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What to Expect During a Facial

What to Expect During a Facial

While healthy skin can be achieved at home, many people turn to the professionals when they need extra help. Regular facials improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, increase the effectiveness of your at-home skincare routine, and deep cleanse to help prevent breakouts and promote mental relaxation. 

It comes down to what your skin concerns are and which treatments are included in your facial. Either way, you can look forward to fresh, healthy-looking skin post-treatment. But first, we are going to walk you through what you should expect during your first facial. 

 

How to Prepare for Your First Facial 

When you are preparing for a facial, it depends on which type of facial you’re getting. If you’re choosing a facial that includes steam and extractions, then you can continue your regular skincare routine. 

However, if you’re getting a chemical peel, you might want to consider skipping out on your at-home exfoliation 24 hours beforehand to avoid the chance of irritation. Consult with your esthetician for precise preparation steps leading up to your facial. 

What to Expect During Your Facial

On the day of the appointment, arrive with a clean, make-up-free face. After you check-in, you might be handed a clipboard of questions, including: 

  • Do you have allergies?
  • Does your skin negatively react to lotion and soaps?
  • Do you have sensitive skin? 

You may receive other questions relating to past medical conditions, skincare routine, and more. Here is the step to expect when getting a facial:

  • Preparation: Depending on the spa, one of the first steps you should do is to prepare for the facial treatment. Some spas will make you change into a comfortable robe if you’re getting a full body massage afterward. Other spas will give you a foot bath with a shoulder massage, while many spas will simply ask you to go to the treatment area. The preparation will usually depend on the package you have selected. 
  • Cleansing: Most spas will ask you to wash your face with a special soap with a set of instructions. They will have specific soaps for different skin types available such as oily or dry skin. Some spas will ask you to lay comfortably, and the esthetician will wash your face for you. The esthetician will use mild products to gently cleanse your skin using a massage. 
  • Exfoliating: After cleansing your skin, you will be treated to an exfoliation. Some spas will be gently exfoliated, while others will use a standard facial scrub. The goal of the exfoliating process is to get rid of the dead skin cells and other skin impurities that aren’t embedded in the skin. 
  • Steaming: Some spas will skip this step but when used, steaming helps open your pores so that your skin is better prepared for the extraction process. 
  • Extraction: After steaming, the esthetician will remove skin impurities that are within the other layer of your skin, which includes mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. 
  • Finishing up: The spa will either use a cold towel method over your face to close the pore or apply a mild laser over a gauze mask. Then, you will be given the option of chemical peel and a facial mask. 

Common Side Effects

Due to intense exfoliation and extractions of some facials, purging can be a side effect. After a facial, you may notice red spots and inflamed areas appear on your skin. 

Spots that have been small blackheads will likely become pimples. In the next couple of days, you may experience irritation, redness, breakouts, scarring, and dryness. Read more about this here.

After Facial Treatment

The best way to treat your face post-facial is to not touch it, allowing the products applied during the treatment to penetrate the skin and have time for the skin to heal. If you’ve received more intensive facials like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or microblading, you need to wait until your skin has some time to regenerate. 

After the skin has healed, it’s time to book your next appointment. Getting a facial every four to six weeks is the best schedule. 

The average person’s skin cycle will range from 21-35 days, depending on the age. If you’re getting a facial with chemical or manual exfoliation, waiting at least four weeks is safe. Ask your esthetician for the best recommendations for your skin. 

Klassi-La’Chiq

Klassi-La'Chiq Beauty Essentials is a beauty supply retail store and fashion boutique in Asheville, NC. Our hair supplies and all-natural beauty products will keep you looking and feeling your best. For more information, contact us.

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