Preparing for Your First Facial: What to Expect and How to Get Ready

For some, getting a facial is an important part of their beauty routine, but if you’re new to the facial game, the process may seem intimidating. You may be wondering what will happen at your facial, how it will benefit your skin and how often you’ll have to return.

The goal of the staff at Quintessa Medical Spa is to help you relax during the facial experience while providing you with a treatment that best suits your skin. Feel free to ask any questions before your facial and to follow these tips so your experience is as great as it can be.

Care for Your Skin Before the Facial

You may be wondering what, if anything, you should do to your skin before your facial. In many cases, it’s recommended that you avoid the sun for about a week before your treatment. If you go outside, wear sunscreen and try to limit the amount of time you spend in the sunlight.

Your aesthetician may also recommend that you avoid drinking a lot of alcohol the night before your facial. Alcohol can make conditions such are rosacea worse or it can cause redness on your skin. Drink plenty of water before your facial to improve your skin’s hydration and avoid things that dry out your skin, such as caffeine.

Steer clear of other skin treatments that can make your skin tender or sensitive. For example, don’t schedule your facial right after laser hair removal or waxing. Scheduling a facial right after laser skin resurfacing is also usually not recommended.

Getting to the Facial

It’s usually a good idea to arrive early for your facial to give you a chance to get settled in and begin relaxing even before the treatment.

Getting to Know Your Skin

The beginning of your facial is a time for the aesthetician to really get to know your skin. During the evaluation, the aesthetician will look at your skin’s tone and complexion, skin type and sensitivity. Different facials are designed to deal with different types of skin concerns. Some focus on hydrating and moisturizing the skin, for example, while others focus on battling blemishes. Even if your skin is a bit worse for wear, don’t be embarrassed during the consultation. It’s a time for your aesthetician to come up with a customized treatment plan that will provide you with the best possible results.

Dealing With Extractions

Depending on your skin type, extractions might be part of the facial process. During an extraction, the aesthetician will put pressure on your pore, releasing trapped dirt and oil. Some people find them uncomfortable and don’t want them during a facial. You can request not to have them, if you prefer, or give them a try and see how you feel after a few.

Planning Your Facial

Facials are customized to the specific needs of your skin and can be an express treatment, such as a facial over your lunch break, or combined with another treatment, like a chemical peel, for deeper results. If you have a particular event you’re attending and want to ensure your skin looks its best, your aesthetician can help you plan the best facial for you, as well as the ideal time to receive it.

Skincare Post-Facial

Usually, it’s a good idea to let your skin be for the first night or day after your facial. Let your skin really enjoy the effects of the facial by not putting on makeup and by avoiding using harsh products on it. After a day or so, you will want to step up your skincare routine to get the most benefits from your facial. Your aesthetician can recommend certain skincare products to use to help maintain the results from the treatment. You may also want to ask about scheduling additional facials so that your skin continues to look its best.