I've been hearing so many women say that we must get monthly facials, especially after you turn 30.

Some women have been telling me that facials will clear acne, make the skin have less wrinkles, improve elasticity, etc....

But is there proof? Or are those just personal opinions of people?

Is getting a facial just a placebo to make you feel better?

Before I spend like $50 a month for a facial, I really want to know if facials do make a big big difference in your complexion.

I haven't noticed a difference. My first facial was at the dermatology clinic after my annual skin cancer appointment got cancelled. I paid $60 for the hour and it was sooo relaxing. I felt really clean as I had a pore cleansing facial. I did ask the tech how often one should get one and she said it was a matter of personal preference -- she gets hers for a treat a couple times a year.

I then found out that the beauty school nearby has them for $20, so I've gone there a few times. Again, very relaxing, felt clean right afterwards, but haven't noticed a major difference.

Well, I've been doing monthly facials for a year now and it hasn't improved my acne at all.

Sometimes the extractions actually make acne worse.

I'm not doing facials anymore, just a waste of money.

I have never had a professional facial, but I must say that doing at-home microdermabrasion kit seems to improve my acne. I get a lot of dead skin cells that I guess don't shed off well and clog my pores. I get dry bits on the side of my nose. I use all oil free products and makeup and my pores just seems to get clogged easily. I used the Mary Kay kit (it was a sample- have not purchased the full size) and used it about once a week since it was very gentle on my skin and non-irritating. You use the scrub and then put a lotion on it... my skin would always look so bright and healthy afterwards. It gets dull if I leave it alone. Unfortunately I ran out of my sample and notice that I have been breaking out more and just look "tired".... I will try face masks and they just haven't been doing anything for me. Sometimes I'll gently try to exfoliate with a washcloth in the shower and it might help a little, but the kit helped the most!