before & after your facial
helpful tips to make the most out of your skin care treatment
Often i am asked, “what should i do before coming in for a facial?”
whether it be what to put on your skin the day of, should you be taking your makeup off before you come in, or are there certain topicals/medications that i should avoid using or taking before your appointment.. what about after, when i leave?
there are some things that are helpful to know before your facial appointment.
before your facial…
fill out the consultation form, and answer the questions truthfully.
specify what you’re looking to get out of this visit. is it for relaxation? is it to focus on a concern? it could be both! let me know if you’re looking to relax while working on a current condition. are you looking to start clearing up maskne? this visit is for you. this is your time. Also, if you are looking forward to having a quiet visit with minimal talking, please do not hesitate to let me know. i follow my clients lead on the amount of conversation during skin care services.
are you getting your skin ready for a big event? if you’ve never had a facial before and dont know how your skin will respond…i recommend scheduling your facial 6-8 weeks before the event with a follow up treatment closer to your event date; this way you have time to address any negative skin reactions and get the maximum results from your treatment. don’t have that much time? its okay, i can recommend a service that will still be beneficial and give you a healthy glow.
are you interested in learning about new products, a new skincare routine/regimen, replacing some of your products for new ones? use the consultation form to let me know your preferences for your visit.
specify products you currently use on your skin..this includes makeup - knowing what you are putting on your skin is a huge help when deciding what products i want to use during your treatment. please try to be brand specific for your products if you can.
its important to let me know about any allergies, current medications - even over the counter as they can affect your skin, medical conditions (current or past), and any services you’ve had done recently.
if you just had botox, you will want to wait to get a facial. you should wait at least 48 hours after injections. facial massage will risk moving the injectable around to the wrong area.
work out before your facial. you’ll want to avoid sweating and a hot shower right after your facial as it can reactivate any enzymes or treatment products that were used, and may irritate your skin.
wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to change out of. i will provide you with a spa robe so that i dont get anything on your top; but make yourself comfy and wear what you like to relax in. avoid wearing a lot of jewelry. most facials include massage and i will be asking you to remove rings, bracelets, necklaces, even earrings if they are dangly, to avoid getting product on them.
don’t skip putting moisturizer on before your facial. and don’t worry about washing off any makeup before coming in.. thats what you’re here for. let me remove your makeup and create a clean “canvas.”
avoid getting waxed/threaded/tanning 24 hours before your facial. these services can cause sensitivities and a possible reaction to the products used during your treatment. if you happen to have sunburn on your face, i recommend rescheduling your facial. the sun sensitizes the face and some of the treatment product will irritate suburned skin.
skip any strong at-home facial treatments the week before your appointment and any exfoliation treatments a few days prior. you will be receiving this during your facial and want to avoid over sensitizing the skin.
stay out of the sun / stay away from the tanning bed for a week before your facial, if possible. sun damage and skin care do not mix.
most importantly…relax. don’t stress if you don’t follow these tips completely. these are just suggestions and tips to make sure you get the best treatment while you are visiting.
i will help you choose the best treatment for you once i learn your goals and what you want to focus on. ask me about add-on’s like the high frequency treatment, or the ultrasonic, or undereye treatment. also, specify if you want extractions during your facial. if you’ve never had extractions (or a facial before) you’ll want to avoid extractions if you are getting a facial for a special occasion or event in the same week.
come right before youre due for an eyelash extension fill. the steam, hot towels, and product can effect the lash glue and your extensions.
and most importantly.. dont hesitate to…tell me what you want, and dont hesitate to ask me questions during your visit; theres no such thing as a stupid question.
After your facial…
take your time getting up and getting dressed after your facial. you were just laying down and relaxing. when you are ready, meet me up front. i will provide you with a custom product recommendation sheet and custom skin care regimen.
make sure to put a clean, new mask on after your facial. the mask you wore into your appointment may have dirt/bacteria/sweat/etc. and you dont want to put that on to a fresh, clean face. i will provide you with a new mask at the end of your facial.
do not exfoliate for 3-5 days after your facial. your skin was exfoliated and deep pore cleansed, so any extra/excessive exfoliation can cause sensitivities or irritation. i will provide you with a regimen to follow IN BETWEEN treatments.
avoid harsh cleansers or cleansers not recommended for your skin type.
if possible..avoid make up for 12-24 hours. allow the product used during your facial, time to soak in and work their magic. if you are planning on going to an event, then i recommend scheduling your facial a couple days prior. your skin will be soft and glowing by then and will help your makeup to go on effortlessly.
do not apply any at-home chemical treatments/products for 12-24 hours, unless advised to. harsh chemical products may have a negative effect if they interact with products used during your facial treatment. the first 24 hours after your facial - using fewer products is more effective.
limit your time in the sun. take precautions and wear spf - your skin was just deeply exfoliated and stimulated.
do not touch your skin after your facial. we all know your skin will be looking and feeling it’s best, but your hands have bacteria and dirt that can clog your pores and undo all the good deep cleansing your facial accomplished.
avoid caffeine right after your facial..drink lots and lots of water - and every day. hydrating will help flush toxins and help achieve a clear complexion.
schedule your next appointment before you leave! when treating skin conditions or maskne/break outs, a FACIAL EVERY 3-4 weeks is recommended. when it is for maintenance purposes, a facial is recommended every 6-8 weeks.
most important thing to do is relax.
treating yourself and relaxing is super important for the skin and your body.