Choosing the Best Facial Machine for Your Spa

Equipping a new spa with facial machines or upgrading your existing esthetician equipment is a significant business decision. The type of facial machines you buy has a direct impact on your bottom line, as well as your staff’s day-to-day and your customers’ experience. This guide covers everything spa owners and estheticians should know before purchasing a new machine, as well as helpful insights about specific products.

Jump to a section:

• Considerations
• Multifunction facial machines
• Facial steamers
• High frequency facial machines
• Galvanic facial machines
• Vacuum spray machines
• Microdermabrasion machines
• Blue light therapy machines
• Bonus: Mag lamps

Considerations Before Buying a New Facial Machine

Before buying a new facial machine as a spa owner or independent esthetician, there are several important factors to consider. Understanding what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for new facial machines can help protect your business reputation and your profits.

Quality & Durability

Look for facial machines and accessories made from high-quality materials designed to withstand repeated use in a busy spa environment. Buy from established, reputable brands and read customer reviews to understand what kind of performance and lifespan you can expect.

Certifications & Safety

If the facial machine uses electrical current, look for the CE mark or equivalent certification from an independent testing laboratory to make sure it’s in compliance with electrical safety regulations.

Avoid buying facial machines without any safety information, or from unknown manufacturers. Nothing's more important than the well-being of your employees and clients!

Warranty & Support

Before you buy, review the manufacturer's warranty terms and conditions and find out what type of post-sale service and support is available in case you need it.

Functionality & Purpose

Does the facial machine you’re considering align with the services you offer, or plan to offer? Any equipment you invest in should support or improve the skin treatments you currently provide, or allow you to provide additional services that you believe will attract new customers.

Resist the temptation to buy the latest equipment just because it’s new, or “just in case” someone asks for that treatment someday. Know your client base and use equipment that addresses their needs.

It’s fine to add new facial services because they’re trending, but first do a cost/benefit analysis to make sure you’re maintaining your target profit margin.

Calculate Return on Investment

The cost of a new facial machine involves more than just the purchase price. You should consider other potential costs associated with the equipment you have in mind:

• Accessories, supplies & maintenance
• Training & certification for staff
• Insurance against theft or liability
• Higher energy bills (especially if adding multiple pieces of equipment)
• Advertising (if adding new services)
• Financing (if paying over time)

To calculate your return on investment, follow these steps:

• Estimate the projected monthly operational costs
• Determine the price you'll charge for treatments
• Estimate how many treatments per day/month you can provide with the machine
• Multiply the treatment price by the number of treatments per month to calculate monthly revenue the machine can generate
• Subtract the estimated monthly operational costs from the monthly revenue—this is your projected monthly profit
• Divide the purchase price by the monthly profit to see how many months it will take to recoup your investment—this is your payback period

Any additional profits after the payback period are the return on your investment.

Keep in mind that a new professional facial machine can also contribute to the long-term growth of your business in ways that aren’t as easy to quantify, including:

• Increasing client satisfaction
• Enhancing your business reputation
• Attracting new clients
• Improving staff retention

If you’re opening a new spa, refer to your business plan and the amount you’ve budgeted for facial equipment. Then decide which facial machine(s) will allow you to provide the most profitable service menu.

Choosing the Best Professional Facial Machines

As a spa owner or independent esthetician, selecting the best machines for skin care treatments is fundamental if you want to provide effective services for your clients. Sifting through all the options can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a helpful rundown of each machine type, with key features and questions to ask before buying.

Multifunction Facial Machines

Multifunction facial machines are a popular choice for professional spas because they're versatile and efficient. A single multifunction machine can save a lot of space and streamline treatment workflow compared to using standalone devices.

Not only are multifunction facial machines more cost-effective compared to buying multiple single-use machines, they also allow estheticians to easily combine different technologies in a single treatment session, which can help boost revenue.

