Facials—just the word conjures images of luxurious spas and cucumbers placed delicately over relaxed eyes. But what can you really expect from this popular skin treatment? And what do you need to know before booking one? We’re laying it all out in this post, including possible side effects. Whether you've booked an appointment or just want to know more, this is your guide to facials.
The Background: The word facial is a bit of a misnomer considering the treatment usually includes the face, neck, and décolleté. All of these areas are targeted with customizable therapy to create healthy-looking skin. This look is achieved by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and restoring the skin’s natural
moisture barrier.
Facials are most often done by Facialist or an Esthetician. You can also give yourself a facial, albeit the process may not be as thorough.
The Consultation: As we mentioned earlier, facials are customizable based on the specific outcomes you'd like to see from the treatment. Before booking an appointment, make sure to tell your esthetician about your skin goals and any skin issues you may have. Don't forget to highlight skin sensitivities and any prescription-grade skincare product you may use.
The Prep Work: Your consultation should lay out the exact steps you need to take to prepare for your facial. In general, best practices dictate you stop using any retinol at least 24-48 hours before the treatment. You’ll also want to show-up completely make up free (for the ladies) and unshaven (for our male readers).
The Facial:
Facials break down into some combination of cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massaging, and moisturizing. The type or length of each of these steps depends on your specific skin goals. You can expect a facial to last between 30 and 90-minutes.
- Cleansing: Even if you arrive fresh-faced, most facials begin with a cleanser and toner application. The reason is two-fold: to remove any lingering debris and to ensure your skin can adequately receive the new products.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliation may mean a physical face scrub or a chemical peel, depending on your skin goals. Either method works to remove the dead skin cells that lay on the surface of your skin.
- Extraction: Facials are perhaps best known for the extraction process. This refers to clearing clogged or compacted pores. You may experience some discomfort as sterile equipment is used to extract whiteheads and blackheads from the skin. Note: if attempting a facial at home, you’ll want to skip this step.
- Massaging: Certain spas also take a more hands-on approach during the massaging section. After applying the lotion, the esthetician may lightly massage your face and neck. Others might slap the skin around your cheeks and jaw to increase blood flow to those areas. Don’t be alarmed by the latter.
- Moisturize: All facials will end with some type of moisturizer. This locks in the products used previously and ensure you leave with plump, dewy skin.
The Results: A well done facial results in clear, bright, and happy skin. This manifests in the appearance of smaller pores, even skin tone, and a smooth texture. Your immediate results should last between 48 to 72 hours, but consistent facials will give long term results.
The Side Effects: Facials can be unpleasant at times, especially during the extraction portion. You might experience inflammation in the form of red blotches and raised skin if the products or method didn’t align with your skin needs. This is why you’ll never want to schedule a facial less than two days before a major life event. To help with recovery, follow all instructions from the facialist. Additionally, avoid any direct sunlight, harsh cleansers or treatments for 48-hours.
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