Facials Made Easy: Inside Irvine’s Facialworks Spa Experience
Facials are often thought of in two extremes: clinical treatments in a medical spa or indulgent luxuries reserved for special occasions. Meghan Gilboa, master esthetician and co-founder of Facialworks, envisioned something in between.
“I wanted Facialworks to be the facial version of a blowout bar: approachable, fun, and results-driven,” she explained. “At the time, facials were seen as either intimidating medical treatments or luxury splurges. I wanted something that blended results and ritual.”
That balance is Facialworks: Gilboa’s democratizing take on a day spa. With six locations, including one in Irvine Spectrum, Facialworks is giving locals a variety of skincare treatments to keep their skin glowing.
An OC Original
Gilboa chose Newport Beach as the first location of Facialworks and also has locations in Dana Point and Huntington Beach in addition to Irvine. It was a natural decision for her to start the business in Orange County as a local who drew inspiration from its casual lifestyle.
“Orange County was my home and naturally aligned with our brand ethos,” she said. “The region embraces wellness and beauty, and the ocean is central to daily life. Since Facialworks’ design and ingredient inspiration are ocean-driven, starting in OC was a natural fit.”
With its mix of families, professionals, and wellness-focused residents, Gilboa said Irvine Spectrum is an ideal spot for Facialworks.
“Irvine is health-driven, family-focused, and wellness-minded,” Gilboa said. “Our spas are places where busy moms, teens, and professionals alike can reset and recharge. More than treatments, we offer confidence-building rituals that help people feel cared for and connected to their well-being.”
At the Irvine Spectrum location, visitors will find a full menu of facials, products, and devices.
Advice from the Expert
When, how, and why should someone get a facial? Gilboa said the benefits extend beyond the skin itself.
“Facials reduce stress, which directly improves skin health,” she explained. “They’re results and self-care rolled into one.”
Although customers can achieve many skincare goals on their own, Gilboa said facials are where results can be supercharged.
“At home, you can maintain skin health, but in the treatment room, we use advanced tools and techniques—oxygen infusion, circulation-boosting massage, inflammation-calming methods—that go beyond what home care can achieve,” she said.
One of the biggest misconceptions Gilboa sees among clients is the belief that more exfoliation equals better skin.
“Over-exfoliating is the most common mistake,” she cautioned. “Scrubs and actives may provide a short-term glow, but excessive use damages the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity, irritation, and premature aging.”
Gilboa also urged caution with overly aggressive treatments.
“Repeated deep chemical peels or microneedling on already inflamed skin can backfire,” she explained. Instead, she recommends a gentler, personalized treatment plan that supports long-term skin resilience.
Meghan Gilboa’s Personal Routine
☀️ Daily
Gentle cleanser and AM vitamin C; PM peptides; SPF daily; gentle exfoliant 2×/week.
🗓️ Monthly
HydraFacial; oxygen facial for hydration/glow.
🪒 Quarterly
Dermaplaning for smoothness/polish.
🌿 Yearly
Holistic approach—no fillers/Botox; focus on sustainable skin health.
When it comes to her own skin, Gilboa practices what she preaches. Every day she washes her face with a gentle cleaner. In the morning, she follows up with a vitamin C serum and an SPF. At night, she uses a peptide serum. Twice a week, she does a gentle exfoliant. Every month, Gilboa has a HydraFacial or oxygen facial to maintain hydration and keep her skin glowing. Once per quarter, she does dermaplaning for smoothness and polish. She aims for a natural, holistic approach to maintaining her skin’s health.
“I avoid fillers and Botox despite past experience,” she shared. “I focus on sustainable skin health, not quick fixes.”
Facialworks has carved out a niche by making professional skincare both effective and accessible. Its success lies in the blend of visible results, thoughtful care, and a welcoming environment that encourages regular visits instead of occasional splurges.
For Gilboa, the mission is simple: to help people feel good in their own skin. “Facials should never feel intimidating,” she said. “They should feel like a ritual you look forward to.”
My Oxygen Facial at Facialworks
I recently had the opportunity* to experience the Signature Oxygen Facial at the Irvine Spectrum location of Facialworks. The Signature Oxygen Facial is a streamlined and efficient service that targets all the basics one might look for in a little refresh: cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, plus an extra boost of from the spa’s oxygen gun.
From the moment I settled into the facial chair, I felt like I was stepping into a calm oasis. My esthetician kicked things off with a gentle cleanse followed by a 10% lactic acid exfoliation that made my skin tingle in that satisfying “it’s working” way. After applying a treatment mask, the esthetician then gave me a cooling facial massage with chilled Face Ice Cryo Wands.
The esthetician then lightly misted my skin with an “oxygen gun,” which she said would push peptide serum deep into my pores. When the oxygen wand hovered over my face, it released a light, refreshing mist. Finally, the esthetician massaged moisturizer into my formerly parched and tired face. I could feel my skin eagerly drinking in the hydration. The massage melted away tension in my jaw and temples. By the end of the facial, my skin looked brighter, smoother, and more hydrated.
*This facial was provided free of charge.
Facialworks is located across from Sephora, near the ferris wheel
PHONE
(949) 932-0697
HOURS
Sun - Thurs | 10 AM - 9 PM
Fri - Sat | 10 AM - 10 PM