What is a “Functional Facial”? We are defining it

The definition of “functional" is something made to be practical over attractive. It’s something that has a special purpose. Functional medicine is becoming more popular and is about treating the root cause of the issue. It doesn’t mean having to take a “natural” or “homeopathic” approach, it can very much be science-based and involve parts of both Eastern and Western medicine. 

So what does that have to do with a facial treatment? At Skin MPLS we believe in a functional facial – and we think we coined the term. This means we take a functional approach to your skin, and we use a facial treatment to open up the pathways to your skin.  

First, we look at, feel, cleanse, and analyze your skin. The skin is living and breathing and it talks to you if you listen. We will share with you what your skin is saying and listen to the skin concerns that brought you to us. This isn’t your typical facial analysis where we say your skin is dry and needs a cream. We are looking for you to gain much more insight into your skin so you can treat it better. 

Second, we exfoliate to get excess built-up dry and dead skin off so your skin can start the renewal process. Yes, this can cause inflammation – which is why you should never do at-home professional treatments like dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and peels. The exfoliation, when done properly, signals your skin to make new skin and synthesizes collagen and elastin production.

Next, we perform very thorough extractions. Impactions and comedones left in the pores can lead to poor skin health and excess inflammation. The quicker we get those blockages out of your pores, the quicker your skin can get to mending itself.

Finally, we finish up with a chemical peel or layers of nourishment.  It depends on your skin and your goals. We also do many technologies like microcurrent, LED therapy, oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, high frequency, and more. We don’t believe in the typical facial fluff – we know you’re here for skin work! 

But, after the treatment comes the most important part. We recommend what changes you need to make to get the skin that you want. Many people don’t realize that results are achievable, but not from treatments alone. If you don’t change what you are doing to your skin daily, it will eventually go back to the state it was before you came in.  

Some changes, like products, are simple. Other lifestyle changes may be harder, but we are not asking you to make them all at once. Little changes over time is a functional approach. Fad diets, quitting, relapsing, and impulse new products don’t fit in with our functional facial treatments! 

It might be time to change the entire way you are taking care of your skin. There’s a reason you booked with us. You care about your skin. Now let’s get serious about it!