Apr 17, 2024
Categories
Skin Care
Spa facials do a lot for your skin: they clear away impurities, boost cell turnover, and help protect your skin’s moisture barrier. They also give you a gorgeous glow. But how do you keep that glow going? And what should you do—or avoid—before a facial? Follow these simple dos and don’ts to get the most from your next treatment.
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Before a Facial
After a Facial
Dos & Don’ts Before a Facial
Preparing for a facial helps you get the best results. Facials can refresh your skin, but a little prep goes a long way. Follow these tips to prime your skin:
Do:
– Avoid sun exposure: Cut down on time in the sun for a few days before your appointment. Sunburned skin can be too sensitive for some facial treatments.
– Cleanse gently & skip scrubs: Use mild cleansers and avoid harsh exfoliants or scrubs at least 48 hours before your facial to prevent tiny abrasions or irritation.
– Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your facial. Hydrated skin is more supple and responds better to treatments.
Don’t:
– Use retinol products: Avoid retinol and other strong ingredients for a few days before your facial. They can make skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.
– Wax or shave: Don’t wax or shave your face within 24–48 hours of your appointment—these can leave skin easily irritated.
– Schedule other intense skin treatments: Skip chemical peels or laser therapy close to your facial. Combining treatments can over-sensitize your skin.
– Arrive with heavy makeup: It’s best to come makeup-free. This saves time and lets your esthetician start with treatment right away.
Follow these simple steps and your skin will be ready to soak up all the benefits of professional care. Now, here’s how to extend your results after the facial.
What To Do After a Facial
The immediate glow from a facial usually lasts five to seven days. Your skin will look plump, hydrated, and radiant during this time. To keep that effect longer, try these aftercare tips:
Keep skin hydrated
Drink lots of water after your facial. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and keeps your complexion healthy and glowing. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and use a daily moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Exfoliate weekly
Don’t exfoliate right away—wait two to three days. After that, gentle weekly exfoliation will help keep skin smooth and prevent buildup that dulls your glow. Use mild exfoliants like Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™, or VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peels.
Product Picks
– Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant — Dual action exfoliant — $55.00
– Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ — Brighten and invigorate — $58.00
Use a vitamin C serum
Environmental stress—like pollution and extreme temperatures—can dull fresh skin. A vitamin C serum helps brighten skin, fight wrinkles, and protect against free-radical damage, keeping your complexion balanced and radiant after a facial.
Follow your esthetician’s advice
A good at-home routine extends the life of your facial. Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas told Refinery29 that following a routine designed by your facialist can prolong results for the month ahead. Work with your esthetician to build a routine tailored to your skin type and goals.
Book your next appointment
Professional treatments and home care work best together. Many estheticians recommend getting facials every four to six weeks to match your skin’s natural turnover. At minimum, consider quarterly visits to maintain skin health and adjust care as seasons change.
What NOT To Do After a Facial
There are a few things that can undo the benefits of a facial. Avoid these common mistakes:
– Visit the steam room or hit the gym: Extra steam, heat, and sweat can irritate freshly treated skin and worsen redness or broken capillaries.
– Wax, shave, or have laser hair removal: Give at least 24–48 hours before or after hair removal to avoid over-irritating your skin.
– Sunbathe: Your skin is extra vulnerable to UV rays after a facial. Always use sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF 30+ to prevent burns and premature aging.
– Pick at your skin: Don’t squeeze or pick blemishes. Your esthetician performs safe extractions during the facial; picking afterward can spread bacteria and cause scarring. If something remains, schedule a follow-up.
– Use at-home peels or retinol right away: Wait about a week before using strong treatments. Your esthetician likely used professional exfoliation during the facial and will focus on protecting your skin’s moisture barrier afterward.
Try these aftercare tips to preserve your glow and keep skin healthy. Book your next facial at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.
Product Picks
– Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil — Deeply hydrating facial oil — $118.00
– Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer — Plumping & firming moisturizer — $69.00