Facial Add-Ons Explained: How to Choose the Right Enhancement

If you are wondering which of the available facial add-ons is worth choosing, the short answer is this: pick the one that matches the goal for your visit, and keep it to one or two. A good add-on extends your facial in a focused way, whether that means firmer-feeling skin, a smoother surface, extra hydration or simply more relaxation. Stacking everything at once rarely helps and can crowd out the facial itself.

At BZ Esthetics Studio, we offer a full menu of enhancements for clients in Copley, Bath Township, Fairlawn and across Summit County. This guide walks through each one, how long it adds, how it feels, which facials it pairs with, and how to decide before you sit down in the treatment room.

What You Need to Know About Facial Add-Ons

• An add-on is a focused extra. It is booked alongside a facial and adds a set amount of time, from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the enhancement.
• Our enhancements: LED light therapy (30 minutes), radio frequency skin tightening (20), dermaplaning (25), neck and décolleté treatment (20), lymphatic drainage (15), eye rejuvenation (15), hand renewal (15), gentle lactic peel (15), gentle glycolic peel (15) and scalp aromatherapy massage (10).
• Some facials already include enhancements. Our two most comprehensive facials build several of them in, so adding the same one twice is unnecessary.
• One or two is plenty. Choose by goal, not by how many boxes you can tick.
• Results vary. Skin type, routine, sleep, season and how recently you had other services all play a part in what you notice.

What Are Facial Add-Ons, and Why Do They Exist?

A facial follows a sequence: cleansing, exfoliation, a mask, serums, moisturizer and sun protection. Every client arrives with a slightly different priority. One wants a smoother surface before an event. Another has tired-looking eyes and a busy week. Another carries tension in the neck and scalp.

Add-ons let the appointment bend toward your priority without changing the foundation of the facial. If you are still deciding on the facial itself, start with our guide on how to choose the right facial for your skin, then come back here to pick the extra.

You can browse the full list on our enhancements page, and the facials they pair with live in our facial services.

How to Choose a Facial Add-On: Start With the Goal

Start with what you want from the visit rather than with the name of the enhancement.

• Want a smoother, brighter-looking surface: consider dermaplaning, or a gentle lactic or glycolic peel.
• Want a firmer feel: consider radio frequency skin tightening.
• Want a rested, fresh look: consider eye rejuvenation, lymphatic drainage or LED light therapy.
• Want to treat the areas a facial usually skips: consider the neck and décolleté treatment or hand renewal.
• Want more relaxation: consider scalp aromatherapy massage or lymphatic drainage.

Then ask how much time you have. A 30-minute LED session changes the shape of your afternoon, while a 10-minute scalp massage barely does.

Add-Ons for a Smoother, Brighter-Looking Surface

Dermaplaning (25 minutes)

Dermaplaning is gentle blade exfoliation. Your esthetician lightly glides a blade across the skin to lift away dead surface cells and fine, pale facial hair, sometimes called peach fuzz. Many clients notice that skin feels very smooth afterward, and that serums and moisturizer seem to glide on more easily. Cleveland Clinic describes dermaplaning as a procedure that removes hair and skin cells and can reveal smoother skin, while noting that it is only a temporary fix because the hair grows back and that some people with preexisting skin concerns should not have it. Its page describes a medical provider using a special instrument called a dermatome, so treat it as background on the general technique rather than a description of a spa service.

It can be a good fit when you want a smoother surface before an event; because several of our facials already include exfoliation, ask your esthetician whether dermaplaning would double up on the facial you have chosen. For a deeper look at the process, read our complete guide to dermaplaning.

Gentle Lactic Peel (15 minutes)

A lactic peel is a mild exfoliating add-on that works on the surface of the skin. A review in the journal Molecules notes that lactic acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, that it has moisturizing properties that can help hydrate the skin, and that lactic-acid peels may be a good fit for people with sensitive skin. It is often a comfortable first choice for clients who want a brighter-looking, softer finish, and it is one many clients with sensitive skin ask about; mention any sensitivity or skin condition to your esthetician and your healthcare provider first.

Gentle Glycolic Peel (15 minutes)

A glycolic peel is also a gentle, surface-level exfoliation. The same review describes glycolic acid as the simplest alpha hydroxy acid, with the smallest molecular weight and size, and notes that at low concentrations it produces only superficial exfoliation. It is a popular pick when the goal is a smoother texture and a more even-looking tone. Both peels have minimal downtime, though skin can feel a little more sensitive to the sun for a few days. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery notes that after a superficial peel the new skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun and recommends daily use of sunscreen.

If you are weighing the two, our guide to gentle chemical peels, lactic versus glycolic explains the difference, and our peel preparation guide covers what to do in the days before your visit.