Choosing the best multifunction facial machine for your spa involves balancing client needs, trending services and cost. Questions to ask before buying a multifunction facial machine include:

• What are the top skin concerns of your current client base and target market?
• Does the facial machine offer new treatments you can combine with existing services?
• Does the facial machine have adjustable settings so you can personalize treatments?
• What is your budget for a new machine?
• Is there a manufacturer’s warranty & customer support after purchase?

Use the table below to compare different multifunction facial machines sold by Minerva Beauty. They’re all covered by a manufacturer warranty and available to demo in person by visiting our showroom.

	7 in 1 Facial Machine	9 in 1 Facial Machine	13 in 1 Facial Machine
High frequency machine	✔	✔	✔
Galvanic machine	✔	✔	✔
Rotary facial brushes	✔	✔	✔
Vacuum cleanser	✔	✔	✔
Ionized facial steamer	✔
Ozone facial steamer		✔	✔
Sprayer	✔	✔	✔
5D mag lamp	✔	✔	✔
Wood’s lamp		✔	✔
Hot towel cabinet/UV sanitizer		✔	✔
Hot treatment			✔
Cold treatment			✔
Ultrasound			✔

Here’s a quick overview of some multifunction machine features, followed by buying considerations for different types of facial machines that are also available as a standalone equipment.

• Wood’s Lamp: The Wood’s lamp uses a filtered black light to illuminate fungi, bacterial disorders, pigmentation problems and other skin problems. This tool illuminates problem areas on or below the surface of the skin that may not be visible to the naked eye.
• Hot Towel Cabinet & UV Sanitizer: The hot towel cabinet keeps towels at a temperature of 165 degrees. The ultraviolet bulb keeps the inside of the cabinet germ free. This cabinet can either be used as a small hot towel cabinet or a UV sanitizer for storage of sterile implements. We also sell hot-cabi UV sanitizers separately.
• Hot Treatment: Use the warm side of the treatment tool in a circular massaging motion over the skin to relax tight facial muscles and open pores, allowing deeper cleansing and easier extractions.
• Cold Treatment: Use the cold side of the treatment tool to intensify the effects of a gel mask, tighten pores, and reduce inflammation and swelling (great for post-treatment redness or acne flare-ups).
• Ultrasound: Ultrasonic treatment can be used on the face and body, permeating deeply into the skin and stimulating blood circulation. Repeated treatments break down fat cells, reducing the visibility of cellulite as well as puffiness around the eyes, neck and chin.

Shop facial supplies and hot towel cabinets to go with your facial machines

Facial Steamers

Facial steamers are one of the best facial machines to have in your spa because they convey a sense of luxury and relaxation, offer multiple skin benefits, and improve the effectiveness of many other facial treatments. Not all facial steamers work the same way, so it's important to know which features to look for before you make a purchase.

Questions to ask before investing in a facial steamer include:

• Does it produce ionic or ozone steam?
• How much water does it hold?
• Are the steam and temperature settings adjustable?
• Can it be used with essential oils for aromatherapy?
• Is there a manufacturer’s warranty?

Minerva Beauty offers several different facial steamers, all of which have a wheeled base and are backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Equipro Vapoderm Classic Steamer

The Equipro Vapoderm Classic is an economical choice and great addition to any esthetician room with:

• Ionized vapor
• Adjustable height, head & arm
• 42oz capacity

The Equipro Vapoderm Classic steamer with lamp is the same model plus a 5 diopter LED mag lamp.

Equipro Vapoderm Digipro Steamer

The Equipro Vapoderm Digipro offers everything in the classic model plus a timer, three different levels of steam, and the ability to use essential oils.

• Ionized vapor
• Adjustable height, head & arm
• 42oz capacity
• Integrated timer
• 3 steam levels
• Integrated essential oil system

The Equipro Digipro Steamer Kit consists of the Vapoderm Digipro steamer plus a 5D LED mag lamp. There’s also a version of the Vapoderm Digipro steamer with a mag lamp and high-frequency facial machine.

Minerva Beauty Digital Ozone Facial Steamer

Don’t let the low price fool you - this fully digital ozone facial steamer is a valuable addition to your equipment lineup with a large capacity that’s great for back-to-back appointments.

