerned about trying something new.

We choose to work with Estime & Sens, a French organic cosmeceutical brand that blends natural purity with clinical-level performance. The results we see regularly surpass those of the medical-grade brands we’ve used in the past – all without compromising the skin’s microbiome or long-term health. It’s skincare that’s intelligent, effective and deeply respectful of the skin.

So, Should You Choose Facials or Procedures?

This isn’t about demonising procedures – they can be transformative when done safely and for the right reasons. But facials aren’t a “lesser” alternative – they’re a foundation. A grounding. A way to honour your skin and your self on a regular basis.

It’s not either/or. It’s about balance.

We invite you to come back to the ritual. Not just for your skin – but for your soul.

Answer our poll and let us know your preference or book one of our organic results-driven hands-on facials below.

Do you prefer to connect to human touch or technology?