A note on stacking exfoliation. Dermaplaning and peels both exfoliate, so many clients do best choosing one per visit. If you are curious about combining them, ask your esthetician to sequence it for your skin. Our Radiance Reset Facial already lets you choose an exfoliation method as part of the facial itself, so a separate peel add-on is usually unnecessary there.

Add-Ons for a Firmer Feel and a Rested Look

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening (20 minutes)

The radio frequency add-on uses gentle warmth delivered through a handheld applicator that moves across the face. Cleveland Clinic explains that radio frequency devices use low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat and that the treatment may stimulate collagen and elastin, and that the treated area may feel warm with tingling vibrations or mild discomfort. Because that page describes treatments from medical providers, your own experience and results may differ. Many clients describe the sensation as comfortably warm, a little like a heated massage. Many notice that skin feels firmer and looks a bit more lifted, particularly after a series of visits rather than a single one.

It pairs naturally with a hydrating facial such as The Quench Facial, or with a quick Glow Express when you want a little extra. You do not need it with the Lift & Sculpt Facial or the BZ Red Carpet Facial, because both already include radio frequency. For the full explanation, see our guide on what to expect from an RF add-on.

LED Light Therapy (30 minutes)

LED light therapy is a comfortable, hands-off enhancement. You rest under a panel of soft colored light, with red light, blue light or a combination available, while your skin and your schedule slow down for half an hour. Nothing is applied with pressure, and many clients feel little more than gentle warmth and relaxation.

This is the longest add-on on the menu, so it works best when you have an unhurried appointment. Cleveland Clinic notes that red LED light may stimulate collagen production and that you typically need a series of in-office treatments to see significant benefits; a spa add-on is a relaxing, cosmetic version of the same technique, and your own results may differ. It also says LED light therapy is not appropriate for everyone, including people who take medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight, so check with your healthcare provider first if that applies to you. It also stands alone as its own session if you ever want light therapy without a facial. Because the BZ Red Carpet Facial and the Lift & Sculpt Facial already include an LED component, there is no need to add it to those. You can view it with the other enhancements and talk through light settings with your esthetician when you arrive.

Lymphatic Drainage (15 minutes)

This add-on is a light, rhythmic facial massage using slow, soft strokes. Cleveland Clinic describes lymphatic drainage massage as a gentle form of massage that uses light pressure, and says healthcare providers mainly use it to relieve lymphedema. The same page notes that facial lymphatic drainage may increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in the face. In a spa setting, we offer it as a relaxing massage that borrows the same gentle technique. The same page lists conditions such as blood clots, infection, heart disease and kidney failure as reasons to avoid it, so talk with your healthcare provider first if any of those apply. It is one of the most relaxing enhancements on the menu, and some clients say their face feels fresher afterward, especially after a long week, though any change in how puffy the face looks is usually modest and temporary. It is a cosmetic and relaxation service only. To understand how it feels, see our lymphatic drainage massage guide.

Eye Rejuvenation (15 minutes)

The skin around the eyes is delicate, so this add-on uses specialized serums and gentle techniques aimed at that small area. Clients who book it commonly want the eye area to look more rested, smoother and better hydrated. It suits anyone who wants an extra layer of attention where the skin is thinnest.

Add-Ons for the Areas a Facial Usually Skips

Neck and Décolleté Treatment (20 minutes)

This add-on extends the cleansing, treatment and hydration down the neck and across the chest. If you wear open necklines, spend time in the sun, or simply notice that your face has received far more care than your neck over the years, this enhancement balances the picture. It pairs with any facial and is especially useful before an event with a lower neckline.

Hand Renewal (15 minutes)

Hands are exposed to sun, soap and cold air every day. The hand renewal add-on includes exfoliation, hydration and a focused treatment to leave the skin on your hands feeling smoother and softer. It is a thoughtful choice before an event where your hands will be on show.

Add-On for Pure Relaxation

Scalp Aromatherapy Massage (10 minutes)

At only 10 minutes, this is the shortest enhancement on the menu, and it is the easiest way to turn a good facial into a deeply calming one. The aromatherapy scalp massage uses slow, kneading movements, which many clients find soothing, especially if they carry tension in the head and neck. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes massage therapy as manipulating the soft tissues of the body to enhance wellness and notes that the risk of harmful effects appears low, although it also says evidence for specific benefits is limited in some cases, so we offer this as a comfort and relaxation extra. It fits even a 30-minute Glow Express.

Which Add-On Pairs With Which Facial?

Because several facials already include enhancements, pairing is partly about what to skip.

