3 Spa Alternatives That Specialize in Facials for Men
(photo: John Balsom/Trunkarchive.com)
It’s time to think of the facial not as an indulgence but as routine maintenance. After all, most cleansers battle only surface dirt; tackling embedded oil and grime requires advanced tactics (and a trained pro). Today the experience is evolving away from spas—no one’s going to whisper for you to put on a gown, then subject you to an Enya playlist—and toward places like these, which do facials full-time and are used to catering to men.
For the first-timer
The place: Fellow Barber, a vintage-inspired clip shop with a stocked apothecary and locations in New York City, San Francisco, and Detroit
The vibe: Laid-back, like your neighborhood joint
The treatment: There’s no splitting headache required for the “Hangover” special. Clients start in a reclining chair with a series of hot towels, some treated with tea-tree oil. Steam helps open pores as the oil, a natural antiseptic, battles acne and irritation. Next up are applications of Malin+Goetz’s face mask and moisturizer, then a skin-tightening cold-cloth wrap soaked with Fellow Barber’s Aftershave Tonic to soothe, tone, and lift away remaining dirt.
The time commitment: 15 to 20 minutes. $25; fellowbarber.com
For the man on the go
The place: Heyday, an airy Manhattan space inspired by a downtown loft (slogan: “We’re taking the facial out of the spa”)
The vibe: Efficient, with perks like phone chargers and app-based booking
The treatment: Aestheticians tailor a bespoke session that includes hot towels, exfoliation, and pore extraction, with optional add-ons like microdermabrasion and a beard-oil application. Before you leave, they’ll recommend a skin-care regimen and suggest products.
The time commitment: You can book 30- or 50-minute appointments, and extended hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays) make it easy to work one into your schedule. Starting at $60; thinkheyday.com
For the pro
The place: Dermalogica, a worldwide chain of skin-care centers, with locations in New York City; Santa Monica, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Atlanta
The vibe: Modern, with brushed steel and backlit glass walls
The treatment: The process begins with a comprehensive intake form (medical history, allergies) and a 14-zone “Face Mapping” procedure to identify issues like dryness, rosacea, blackheads, and ingrown hairs. A steam and a double-cleanse often precede a battery of high-tech, pain-free treatments like ultrasonic blade exfoliation, microcurrent therapy to re-energize facial muscles, and a low-voltage-current application to draw out impurities.
The time commitment: About an hour. Starting at $100; dermalogica.com
See more: 6 Ways to Make Your Beard Grow Faster
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The At-Home Regimen
Nothing replaces a professional session, but these rejuvenating products can be used in succession every week or two between appointments—the whole thing takes less than 20 minutes.
EXFOLIATE
Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel
The gel bonds with dead skin cells for easy scrub-off, while alpha hydroxy acids penetrate deeper to remove oil and toxins.
$34; sephora.com.
MOISTURIZE
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
To zap wrinkles, wear five to 15 minutes (avoid mirrors—you’ll look like Hannibal Lecter).
$17; sk-ii.com.
NOURISH
Retrouvé Nutrient Face Serum
Calm and brighten skin with algae extracts and vitamin C in a rich, concentrated formula (hence the price).
$460; ronrobinson.com
By Jon Roth
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