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These days, when there are so many face creams, masks and treatments available in department stores and supermarkets, is it really worth paying the price for a salon facial? The answer is a resounding yes, IF you pick the right salon and the right treatment.

The right salon won't just have lotions and potions - they will have the equipment as well. There is a large range of very effective new machines out there, some of them costing thousands of dollars. You could never afford such machines in your own home - to get the benefits, you have to visit a salon. There are galvanic treatments to remove toxins; light treatments (from IPL to Rejuvalight to laser) to lift firm and remove wrinkles; dermabrasion for skin resurfacing and to remove pigmentation; microcurrent equipment (like CACI) for non-surgical face lifts - the list goes on.

Don't be blinded by impressive literature when it comes to equipment, though. For instance, many salons bought IPL equipment in the early days of the technology and never updated. The older models are far less effective than the current machines, so do your research (Googling is always a good option!) before you book.

Even if your salon doesn't have the latest in equipment, salons often have another advantage. Have you ever seen beauty products advertised as "salon strength" or "professional strength"? That's because there can be a big difference between the amount of active ingredients in the products on the supermarket shelf, and the amount in the bottles behind the beauty salon's counter.

In some countries, that difference is due to legislation: governments are anxious about the risks of ordinary people buying strong products off the shelf, and using them incorrectly. So they limit the amount of active ingredient that can be used. The legislation is usually more lenient on salons, because the therapist is professionally qualified to "prescribe". If these laws apply where you live, this could be another good reason for having a professional facial.

However for my money, unless I can go to a salon with up-to-date equipment, I would settle for a DIY facial. Unless, of course, I just want the luxury of lying back and having someone else do it for me!

Learn more about this author, Marisa Wright.
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