I'm 49 and Just Had My First Facial. Here's What Happened

We interviewed Joanna Vargas because we think you'll like her picks. Some of the products featured are from Joanna's brand. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

So, yes. What the headline says is true. I'm pushing 50 and have never had a facial—until now. Which is kind of ridiculous seeing as how my team and I shop for a living. E! Insider Shop has written about the best face masks (both for skincare and for COVID safety), the best serums, moisturizers, face tools, etc.

So, what took me so long? Well, as most folks my age know, life gets in the way. Taking care of kids, the dog and/or cat, and home organization often takes priority over self-care. I'm not saying it should, but it sure does. My skincare regimen (when I remembered to do it) consisted of whatever makeup-removing wipes were on sale and moisturizer.

So, why now? My face ain't getting any younger, people. And while I'm lucky to have decent skin, my facial redness and sagging tech neck needed to be dealt with. The biggest reason though, is that I was fortunate enough to score a slot with the one and only Joanna Vargas—celebrity facialist to more A-listers than I can name in this story.

I went to the Joanna Vargas spa in West Hollywood for her famous Triple Crown Classic facial. Watch the video below for the full treatment.

What is the Joanna Vargas Triple Crown Classic Facial?

Joanna says the Triple Crown facial is "by far our most popular facial." It has three parts:

1. Microdermabrasion: The facial starts with a Diamond Peel, which is an exfoliation with a diamond-tipped wand. The wand also had a nifty little vacuum that sucked dead skin cells away!

2. Microcurrent: This is the core treatment of this facial. Per Joanna, microcurrent reduces inflammation, drains out excess puffiness, increases muscle tone, and it boosts natural collagen production. As Joanna says, "It's like going to the gym for the face." She's right. Boy did it help contour my double chin and sagging neck.

3. Oxygen Treatment: The facial finishes with a pure oxygen blast infused with soothing green tea, vitamins and aloe. Let me tell you, I'd start every morning with this oxygen blast now if I could. It felt so great.

As you can see in the video, my face felt glowing and my jawline felt snatched.

The best part is, even if you can't get yourself to a Joanna Vargas spa, you can still score similar results at home with her products.

What products are essential for a basic facial skincare regime?

This citrus-scented face wash is powered by vitamin C, witch hazel water, hyaluronic acid and natural exfoliants to leave skin smooth and luminous without stripping its natural oils. Fresh, clean skin allows all following skin care to work even more effectively.

Joanna's Insider Note: "We actually use this product in all of my facial services. It's brightening because it has a lot of vitamin C in it. Even though it's a foam, your skin doesn't feel too dry or like it's stripped."

Per Joanna, this concentrated, oil-based formula soothes skin, and enhances tone and texture. It's packed with potent antioxidants to brighten and boost radiance.

Joanna's Insider Note:  "Oil-based serums are great because they hold hydration in the skin better and it's great over a hyaluronic acid serum [like the Eden Niacinamide Calming Serum]."

This serum was specially formulated for sensitive skin. Per Joanna, it harnesses the power of nature by combining plant-powered stem cells, antioxidant-rich botanicals, and barrier-boosting niacinamide to create a plump and glowing complexion.

Joanna's Insider Note: "This is great for sensitive and mature skin. It's brightening, but still lightweight and won't clog your pores."

Joanna created this pro-grade moisturizer to address the full spectrum of aging skin. Per Joanna, this lightweight hydrator reduces the appearance of wrinkles and promotes skin's youthful vitality. 

Joanna's Insider Note: "It's super hydrating but also a kind of light whipped moisturizer, so great to layer with. You can still wear it under your sunscreen or your makeup."

Per Joanna, this multi-tasking bamboo sheet mask treatment gently exfoliates, clears congestion and balances moisture levels to reveal smooth, glowing skin.

Joanna's Insider Note: Instead of a physical exfoliant for my sensitive skin, Joanna recommends a chemical one like this mask once a week. The Dawn Brightening mask contains Mandelic acid, which Joanna shares" is one of the most gentle [acids] you can use."

If you're serious about your skincare upkeep—and I've learned by now we all should be—I also recommend investing in mircocurrent and red light therapy devices. Shop our editor and expert picks below:

This travel-friendly version of the NuFace is a great starter option. Per the brand, this microcurrent device is clinically proven to improve facial contour and help smooth skin instantly and over time.

Looking for more oomph? You can customize and boost face your facial sculpting treatments with the advanced TRINITY+ Smart Device. And the NuFace app's Selfie Tracker allows you to see progress and celebrate your achievements.

Omnilux participated in some of the pioneering red light therapy research. The brand also promises anti-aging and skin rejuvenating results. All it takes is three to five, 10-minute treatments per week for four to six weeks. Just put on the mask, close your eyes, and let it do it's thing.

Who is Joanna Vargas?

As It Girls, know Joanna Vargas is the It Girl Esthetician. Her celebrity client list is A-lister filled. Joanna's philosophy is everyone can have beautiful skin. She is known for non-invasive treatments that contour and refine, available at her namesake spas in Los Angeles and New York City. Joanna Vargas' skincare products reflect her signature combination of technique, technology and all-natural ingredients.

Now that your red-light therapy situation is sorted, have you explored the benefits of blue and green light therapy devices? We've got the details straight from a dermatologist.