Pre/Post Facial Care
- Amber farreli

- Apr 26, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 30
Know your at-home products. Your esthetician is likely to ask you about your daily skincare routine. If you’re concerned about your skin, she can give you better informed advice about what you should be using to correct the issue. it may be that one or more of your products isn’t the best for your skin type, so it’s worth having a mental checklist of what you use every day.
No waxing, shaving, threading or laser treatments (up to 48 hours) before a facial. Hair removal can make your skin feel more sensitive, so you’re likely to experience discomfort (like tingling or stinging) during the treatment if you’ve waxed or shaved beforehand.
Think about what you’ve got planned. The fact is that your skin may be a little red immediately following any facial treatment. This is totally normal and to be expected. Any redness will clear up within a day, but you might want to pass on date night if you’ve spent all afternoon here at Pure Luxury Day Spa.
Are you taking any medication? If you’re using an oral medication that’s known to thin the skin (such as retinoids and accutane ), it’s recommended that you discontinue use up to 3 weeks before getting a facial treatment.
Avoid sun bathing and tanning beds at least one week before your treatment. If you have a sunburn, facials are the last thing your skin wants (or need!). Let any sun damage properly heal before booking a treatment. After a facial, your newly-exfoliated skin will be more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays too, so stay out of it for a few days. Lastly, remember to always apply sunscreen before heading out into the sun.
Don’t over-exfoliate in the two or three days leading up to it. Since most facials include an exfoliating treatment anyway, it’s important not to let your skin become too sensitive before its properly buffed clean.
wear comfy/loose clothing if possible. Wearing comfortable clothing to a facial service is important for several reasons:
Relaxation: A facial is a time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing helps clients feel more at ease and less restricted, allowing them to fully relax during the treatment.
Stress-Free Experience: Clients who wear comfortable clothing are less likely to be distracted or uncomfortable during their facial. This allows them to focus on the experience and enjoy the benefits of the service without feeling self-conscious or uneasy.
Increased Comfort: Facials often involve various steps such as steam, masks, and massages, which can sometimes be warm or involve pressure. Comfortable clothing allows the client to fully enjoy these elements without feeling overheated or restricted. Ultimately, wearing comfortable clothing enhances the overall experience, helping clients relax and fully benefit from the facial service.
Men with Facial hair: It is highly recommended to shave 72 hours before coming into your scheduled appointment time. If not, please trim the facial hair down as much as possible to maximize the benefits of the facial treatment.
Avoid Heavy Makeup: It’s ideal to avoid wearing heavy makeup on the day of your facial. This allows the esthetician to properly cleanse the skin without the need for excessive removal of makeup. If you do wear makeup, try to keep it minimal and let the esthetician cleanse it away.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water the day before and the morning of your facial can help improve skin hydration, making it more receptive to treatments like masks, exfoliation, and serums.
Arrive with Clean Skin: Arriving with a clean face free of heavy creams, oils, or products allows the esthetician to start fresh and evaluate your skin’s current state. The esthetician will cleanse the skin for you, but removing any dirt or excess makeup beforehand is helpful.
Communicate Skin Concerns: If you have any concerns about your skin (e.g., acne, dryness, sensitivities), it’s important to share them with your esthetician before the facial. This will allow them to tailor the treatment to your skin type and needs.
By following these pre-facial care tips, you can help ensure a smooth and effective facial experience.
Post Facial Care:
To get the most out of your facial, there are a few key things to remember:
Don’t pick your skin! Ideally, you shouldn’t do this anyway, but you really need to avoid picking at your skin after getting a facial. It’ll be especially sensitive after all the scrubbing, extractions and pore-opening treatments; messing with it some more can cause irritation and even scarring.
Avoid using heavy makeup (48 hrs). After a deep cleanse, your pores will be more open, leaving them more susceptible to bacteria. It may be tempting to load on your full coverage foundation if your face is looking a little red, you should allow your skin to settle. Lastly, make sure you’ve cleaned your brushes and applicators thoroughly when you do apply it again.
Avoid the gym (and the sauna!). It’s always good to work up a sweat but you should reschedule your gym session 48-72 hours following a facial. Sweat can irritate freshly exfoliated skin. Similarly, saunas are a no-go post-treatment. You’ve already been cleaned and steamed; heating your face up and steaming it some more is likely to irritate your skin or lead to broken capillaries.
Avoid Touching Your Face: After a facial, your skin may be more sensitive, so it’s important to avoid touching your face, as this can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria, leading to breakouts or irritation.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight after a facial, especially if exfoliating or brightening products were used. Avoid direct sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect your skin from UV damage.
Use Gentle Skincare Products: For the first 24-48 hours after a facial, avoid using harsh products such as exfoliants, toners with alcohol, or products with strong active ingredients (like retinoids or acids) that may irritate freshly treated skin. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
Use Clean Pillowcases & Towels
Fresh linens help avoid post-facial breakouts—especially after extractions or deep cleansing treatments.
Follow Your Esthetician’s Recommendations: Your esthetician may provide specific aftercare recommendations based on the type of facial you had (e.g., products to use or avoid, when to schedule your next facial). Following their advice helps optimize the results.
Maintain Your Skincare Routine: After a facial, it’s a great time to assess your skincare routine. Consider incorporating products that complement your skin's needs, such as hydrating serums, soothing masks, or anti-aging treatments. Consistent care helps maintain the glow and benefits from the facial.
By following these post-facial tips, clients can ensure their skin heals properly and continues to look radiant long after their treatment.
One of the key things to remember about any treatment, is that there’s no quick fix. Facials – like any other beauty treatment – should be thought of as one part of a wider regimen. If you haven’t got your daily skincare routine down, one facial won’t be that transformative.
It’s also unlikely that you’ll be leaving the spa with perfectly poreless skin. In fact, you may experience a break out in the days following a treatment. This is because facials pull the impurities deep within your pores to the surface; for some people, the skin gets worse before it gets better. Ultimately though, facials detox the skin, they can remove years of built-up sebum, and dead skin cells from the pores leaving your face feeling squeaky clean.









Comments