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September 5, 2026Finding the right professional for your skincare journey starts with understanding who does facials and how different providers approach your skin. A professional facial goes far beyond basic surface cleansing. According to clinical guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology, gentle cleansing, professional exfoliation, and targeted topical care help maintain the skin barrier while removing daily impurities and surface buildup.
Whether you want to clear congested pores, restore moisture balance, or improve uneven skin tone, selecting the proper environment and credentialed practitioner determines your results. At Pōk Aesthetic Bar, our co-founders take a personalized, consultation-first approach to ensure every treatment aligns with your specific complexion goals. If you are evaluating your options for a professional facials treatment in Coral Gables, knowing the distinctions between provider qualifications helps you make an informed choice for your skin health.
Understanding the Professionals Who Perform Facials
When exploring who does facials, you will encounter several types of licensed professionals operating in different environments, ranging from traditional day spas to boutique medical aesthetic practices.
1. Licensed Estheticians
Licensed estheticians specialize in surface-level skin health and topical care. They perform foundational facials, manual extractions, surface exfoliation, and relaxing massage techniques. Their focus centers on maintaining general skin health, soothing irritation, and helping clients establish daily home skincare routines.
2. Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Advanced practice registered nurses bring extensive clinical background to skin health. Our co-founder, Patricia Ghassemi, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, holds a Master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner and spent over three years participating in clinical Botox research at UCLA’s School of Dentistry. Nurse practitioners combine medical knowledge with specialized aesthetic training, allowing them to evaluate underlying skin conditions and integrate clinical protocols into routine facial care.
3. Physicians (MDs)
Medical doctors evaluate complex skin concerns and provide medical oversight across comprehensive treatment plans. Our co-founder, Dr. Poopak Ghassemi, MD, is a board-certified physician who directly consults with clients and performs clinical aesthetic treatments. Having a physician co-found and actively operate a practice ensures that all skin treatments adhere to rigorous safety standards.
Day Spa vs. Medical Aesthetics Practice: Which Approach Fits Your Goals?
Deciding who should perform your facial depends on whether you seek simple surface relaxation or a strategic, long-term skin plan. Reviewing key decision criteria helps determine the right path for your needs:
- Choose a Day Spa if: You primarily want a relaxing experience, light surface hydration, and basic maintenance without a formal medical evaluation.
- Choose a Medical Aesthetics Practice if: You are addressing specific, ongoing skin concerns such as deep congestion, stubborn dryness, early signs of aging, or uneven texture. Practices co-founded and operated by clinical professionals offer access to higher-potency professional formulations and seamless integration with advanced treatments like microneedling or targeted skin rejuvenation.
What to Expect During Your Treatment Experience
Every facial procedure at Pōk Aesthetic Bar begins with a direct clinical assessment. A typical appointment starts with a review of your current routine, skin type, and specific complexion goals, ensuring that every product used works in harmony with your skin.
Clinical recommendations published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons emphasize that individualized skin evaluations and professional-grade skincare selection are essential for maintaining skin health and preventing irritation. Following your session, your skin feels deeply hydrated, refreshed, and clear, with zero downtime required.
Located at 4649 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 406 in Coral Gables, our practice is co-founded and operated by the Ghassemi sisters, Patricia Ghassemi, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, and Dr. Poopak Ghassemi, MD. Both co-founders directly perform consultations and treatments, ensuring your care is rooted in safety and artistic accuracy. Street parking is conveniently available right in front of the building and across the street.
Ready to explore your personalized skin care options with our co-founders?
Learn more about Pōk Aesthetic Bar
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a professional facial?
For optimal skin maintenance, most providers recommend scheduling a facial every 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline aligns naturally with your skin’s cellular turnover cycle.
Can a facial help with clogged pores and acne?
Yes. Professional facials use targeted cleansing and sterile extraction techniques to safely remove excess oil and dead skin cell buildup from congested pores without damaging surrounding tissue.
What should I expect during my first facial visit?
Your session begins with a personalized skin consultation. Your provider then cleanses, gently exfoliates, treats, and hydrates your skin based on your individual assessment.
Will my skin look red or irritated after a facial?
Mild, short-term flushing can occur depending on the level of exfoliation or extractions performed, but this typically resolves within a few hours, leaving your skin refreshed and glowing.
Can I combine a facial with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes. Your provider can advise you on how to safely space or pair facials with procedures like microneedling or collagen-stimulating treatments based on your skin’s sensitivity.
