So, you made the big jump and scheduled your first professional facial. Very exciting! No matter what you’re hoping to get out of your facial, you’ll walk away from your appointment with glowing and replenished skin.
However, just like other medical procedures, you don’t want to walk into a facial appointment unprepared. Rather, you should know exactly which questions to ask, which questions you will be asked, and what will happen once the facial begins.
Perhaps even more important is knowing what to do for your skin before and after a facial, since certain actions counteract the benefits of the facial (which would mean a big waste of money!). For everything you need to know about getting a facial, keep reading!
What Should You Do Before Your Facial?
Since this is your first facial, there is very little you have to do to prepare. The person you made your appointment with would have told you if there was anything urgent that you needed to know or if there were any important instructions to follow.
For the most part, try to avoid making your skin any more sensitive than it has to be in the day or two leading up to your facial. This may mean cutting back on skincare and acne products that dry out the skin. You might also want to stay out of the sun to avoid the potential for sunburn (note: if you do get sunburn, reschedule for a later date).
Really, all there’s left for you to do is get super excited about how amazing your skin is going to look once you get this facial!

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What Will Happen During Your Facial?
First, your esthetician will likely ask you a series of questions to better understand your skin type and lifestyle. This will help them decide how they’ll treat your skin and which products they’ll use.
Next, it’s your turn to ask the questions. If you’re feeling nervous about the facial, ask your esthetician to walk you through, step by step, what will happen. State plainly that this is your first time and clarify what you would like to accomplish with this facial. Brighter skin? Less acne? Smaller pores? Whatever it is, your esthetician can target their procedure to match your needs.
In general, a beginner’s facial involves cleansing of the skin, steaming, and professional extraction of clogged pores/acne lesions. Your esthetician may also use various products to further exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
Expect any basic facial to reduce inflammation, even skin tone, smooth out skin texture, and improve complexion. Facials also work to make your pores smaller and even unclog them, lessening the risk of acne.
Once you’ve lost your facial virginity, you can venture into the world of chemical peels, hydrafacials, and microcurrent facials. However, you should probably stick to the less extreme stuff for your first time, and your esthetician will most likely agree.
So, what happens next?
The facial process will, among other things, make your skin extremely sensitive. As such, be extra careful how you treat it immediately afterwards. Give your skin the time it needs to heal and get the best out of your facial by following the dos and don’ts below.
What Should You Do After Your Facial?
What Should You Not Do After Your Facial?
Instead, be ready to lay low for the next 24-48 hours if you aren’t comfortable going out without makeup, as using makeup clogs your already sensitive pores and allows for bacteria growth. If you scheduled your facial for the afternoon before your big work meeting, consider rescheduling.
Wait at least three days (preferably more) before adding acne treatments back to your routine. Your esthetician or dermatologist will give you more patient-specific guidance as to when it will be safe for you to do so.
The Takeaway
Let’s summarize how the facial process should go:
1. Make an appointment with an esthetician. Make it known to them that this is your first time getting a facial.
2. Avoid any products that make your skin extra sensitive at least 24 hours before your appointment.
3. Go to your appointment. Answer any questions your esthetician has for you, and then address any concerns you have. Make it clear to them why you want to get a facial, so they can build their treatment around your needs.
4. After the facial, be patient and gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh products, exercise, the sun, and anything else that irritates your sensitive skin for at least a couple of days.
You may find that you love the experience and want to go right back to the esthetician in a month or so. Or you may be underwhelmed and decide that the service does not live up to its price. Either conclusion is valid, as every person’s skin is different and has different needs.
Using our Vitamin C Clay Mask is a great way to reduce acne, exfoliate your skin, and achieve glowing skin at home, especially if you can’t afford a facial every 4-6 weeks.
Remember that facials should function as a supplement to a regular skincare routine rather than a replacement for healthy skin habits. The best way to maintain consistently radiant skin is by cleansing your skin daily, moisturize, wear sunscreen, and treat any breakouts with precision.
Sources
What to Expect at Your First Facial (byrdie.com)
Getting Your First Facial? Here’s What to Expect (skincare.com)
What To Expect from Your First Facial | Teen Vogue
What to Do After a Facial: 11 Things You Should Definitely Skip | SELF

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