Getting a monthly facial is the epitome of self-care. Yes, it may be a little extravagant, but I, for one, don’t like to miss it. It’s a time to relax and allow a professional to have their way with your skin while addressing any chronic skin concerns or monthly flare-ups. While many of us are diligent with our faces (and hopefully necks and chests), there’s an area of our body that does not get as much love as it should: our backs. Sure, the skin on your back is much thicker than your face and can subsequently withstand the elements more, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a little TLC.
Looking to take my self-care routine to the next level, I decided to try a back facial, or a bacial, the perfect portmanteau if there ever was one. Though a bacial sounds pretty self-explanatory, it offers a little something extra in comparison to your regular facial.
“Back [facials] give a lot of extra love to areas that aren’t necessarily getting it,” Kristen May Lee, a licensed aesthetician at ONDA Beauty, tells POPSUGAR.
Similar to a facial in its ability to be customizable to a person’s skin needs, “a back facial is designed specifically for the skin on your back [and] can address issues such as clogged pores, acne, and dry skin. It typically involves a process similar to traditional facials, including deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions (if necessary), a mask, and moisturizing. This treatment is beneficial for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and improving the skin’s health and appearance on the back,” says Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity aesthetician and co-host of BeautyCurious Podcast.
Read on to learn about my experience getting a bacial, my results, and what to avoid before and after a back facial.
What Happened When I Got a Bacial
I visited Skinney Medspa in New York City for my first-ever back facial, which lasted about 45 minutes. The pre-bacial prep was similar to any relaxing spa facial but instead of laying on my back, I was on my stomach waiting for my treatment. Having a bare back and chest was admittedly a little unnerving at first, but once my treatment began, I forgot all about it. My medical aesthetician, Elizabeth Saviou, performed Skinney’s High Tech Back Facial. It’s important to note that I went into my back facial with no specific goal other than to give this hard-to-reach area a little extra attention.
While there are so many different types of back facials with different add-ons, from non-ablative lasers to LED therapy and dermaplaning (which tends to be not as common), all depending upon your own personal needs or goals – the one that I received could be classified as your typical back facial.
My back facial involved a mixture of Skinney-branded products and some from the beloved French skin-care brand Biologique Recherche. The first thing Saviou did was to cleanse my back with Skinny Medspa’s Microdermabrasion Scrub ($48), made with bamboo beads, to help slough away dead skin cells, along with pumpkin extract and vitamins to help soften the skin and help repair any free radical damage. It’s important to note that microdermabrasion is usually a suction-like tool used by aestheticians to help relieve any lingering congestion, such as blackheads, in the area being treated, explains Lee.
Then it was time for a second cleanse with the medspa’s green tea cleanser to both soothe and remove anything that was left behind from the first cleanse. “Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols making it a wonderful antiinflammatory ingredient,” Lee says.
My back was then ready for all the active ingredients Saviou would be applying. The next several steps of the back facial included chemical peel pads, which Lee says are “wonderful for really clearing out the pores further. It’s in fact one of my favorite ways to brighten the face, so naturally, I am a fan [of them] for other parts of the body. After all, skin is skin – it differs a little from area to area, but it shares a lot of common ground.” The next two steps of the 10-step back facial treatment consisted of targeted masks, which Saviou explains are customized to each client’s needs. Saviou used two different Biologique Recherche masks: the Biomagic Mask, followed by the Cold Mask. Saviou then followed the two masks with the Biologique Recherche exfoliating cult-classic Lotion P50.
Next, came one of my favorite parts of my back facial: the combined use of a hyaluronic acid serum and high-frequency treatment. Saviou used a high frequency wand all over my back to deliver the treatment, helping the hyaluronic acid (and other products used throughout the service) to penetrate deeper.
High frequency is a multipurpose modality, says Lee. It addresses antiaging and antimicrobial issues, such as acne. Crumm explains that the treatment “generates a mild, high-frequency electrical current [that passes] through the skin to produce a healing effect.” He continues, “it’s particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it has antibacterial properties, helps to reduce inflammation, and can stimulate circulation. On the back, where acne and inflammation can be more challenging to treat, high-frequency treatment can be especially useful.”
Saviou finished up the last steps of my back facial with Skinney’s “bottled” Laser Resurfacing Treatment ($80) containing a combination of actives such as retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). This was followed by Biologique Recherche’s Crème Masque Vernix moisturizer and finished a body oil to lock in hydration.
The Benefits of a Back Facial
A back facial is suitable for all skin types because it is customizable to a client’s skin needs. It is great to prep for a special occasion, just as you would with a regular facial, or to get ready for the warm months ahead. “Anyone can benefit from any kind of professional skin treatment,” Lee says. “People who experience back acne have the most to gain by booking monthly appointments that include multi-modality treatments to really target in on the problem area.”
Crumm adds that for those who frequent the beach or who have increased UV exposure, back facials can be especially helpful. “Depending on the protocol, back facials can also improve hyperpigmentation, especially if a mild professional peel is added to the treatment.”
Things to Avoid Before a Bacial
“Before a back facial, it’s advisable to avoid sun exposure and retinol to prevent skin sensitivity,” says Evelyn Ramirez, licensed medical aesthetician and founder of Evelyn Aesthetics in New York City. Crumm also advises against over-exfoliation. “If you use any wand or scrubbing tool to exfoliate in the shower, give it a break for a few days before getting a treatment.”
Aftercare and Side Effects of a Back Facial
While side effects are minimal, Lee says that they may include temporary redness, irritation, or sensitivity “especially if the skin is not used to certain treatments or it reacts to specific products.”
Aftercare for bacials involves avoiding direct sun exposure and any harsh skincare products for a short period of time. “[Keep your] skin moisturized and hydrated. Your esthetician might also recommend specific products to enhance the benefits of the treatment,” Crumm says. Sujata Bahri, licensed aesthetician and head of development for Sonäge recommends using exfoliating glycolic peel pads, such as the Sonäge Glow to Go Glycolic Acid Peel Pads ($30) “post back facial to help maintain results at home by promoting resurfaced, refreshed, and vibrant skin. These pre-soaked pads will help minimize breakouts, decongest pores, and refine the skin.” Lee also recommends keeping up with exfoliation by using a dry brush on your back.
The Cost of a Back Facial
The cost of a bacial can vary depending upon geographical location, spa, and specific services and add-ons. The cost can range from $150 to $500 or more.
My Bacial Results
My back felt smooth, hydrated, and for lack of a better word, clean. Not to mention that the entire experience was a relaxing treat and a time to truly let go of my thoughts. “Getting a facial is a moment of self care and self love,” Saviou says. “A back facial is a gift to yourself to indulge in an experience that you otherwise can’t replicate at home.”