• Ozone vapor & ionized vapor
• Adjustable height, head & arm
• 45.6oz capacity
• 30-minute timer
• Adjustable temperature
• All-steel construction

Shop our Digital Ozone Facial Steamer for reliable performance in professional spas

Minerva Beauty Ozone Steamer with Mag Lamp

This economical 2-in-1 ozone steamer and mag lamp saves space in your treatment room and allows estheticians to use the steamer and lamp together or independently.

• Ozone vapor & ionized vapor
• Adjustable height, head & arm
• 30-minute timer
• 5 Diopter mag lamp
• All-steel construction

Shop our Ozone Facial Steamer & Mag Lamp Combo for a convenient lighting solution

High-Frequency Facial Machines

High-frequency machines typically produce noticeable improvements in skin, even after a single treatment. Adding a high-frequency machine to your spa equipment lineup can be a great way to deliver visible results to boost customer satisfaction!

High-frequency treatments can also be combined with other treatments (depending on skin type and goals) which can help increase revenue per appointment. For example, high frequency can help reduce inflammation and acne-causing bacteria, to promote healing after extractions.

Before you invest in a high-frequency machine, make sure you're getting the features you need to address the needs of your client base:

• What type of gas does the high-frequency machine use? Argon gas is best for treating acne-prone skin while neon gas is best for anti-aging treatments. Some machines use one or the other, or a combination of both.
• What attachments are included? Ideally you'll get a variety of electrodes in sizes and shapes that can be used for spot treatments as well as larger areas.
• Does it offer adjustable frequencies?
• Is there a manufacturer's warranty?

High-frequency machines are available on their own (easier to travel with if you're a mobile esthetician) or as part of a multifunction facial machine.

Minerva Beauty High-Frequency Machine

For less than $100, our compact and affordable high frequency machine is a reliable choice for independent estheticians and spas of all sizes, featuring:

• Surgical steel casing
• Argon & neon gas
• 4 electrodes & wand (with case)
• Adjustable frequencies
• Long cords
• Durable construction
• Replacement parts available
• Manufacturer’s warranty

A glass comb electrode for treating the scalp is also available (sold separately).

Equipro Infraderm High Frequency Machine

Equipro’s high frequency machine is a great choice for skin care spas and offers convenient holes for electrode storage on top of the unit. Other features include:

• Argon & neon gas
• 3 electrodes & wand
• Variable intensity control
• Retractable coiled wire
• Manufacturer’s warranty

Equipro’s infraderm high frequency machine is also available as part of a multifunction machine that includes a steamer and mag lamp.

Galvanic Facial Machines

While not as widely known as some other facial machines, galvanic machines are growing in popularity and offer specialized skin treatments with unique benefits. Galvanic currents can help improve product absorption, skin hydration and lymphatic drainage to enhance clarity and reduce puffiness. Galvanic currents also stimulate facial muscles and boost collagen production, which can increase firmness over time.

Buying a galvanic machine can expand your service menu and give your spa a competitive edge if your target market is interested in the skincare solutions it offers. Ask yourself these questions before investing in a galvanic machine:

• What skin concerns does my client base have?
• What techniques does the machine allow?
• Does it offer adjustable settings?
• Which accessories are included?
• Is there a manufacturer's warranty?

Equipro Ioniderm Galvanic Facial Machine

Equipro's Ioniderm galvanic machine is a great choice for professional estheticians and spas because it includes everything you need to start offering galvanic treatments to your clients, including:

• Adjustable electrical current
• Disincrustation (deep cleansing)
• Iontophoresis (hydration & product penetration)
• Handheld electrode with red & black wires
• Disincrustor
• 2 Spontex sponges
• Spontex sleeve for electrode
• Integrated storage space for accessories
• Manufacturer’s warranty

Vacuum Spray Machines

Vacuum spray machines are versatile multipurpose tools for esthetic skincare. The gentle vacuum function helps remove impurities that are clogging pores while exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface. The spray function creates a fine vapor-like mist to hydrate post-treatment skin, and can also be used during cleansing treatments so help soften and remove residue.

