Skintrinsiq facials: which of the four suits your skin?

Every Skintrinsiq facial uses the same Obagi device, so it is fair to ask why there are four of them. The answer is in what goes into the skin once it has been cleansed and cleared. Each facial pairs the device with a different set of Obagi products, chosen for a different kind of skin.

This guide explains what happens during a facial, how the four differ, and how we decide which one is right for you.

What is a Skintrinsiq facial?

A professional facial built around Obagi’s Skintrinsiq device, which deep-cleans the skin and then helps work a serum into it, with optional red or blue LED light.

Every facial starts the same way: a double cleanse, a toner and an OBSERV skin analysis, so we can see what your skin needs on the day. The device then performs a deep extraction to clear the pores. After that, the products change depending on which of the four facials you have.

How do the four facials differ?

The steps stay the same. What changes is the serum worked into your skin and the products used to finish.

• Antioxidant. For skin showing visible sun damage. A vitamin C serum, followed by hydrating drops.
• Brightening. For skin that looks dull, tired or uneven in tone. A brightening serum, then a moisturiser matched to your skin.
• Clarifying. For oily skin that is prone to breakouts. A clarifying cleanse and pore treatment, then a retinol serum.
• Firming. For fine lines and skin that has lost some of its firmness. A firming serum and moisturiser, then a targeted treatment for areas of concern.

All four finish with a mineral SPF50, and three of them can include a Blue Radiance peel if your skin will benefit.

What happens during the appointment?

We start with a conversation and the skin analysis, then move through the facial step by step, explaining what each product is for as we go.

If your skin is reactive on the day, we adjust the plan or suggest another time. The protocol is a guide, and the person treating you decides what your skin is ready for.

Is there any downtime?

Usually very little, and we will tell you exactly what to expect for your skin before we start.

If your facial includes a Blue Radiance peel, light flaking for two to three days is normal. We will talk you through aftercare, including sun protection, before you leave.

Who should wait before having one?

Some treatments need a gap before a facial, so tell us about anything recent when you book.

• Exfoliating acids or prescription retinoid skincare: 5 days
• Facial waxing, laser hair removal or electrolysis: 10 days
• Injectable treatments, chemical peels, microneedling or microblading: 14 days
• IPL: 4 weeks
• Laser treatment or cosmetic surgery: 3 months
• Prescription acne tablets, chemotherapy or radiotherapy: 6 months

How do we choose?

We choose from your skin. The OBSERV analysis shows what is happening beneath the surface, and a conversation about what bothers you and what you use at home fills in the rest. Sometimes the answer is a short course of facials. Sometimes one facial alongside the right home routine does more.