Facial treatments are an essential component of skin care, offering deep cleansing, rejuvenation, and nourishment for radiant skin. However, to truly maximize the benefits, preparation, and post-care are just as crucial as the treatment itself. Below, we explore expert-backed advice on how to optimize your facial experience, with insightful commentary from Teeth and Beauty. (Source: Byrdie, 13 Expert Tips That’ll Take Your Facial to the Next Level, by Deven Hopp, updated on April 11, 2024, reviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD Board-Certified Dermatologist, Fact checked by Anna Harris, https://www.byrdie.com/facial-tips ).
Avoid Active Ingredients Ahead of Your Facial
Experts recommend avoiding active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, and BHAs at least 48 hours before your facial to minimize irritation and sensitivity. These powerful ingredients can cause skin to become overly reactive during a professional treatment, potentially leading to redness or discomfort.
Teeth and Beauty highlights, “Many people overlook the importance of skin preparation before a facial. By eliminating potent actives in the days leading up to your treatment, you ensure that your skin remains balanced and can fully absorb the nourishing benefits of the facial without unnecessary irritation.”
Don’t Get Botox or Filler Beforehand
Botox and dermal fillers require time to settle, so getting a facial immediately after these procedures can disrupt the results. Experts suggest waiting at least two weeks before scheduling a facial treatment.
Teeth and Beauty comments, “Facial massages and extractions can interfere with the placement of Botox and fillers, potentially leading to uneven results. Planning your aesthetic treatments strategically ensures that each one works harmoniously to enhance your skin without compromising effectiveness.”
Communicate with Your Esthetician Beforehand
A thorough consultation with your esthetician is key to receiving a facial tailored to your skin’s needs. Discussing any recent treatments, allergies, or concerns allows them to make necessary adjustments.
Teeth and Beauty shares, “The more your esthetician knows about your skin history, the better they can customize your treatment. Transparency about your skincare routine, sensitivities, and concerns leads to a more effective and enjoyable facial experience.”
Prep With a Pore-Cleansing Treatment
Prepping your skin with a gentle pore-cleansing treatment a few days before your facial can make extractions easier and more effective. Light exfoliation can help loosen debris trapped in pores, allowing your esthetician to remove impurities with less discomfort.
Teeth and Beauty highlights, “A well-prepared canvas leads to better results. Using a mild enzyme-based exfoliant before your appointment can help clear surface congestion, making extractions more efficient while minimizing irritation.”
Skip Coffee on the Day of
Caffeine can dehydrate the skin and increase nervous energy, which may counteract the relaxing effects of your facial. Instead, experts suggest opting for herbal tea or water to stay hydrated.
Teeth and Beauty comments, “Many people don’t realize that caffeine can make their facial less enjoyable. Avoiding it on the day of your appointment promotes better circulation, reduces puffiness, and enhances the overall relaxation of your treatment.”
Don’t Wear Makeup to Your Appointment
Arriving with a bare face allows your esthetician to start your treatment immediately, rather than spending time removing makeup. This ensures that the full session is dedicated to skincare.
Teeth and Beauty shares, “Your skin should be as clean as possible before a facial. Wearing makeup can create an unnecessary barrier, making it harder for professional treatments to penetrate and deliver their full benefits.”
Request Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can enhance relaxation and elevate your facial experience. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile promote tranquility, while citrus oils can energize the senses.
Teeth and Beauty highlights, “Scent has a profound effect on relaxation and stress levels. Adding aromatherapy to your facial can deepen the experience, promoting both skin rejuvenation and mental well-being.”
Customize Your Facial
Every person’s skin has unique needs, so customizing your facial with options like LED therapy, oxygen infusion, or microcurrent treatments can maximize results.
Teeth and Beauty comments, “Facials are not one-size-fits-all. Discussing your specific skin concerns with your esthetician can lead to a highly personalized treatment that targets your unique needs, whether it’s hydration, anti-aging, or acne control.”
Play Soothing Music
Music can enhance relaxation during a facial. Soft, instrumental sounds or nature-inspired audio can create a calming ambiance, allowing you to fully unwind.
Teeth and Beauty shares, “The mind and skin are deeply connected. Relaxing music can lower stress levels, which in turn can reduce inflammation and promote better skin recovery post-facial.”
Prevent Over-Exfoliation
Over-exfoliating before or after a facial can compromise your skin’s barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
Teeth and Beauty highlights, “Less is more when it comes to exfoliation. After a professional facial, your skin is already deeply cleansed—giving it time to rest and regenerate will yield the best long-term results.”
Don’t Be Startled by Redness Post-Treatment
Slight redness after a facial is normal, especially if extractions were performed. It typically subsides within a few hours.
Teeth and Beauty comments, “Post-facial redness is simply a sign that your skin is undergoing renewal. Applying a cool compress and hydrating with soothing ingredients like aloe vera can help speed up recovery.”
Take Care of Your Skin Post-Facial
Hydration and sun protection are crucial after a facial to maintain the results. Using a gentle moisturizer and SPF helps lock in moisture and shield the skin from damage.
Teeth and Beauty shares, “Think of your skin as being in recovery mode after a facial. Hydration and sun protection are crucial in preserving your glow and preventing environmental stressors from reversing your results.”
Get a Massage After—Not Before
Massages, especially deep tissue ones, can increase circulation and cause temporary puffiness, which may interfere with the effectiveness of your facial.
Teeth and Beauty comments, “The order of treatments matters! Scheduling a massage after your facial ensures that any increased circulation or swelling doesn’t affect your skin’s ability to fully absorb post-facial serums and treatments.”
A well-planned facial treatment can do wonders for your skin, but maximizing its benefits requires thoughtful preparation and aftercare. By following expert advice and incorporating these unique insights, you can ensure that your facial experience is both relaxing and highly effective.
Teeth and Beauty concludes, “A facial is more than just a beauty treatment—it’s an investment in your skin’s long-term health. Making informed choices before, during, and after your appointment will help you achieve the radiant, glowing skin you desire.”