All of our multifunction facial machines include a vacuum spray component, and vacuum spray machines are also available as a standalone piece of equipment. Here are some questions to ask before purchasing:

• How big is the machine's footprint?
• Which accessories are included?
• Does it offer adjustable settings?
• Is there a manufacturer's warranty?

Minerva Beauty Vacuum Spray Machine

Our value-priced vacuum spray machine offers everything estheticians need for deep cleansing and therapeutic skincare, featuring:

• Simple, user-friendly controls
• Adjustable vacuum & spray settings
• Glass spray nozzles/vacuum attachments
• Toner bottles & hoses
• Manufacturer’s warranty

We also offer a kit with replacement hoses and vacuum/spray bottles. Our 9-in-1 and 13-in-1 facial machines include the same vacuum spray function and attachments.

Equipro Aeroderm Vacuum Spray Machine

The Equipro Aeroderm vacuum spray machine is powerful and compact with a unique spray jet vaporizer that produces an ultra-fine mist. It also includes:

• 2 plastic bottles & tubes plus one glass tube adaptor
• Attached bottle caddy on device
• 3 glass spray nozzles/vacuum attachments for blackheads, massage & anti-wrinkle treatments
• Adjustable settings
• Manufacturer’s warranty

Equipro’s 7-in-1 facial machine also includes vacuum/spray functions and the same attachments.

Microdermabrasion Machines

Microdermabrasion offers gentle and effective exfoliation to achieve smoother, younger-looking skin without chemicals or scrubbing. Microdermabrasion machines are easy to operate and address common skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and dark spots.

Here are some questions to ask before investing in a professional microdermabrasion machine:

• Does the machine provide crystal or diamond microdermabrasion?
• Can microdermabrasion be combined with other skin treatments you offer?
• Does the machine have adjustable settings?
• What type of attachments does it come with?
• Is there a manufacturer's warranty?

Equipro Diamond Dermabrasion Machine

The Equipro Diamonderm machine uses attachments with diamond-encrusted tips to exfoliate the skin (as opposed to crystal microdermabrasion, which sprays the skin with superfine mineral crystals). Diamond-tip microdermabrasion eliminates the risk of stray crystals being breathed in or getting in your client’s eyes. Other features include:

• User-friendly controls
• Variable intensity of suction force from 8-20 inch/Hg
• Retractable coil wire
• 6-foot suction tube with 2 filters
• 9 diamond tips ranging from 120 to 240 grits
• Integrated storage for diamond tips

Blue Light Therapy Machines

Blue light therapy kills the bacteria that cause breakouts, deep below the surface of the skin. Adding a blue light therapy machine to your equipment lineup is a great way to attract clients looking for non-invasive, chemical-free acne treatments that are safe for all skin types.

Because blue light acne treatment has FDA clearance and is clinically proven to improve acne and blemishes, having this equipment on hand also opens up more marketing possibilities for your spa skincare treatments.

Quasar MD Blue

Quasar MD’s blue light machine for acne-prone skin has a large 2” diameter treatment head, allowing estheticians to provide more efficient treatment compared to many at-home devices. Other features include:

• All medical grade aluminum construction
• 100% natural & painless
• High-output 415 nanometer LED
• Power supply & protective lens cap
• Goggles & storage pouch

The Quasar MD Blue is also easily portable, making it a great option for spas as well as mobile estheticians.

Esthetician Magnifying Lamps

LED mag lamps are valuable tools for spas, and can be found in multifunction facial machines or sold separately (often with multiple mounting options). Mag lamps let estheticians examine skin in greater detail for more precise and effective treatments.

Mag lamps come with many different options, so you should ask yourself the following questions to narrow down which model will work best for you:

• Will you use the mag lamp in just one area, or will it need to move around the spa?
• Do you plan to travel with your mag lamp?
• What magnification level do you need?
• Do you need the LED to have adjustable brightness?
• What kind of positioning capability do you require?