• BZ Glow Express (30 minutes): a quick refresh, so keep the add-on short. A scalp aromatherapy massage or eye rejuvenation fits the schedule well.
• The Quench Facial (60 minutes): built around hydration. Consider eye rejuvenation, hand renewal or radio frequency for a firmer feel.
• Radiance Reset Facial (60 minutes): already includes an exfoliation choice, so lean toward the neck and décolleté treatment or eye rejuvenation rather than adding another exfoliating step.
• Clear & Calm Facial (60 minutes): designed for congested, breakout-prone skin and already includes double exfoliation and extractions. Keep add-ons calming, such as lymphatic drainage or scalp aromatherapy massage, and skip extra exfoliation.
• Lift & Sculpt Facial (60 minutes): already includes radio frequency and LED red light. Consider the neck and décolleté treatment, so the firming focus continues below the jaw.
• The BZ Red Carpet Facial (90 minutes): our most inclusive facial, with radio frequency, LED and lymphatic massage built in. An extra is rarely needed; if you want one, the scalp massage is a gentle finishing touch.

How Many Add-Ons Should You Choose?

For a first visit, one add-on is usually right. Two works well when they do different jobs, such as dermaplaning for the surface and eye rejuvenation for the delicate area. Three or more tends to turn a facial into a long appointment with no clear focus.

Here is a simple way to decide.

• Step 1: Name the goal. Smoother, firmer, rested, relaxed or event-ready.
• Step 2: Check what your facial already includes. Skip anything duplicated.
• Step 3: Match the time. Add the minutes to your appointment and make sure your day has room.
• Step 4: Choose a second add-on only if it does a different job. Two exfoliating steps, for example, are better saved for separate visits.
• Step 5: Tell your esthetician what is new. Recent products, sun exposure and sensitivity all shape the right choice that day.

Timing, Frequency and Planning Around Events

Some clients book the same enhancement with every facial, while others rotate them by season. Many clients return for a facial every four to six weeks, and the add-on can follow the same rhythm.

If you have a wedding or photo session coming up, plan your final facial one to two weeks beforehand rather than the day of. If you are trying an exfoliating add-on such as a peel or dermaplaning for the first time, do it well before a big event rather than the night before.

After any facial and add-on, follow your esthetician's guidance on sun protection and product use. Our post-facial care guide covers the first hours, the first two days and the first week.

When to Check With Your Healthcare Provider First

Facials and enhancements are cosmetic and relaxation services. Please talk with your healthcare provider before booking if you are pregnant or nursing, if you take medications that affect the skin or increase sun sensitivity, if you use prescription retinoids, if you have a skin condition, an active sunburn, an open wound or an allergy to skincare ingredients, or if you have an implanted medical device. Some enhancements, such as radio frequency and peels, may not be suitable for everyone, so it helps to share your health history and any skin concerns with your esthetician before you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an enhancement to any facial?

Most can be added to any facial, though a few are redundant on facials that already include them. Your esthetician will tell you if an add-on would double up and suggest an alternative.

Which facial add-on is best for a first visit?

There is no single answer, because it depends on your goal. Many first-time clients choose something gentle and relaxing, such as the scalp aromatherapy massage, lymphatic drainage or eye rejuvenation. If you want a smoother surface, dermaplaning or a gentle lactic peel are common starting points.

Do facial add-ons hurt or cause downtime?

Most add-ons feel comfortable, and many are simply relaxing. Exfoliating enhancements such as peels or dermaplaning can leave skin feeling a little sensitive or looking slightly pink for a short time, and it is important to wear sun protection afterward. Your esthetician will explain what to expect for your skin.

How long does an add-on add to my appointment?

Anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the enhancement. Scalp aromatherapy massage is 10 minutes, lymphatic drainage, eye rejuvenation, hand renewal and the peels are 15 each, neck and décolleté and radio frequency are 20, dermaplaning is 25, and LED light therapy is 30.

Can I book an add-on without a facial?

LED light therapy is also offered as a standalone session. Other enhancements are typically booked alongside a facial. If you are unsure, contact us and we will help you plan the appointment.

Why Choose a Professional Esthetician for Your Add-Ons

Add-ons look simple on a menu, but choosing and sequencing them is a skill. A trained esthetician reads your skin on the day, notices sensitivity or recent sun exposure, and adjusts around it. They also help you avoid common mistakes: stacking exfoliating steps, duplicating what a facial already includes, and booking a long add-on into a short appointment.

You also get honest guidance, including when the best choice is to skip the add-on and simply enjoy your facial.

Book Your Facial Add-On in Copley

Whether you are leaning toward a smoothing dermaplaning session, a restful scalp massage or a firmer-feeling radio frequency add-on, we would love to help you build the right appointment. We welcome clients from Copley, Bath Township, Fairlawn, Akron and throughout Summit County. Book an appointment and tell us the goal for your visit, or contact us with questions beforehand.

Every skin is different, so your esthetician will personalize the plan when you arrive.

Results vary from person to person, and this article is general information, not medical advice.