This Data-Driven Facial Has a Giant Waitlist for a Reason
We tested the ultra-exclusive Aesthetica Skin Lab Facial.
With how hyper-specific our skincare routines have become, personalization has trickled down into every facet. Rather than conforming to an outdated, one-size-fits-all mentality, we’ve learned to assess our individual skin types and fine-tune our rotations to only include the most effective ingredients for our specific concerns. Because of this, traditional facials can sometimes fall short of delivering the exact results we’re after.
Leading the charge in personalized skincare treatments, Aesthetica Skin Lab specializes in data-driven, scientifically backed facials — boasting clients like Alix Earle and Martha Stewart, along with a practically never-ending waitlist. In addition to expertly curating a specialized treatment plan, ASL also emphasizes longevity over short-term effects. As much as I love a trip to the spa, I’ve never experienced this level of detail in a facial, so I was intrigued to see how it would stack up.
Dear Diary, Meet the Aesthetica Skin Lab Facial
Best for: Bespoke treatment, long-term results
Price: $350+ USD, with bookings on the brand’s website
Grade: A
Notes From an Expert
As a bespoke treatment tailored to your individual skin, the Aesthetica Skin Lab Facial begins with VISIA imaging and medical-grade hydration diagnostics to map the skin, followed by a fully personalized regimen. ASL uses the latest in facial skin analysis to track the skin’s health and help complement dermatologic care by preserving and strengthening the skin as it ages, strengthening the skin barrier, improving hydration and elasticity, reducing inflammation and supporting collagen health over time.
According to Dr. Chelsea Hoffman, the personalized protocol begins after the VISIA scan with Laser Genesis, a non-invasive treatment using a 1064 nd: YAG wavelength that gently heats the dermis in order to stimulate collagen while targeting small blood vessels and pigment to reduce redness. “I love laser genesis because it’s a low-to-no downtime laser,” she tells Hypebae. “You’re a little bit red and swollen after, but by a few hours to the end of the day you look pretty much back to normal.” Dr. Hoffman also explains that using the laser before the facial is intentional: “When you do it prior to a facial, it actually enhances the penetration of the different ingredients, so it synergizes really well with some of the actives that we use in the treatment.”
Next, a treatment plan is devised through several steps based on your results. For me, that included a hydra facial to cleanse and hydrate, an ultrasound blade for gentle exfoliation, a microcurrent device for skin tightening, electroporation to infuse hyaluronic acid while opening pores for deeper penetration, LED light therapy, oxygen therapy and an NAD jelly mask to finish with hydration and pore tightening. Dr. Hoffman notes the sequence gives both an immediate glow and lasting improvements in texture, elasticity and collagen health with repeated visits.
Diary Entry
Although I’m pretty well-versed with skincare, I’ve never done a VISIA scan before. As the first step of the treatment, it really set the tone for the rest of my experience. Getting the scan itself wasn’t intimidating and surprisingly didn’t take that long, but it was the visual results that really sparked my interest. In addition to presenting you with a “TruSkin Age” (mine was shockingly five years younger than I actually am), it also calculates percentages based on your skin’s wrinkles, spots, texture, pores and more. This information was not only helpful in informing what changes to make in my own skincare routine, but it also highlighted what my personalized facial would focus on.
Similarly, Laser Genesis was an entirely new experience for me. Dr. Hoffman advised me that I’d feel a tingly, warm sensation on my skin — and even though I was a bit nervous at first, it started to feel relaxing after a while. Even though my skin is sometimes prone to sensitivity, I didn’t notice too much irritation. After the laser, I received a six-step facial based on my skin concerns, which included everything from electrical pulses to a peel-off mask. Compared to the standard facials I’ve dabbled with in the past, the treatment portion alone was far more thorough than what I was used to.
My Findings
As with most facials, I noticed a glass skin effect immediately after. In addition to feeling soft to the touch, my skin turned from dull and lifeless to glowy and hydrated. After allowing the products to fully soak into my skin for a couple of hours, I noticed a bit of peeling around my eyes and cheeks, but that’s pretty standard given the extensive amount of treatment I received. As much as I appreciate looking refreshed after a facial, I was even more invested in the results I would see in the days to come.
I might not have stumbled into Aesthetica Skin Lab with a long list of concerns, but I can truly say I’ve noticed a positive difference in my skin just a week after my facial. While results like fewer blackheads from dermabrasion and added moisture from the jelly mask appeared right away, I only recently noticed smoother skin and less discoloration. Since Dr. Hoffman says that long-term changes will become more prominent over time and with repeated visits, I felt especially good about my results knowing there’s still more to come.
Sincerely, Hypebae
If you have specific skincare concerns that most facials don’t cater to, the Aesthetica Skin Lab Facial might be a viable option. While the VISIA scan will answer all of your burning questions, the Laser Genesis will give your skin a much-needed refresh while also prepping you for the multi-step, bespoke treatment that follows. However, it does come with quite a hefty price tag and is far more intense than your typical 60-minute facial. But if neither of those things bother you, it’s definitely insightful and satisfying enough to justify the waitlist.