Equipro Mag Lamps

Equipro offers a range of mag lamps so you can choose the size and features that work best for your treatment room and services.

The Dainolite mag lamp comes with dust and sun protection for the lens and allows precise positioning.

• 3.5D (188% magnification)
• Lens cover
• Powerful LED
• Flexible arm
• Clamp to steamer or wall (brackets sold separately)

The Robusta LED 5D mag lamp is a versatile tool for estheticians, providing distortion-free magnification and adjustable light for facials and more. You can attach the Robusta mag lamp to a steamer base with this bracket.

• 6” diameter lens
• 5 diopter (225% magnification)
• Fully dimmable LED lighting
• Arm extends up to 36”
• Knobs on each joint for easy adjustment
• Mount to cart, wall or base (mounts & base sold separately)

The Equipro KFM-LED map lamp allows ultra-precise viewing and positioning, and can be effortlessly secured in any position for virtually shadow-free magnification. The KFM LED produces nearly 75% more light than traditional KFM models.

• 5” diameter optical quality glass lens
• 3.5 diopter (188% magnification)
• Dimmer for LED
• Self-balancing shade & hands-free neck design
• Max. vertical & horizontal movement with no drift
• Dust cover
• Mount to cart, wall or base (clamp mount included, other mount/base sold separately)

The Equipro Wood Lamp features a compact handheld design with an elegant wooden handle.

• Excellent for diagnosing skin issues
• 3 diopter magnifying lens highlights skin imperfections
• Plugs in to outlet
• Easily fits on esthetician cart or trolley

Minerva Beauty Mag Lamps

Our premium mag lamp is a steal at under $100 and comes with a wheeled base - perfect for a wide range of esthetician services.

• 5 diopter magnification
• Dual LED bulbs
• Dust cover
• Height adjustable mobile stand

Shop our Premium Mag Lamp for a versatile spa lighting solution

Our Mag Lamp S is a lightweight mag lamp that’s ready to provide illumination and magnification wherever you need it. The slim profile fits easily into any treatment room.

• 5” glass lens
• 3 diopter (175% magnification)
• LEDs have 2 brightness levels
• 6000K color temperature
• Adjustable spring arm with max. reach of 43”
• Clamps to cart or table

Omega Mag Lamps

Omega offers three different mag lamps so you can choose the size and magnification level you need. All three of them can be paired with an optional mobile base.

Choose the ultra-compact 3.5 mag lamp when you need a portable magnifier that you can easily adjust.

• 3.5” acrylic lens
• 5 diopter (225% magnification)
• 4 brightness levels
• 6000K color temperature
• Rotating head
• 29.5” arm with two flexible sections & silicone covering
• Separates for easy storage
• Removable clamp
• Lens cover
• Carry case

Choose the Omega 5 mag lamp when you need a bigger lens and multiple magnification options.

• 5” glass lens
• 3 diopter (175% magnification) & 5 diopter (225%)
• 4 brightness levels
• 6000K color temperature
• 548 lumens
• Adjustable head joint with wing nut
• 31” internal spring arm
• Clamps to cart or table

Choose the Omega 7 mag lamp when you need a bigger lens, brighter light and longer reach.

• 7” acrylic lens
• 3 diopter (175% magnification)
• 4 brightness levels
• 6000K color temperature
• 815 lumens
• Adjustable head joint with wing nut
• 46.5” internal spring arm
• Clamps to cart or table

High-Quality Professional Facial Machines from Minerva Beauty

Minerva Beauty is proud to offer a curated selection of facial machines from trusted brands, as well as our own line of professional esthetician equipment with manufacturer direct pricing.

Shop professional facial machines online, explore our list of essential esthetician supplies, check out our facial beds buying guide or connect with one of our representatives for expert help - our sales team doesn’t work off commission, so you’ll get the same great level of service whether you’re ready to buy today or not.