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Beauty, Skincare · October 19, 2025

What Is An Express Facial? Everything To Know Before Booking

You’ve probably heard of it, but what is an express facial really all about? This guide has all the facts on this speedy, streamlined skincare treatment.

A woman is getting a facial
What is an express facial: all the facts you need to know.
What is an Express Facial? All the facts you need to know: Image: Gustavo Fring

What Is An Express Facial? What You Need To Know Before Booking

What is an express facial? It is a quick skincare treatment designed to refresh and hydrate your skin in 30 minutes or less for visible results. Think of it as a mini version of a regular facial—that is ideal for busy schedules, and for those who have never had a facial before. It is an effective way to deliver a quick glow-up for a last-minute event or maintain healthy skin between treatments.

What To Expect At An Express Facial: Step-By-Step

1. Cleansing: Wipe Away The Grime

Your express facial treatment will begin with a gentle cleanse to remove makeup, oil, and impurities. This step prepares your skin to ensure the products used are more effective.

2. Exfoliation: Buff Away That Dead Skin

Next, a mild exfoliant will be used—either a scrub or an enzyme-based product. Discover more about the power of an enzyme facial right here. This will buff away dead skin cells, smooth the skin’s texture, and enable the skin to absorb nutrients more efficiently for a radiant glow.

3. Targeted Mask or Serum: Hydration Heaven

After the exfoliation step, a mask or treatment serum is applied, customised to your skin type and any skin goals you have. This step uses concentrated ingredients to deliver a brighter complexion and a post-facial glow.

What is an express facial?
A woman is having a facial mask applied to her skin.
Photo by Dorothea Malzkorn on Unsplash

4. Moisturiser: Feed The Skin

After the treatment mask or serum, a moisturiser is applied to protect the skin’s barrier and seal in hydration.

5. SPF: Protect Your Skin

If your express facial is during the day, SPF is usually the final step—this is essential to protect your treated skin from UV damage and should be a part of your daily routine.

What Is The Difference Between An Express Facial And A Regular Facial?

In the professional skincare world, facials are a popular treatment that is one of the essentials of skincare. Facials are a top choice for maintaining long-term skin health, so if you have ever wondered, “What’s the difference between an express facial and a regular facial?”, you’re not alone. This simple explanation of the two treatments will help you decide which one is the best option for you.

Both treatments’ objectives are to improve your skin’s health and appearance, but each facial differs in time, depth, and customisation. Think of the express version as a condensed version of a traditional facial.

Typical Timings

Express Facial:
This treatment is a quick facial, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes, ideal for those with a short amount of time who need a quick skincare boost.

Regular Facial:
This treatment is a more comprehensive facial experience, lasting between 60- 90 minutes. A regular facial is a more in-depth treatment, involving a deeper cleansing process, longer absorption of skin care products, and active ingredients. It should also involve a skin analysis to target specific concerns. 

Steps Involved In An Express Facial

  • Quick cleanse
  • Gentle exfoliation
  • Treatment serum or mask
  • Moisturiser and SPF to finish.

Steps Involved In A Regular Facial

  • Deep cleansing process
  • Exfoliation (could include an enzyme treatment or a peel)
  • Steam
  • Extractions (if required)
  • A facial mask customised to your skin’s needs.
  • Facial massage
  • Toner, serum, moisturiser, and SPF

Who Should Get an Express Facial?

If you want to give your skin a quick skin refresh or have a last-minute event coming up and want noticeable results, an express treatment is for you. Think of it as a ‘mini facial’ between treatments that will brighten and hydrate your skin, perfect if you don’t have much time.

Who Should Get a Regular Facial?

If you have specific skin concerns such as acne, fine lines, dryness, or hyperpigmentation, a regular or traditional facial is the ideal choice to address these issues. This is due to it being a longer treatment personalised to your skin’s specific needs that is more results-driven.

Which Facial Should You Choose?

Go for an express facial if you have limited time, need a quick glow for an event, or want a budget-friendly skincare boost.

Choose a regular facial to address individual skin concerns, are overdue a deep cleanse, or just want to enjoy a longer and more relaxing experience.

How Often Should I Get An Express Facial?

The Physique Medical Clinic recommends getting an express facial every 4-6 weeks. This time frame will keep your skin refreshed between regular skincare treatments.

How Much Does An Express Facial Cost?

Express facials are a budget-friendly option with a shorter duration, costing between £20-£65.

What Is An Express Facial: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re using an express facial for maintenance between regular facials or just need a quick boost, this is a great treatment involving minimal time that delivers maximum results!

In a nutshell, an express facial is a relaxing and budget-friendly way to improve the appearance of your skin; and you can even do it on your lunch break. 

Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied. 

Posted By: Sarah Ridgway · In: Beauty, Skincare

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