What is a high-touch facial?

High-touch facials. Maybe you’ve heard the term before and know exactly what it means. Or maybe you're a bit confused - aren't all facials a lot of touching? Let's go into more detail about what you can expect if someone describes a facial as high-touch.

Simply put, a high‑touch facial means the treatment relies mostly on your esthetician’s hands, rather than machines. The focus is on skilled, intentional touch rather than devices or technology. For comparison, a facial that uses machines (like a Hydrafacial) is high‑tech but low‑touch. High-tech services can be effective, but the experience feels very different.

High-touch facials can involve many different techniques, such as facial massage, lymphatic drainage, or the use of gua sha tools. The esthetician stays with you throughout the entire service. You’re not left alone under a machine or waiting for a device to do the work. There is ongoing intentional contact and attention.

Touch is powerful. Physically, hands‑on techniques can help improve circulation, support lymphatic flow, reduce muscle tension. Mentally and emotionally, high‑touch facials are feel deeply calming. They are grounding, nurturing, and restorative—for both the skin and the nervous system. A high-touch facial is slow, attentive, and customized to how your skin is responding in real time.

When you see the term high‑touch facial, think: hands‑on, intentional, and deeply personalized. It’s skincare that values presence, connection, and the power of human touch.