Did you know that a facial can offer skin care benefits to more than just your face? After all, it’s not the only part of your skin that can struggle with acne, dullness, and other concerns.
One of the biggest potential trouble spots? Your back. From back acne to sunburn, stubborn back skin issues might make you feel grateful you can’t see what’s going on back there. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter the back facial from Massage Envy: a service that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the often-overlooked skin on your back and shoulders, leaving it polished and refreshed.
By giving your skin the attention it deserves, you can feel more confident, comfortable, and ready for whatever’s ahead. Let’s dive into exactly what a back facial is, how it works, and why it might just become your new favorite self-care ritual.
What is a back facial?
While the skin of your face might be more sensitive and require a more elaborate routine than other areas, like the skin on your back, both have the same sebaceous glands. You’re less likely to clog your back skin with makeup and products, but the glands there still produce oil and sebum, which can block pores, cause back acne, and lead to other less-than-ideal skin realities.[1]
A back facial uses steam, purifying masks, and other techniques performed by an expert esthetician to help reveal clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Back facial vs. back massage
If you’re going to invest in a service for your back, you might ask, wouldn’t it be more useful to get a back massage? The truth is, back massages and back facials are two very different services with different intentions and different results.
A back massage helps provide muscle relief and deep relaxation.[2] The benefits of a back facial are on the surface, improving skin’s look and feel. When both are a regular part of your wellness routine, they work together to help you look and feel confident from head to toe, inside and out.
The Massage Envy approach
While a back facial is a fairly standard service, your experience can vary depending on where you go. Here’s what you can expect from a back facial at Massage Envy franchised locations:
- Each service begins with a consultation with your esthetician to learn about your skin history, goals, and how the service can be best personalized to you.
- The back facial session itself begins with a gentle steam and full cleanse of the back.
- Next, your esthetician conducts a skin analysis.
- This is followed by a customized exfoliation mask.
- If your pores are particularly clogged, your esthetician will take this time to perform some extractions, as needed. (Note that extractions may involve slight discomfort, and it’s normal to have some sensitivity around treated areas afterward. They are optional!)
- The service concludes with a personalized treatment mask, and a moisturizing finishing treatment to lock in your results.
Why you should consider a back facial
We all have backs, and most of us probably take less care of ours than we should. If you’re still not convinced by the back facial benefits, here are a few situations where this service can help get the skin you’re in “back” on track.
Back acne (“Bacne”)
A back facial can help focus on that hard-to-reach bacne on your shoulders and upper back. Professional exfoliation and pore-clearing extractions can help remove pore-clogging impurities that can lead to congestion, while soothing masks can help calm sensitive or irritated skin.[3]
Dry, flaky skin
Beyond being useful for blemish-prone skin, another benefit of back facials is hydration. Professional exfoliation helps remove dull, dead skin cells so nourishing masks and moisturizers can actually sink in. The result? Softer, smoother skin that feels as good as it looks.
Before an event
If you’ve got a big event like a wedding, vacation, or backless outfit moment coming up, a back facial could be just the ticket. This service helps your skin look radiant and photo-ready. Take an opportunity to give your back the VIP treatment before it makes a public appearance.
Back facial benefits
Whether you’re booking a back facial to tackle a specific concern or simply as a relaxing treat, the results go beyond the immediate glow. Here are some of the key back facial benefits:
- Focusing on back acne and clogged pores. A professional facial goes beyond what you can do at home. Deep cleansing can help remove pore-clogging impurities and product residue, while targeted extractions clear congestion.
- Helping improve the look of skin texture and tone. Your back is prone to the same buildup of dead skin cells as your face, you just can’t see it. Professional exfoliation sloughs away that dull layer, revealing smoother, more even-looking skin underneath.
- Hydrates and soothes. Once your skin is freshly cleansed and exfoliated, it’s primed to drink up nourishing masks and moisturizers. These services help lock in hydration, calm sensitive and irritated skin, and leave your back feeling silky-soft.
- Relaxes the body and mind. The soothing setting and unhurried pace make a back facial a welcome pause in your busy day. It’s a chance to unwind, recharge, and simply enjoy being cared for.
Get back to glowing with Massage Envy
From clearer, smoother skin to a relaxing, confidence-boosting experience, the back facial benefits speak for themselves. Looking to push the glow even further? Check out facial enhancements like high-frequency or cooling globes you can add to your back facial to make it even more amazing. And for those ready to go beyond the facial, explore advanced skin care services like a chemical peel or microderm infusion.
Ready to see (and feel) the difference? Schedule your back facial appointment today and let Massage Envy help you put your best back skin forward.
Check out the Self-Care Blog for even more tips on getting the most out of Massage Envy, including how Massage Envy membership might just be your ultimate self-care solution.
FAQs
How long is a back facial?
Most back facials take about 60 minutes from start to finish. This time includes cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masking, and moisturizing. (Note that session time includes up to 10 minutes for consultation and dressing, which occurs pre- and post-service, and that if you add enhancements, these do not extend the session time.)
What do you wear to a back facial?
It is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. During your service, you’ll be draped with a sheet and blanket so your back is accessible while the rest of you stays comfortably covered. Your esthetician is there to ensure privacy and comfort at every step.
How often should you get a back facial?
For general skin maintenance, every 4 weeks is a good cadence. If you’re targeting a specific concern, like breakouts or dryness, talk to your esthetician about developing a more personalized schedule.
How do I stop back acne from forming?
Regular exfoliation, gentle cleansing after sweating, and wearing breathable fabrics can all help take care of your pores. Pair that with periodic professional treatments like facials to address congestion before it turns into breakouts.
