What to Do Before and After Getting a Facial

Getting a facial treatment is a sensational experience that comes with many beauty benefits. The best time to enjoy a facial is when you want to give your skin an extra boost of rejuvenation. After the treatment, your skin will glisten and glow for days to come. Facials are also suitable whenever you want to rest, alleviate stress, and treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation.

At Beauty Med, our facial treatments use high-quality scrubs, masks, elixirs, and assortments of beauty products to provide a refreshing experience. As effective as these treatments are, you can maximize the results with some preparation before your facial session. Likewise, the after facial care process is equally important. You will benefit from doing or avoiding certain activities after the treatment.

If you're getting a facial for the first time, there are things to know before your appointment. For instance, skincare experts may recommend that you take the rest of the day off following your facial. There are other dos and don'ts after a facial treatment. Here are a few tips on what to do before and after getting a facial:

Should I wash my face before a facial?

Should I wash my face before a facial?

Yes, you should wash your face before the facial experience. The goal is to arrive at the facial appointment in your most hygienic state. You will get the best results from your facial when your face is clean, fresh, and prepped. 

After washing your face, you can proceed with your morning skin care routine. Your esthetician will get to know how your skin looks on an average day, adjusting the treatment as needed. However, skip the exfoliation stage to avoid irritating your skin. Leave out any face masks since you will get similar treatments during your appointment.

Do I shower before or after a facial?

Do I shower before or after a facial?

You should take a shower before a facial. Your esthetician will not appreciate your natural body odour, so a prior bath shields you from a potentially embarrassing situation. Awkward session aside, this shower also loosens the pores and prepares the body for detox, which will help the treatment.

If you have the time, consider taking a hydrating steam bath before your facial. Otherwise, take a shower at home. You can create this spa effect by soaking in Epsom salt and essential oils in your house. 

Do you wear makeup to a facial?

Do you wear makeup to a facial?

No, don't wear makeup to a facial treatment. Makeup clogs the skin, and your esthetician needs to work with a clean slate. The fresher your face, the better they can work to treat blemishes and extract dirt or acne. Since the procedure will eventually remove the makeup anyway, skip painting your face before the facial. 

Wearing no makeup also helps the effectiveness of the facial treatment. The session should target your skin instead of heavy layers of makeup. For the best facial results, let your skin breathe with a makeup-free day. 

Should you wash your face after a facial?

Should you wash your face after a facial?

Yes, wash your face gently on the following day after the facial.  However, avoid taking a shower immediately afterwards. If you must, wait at least six hours after the treatment. Pouring water on your face will melt the serums and products. You wouldn't want to wash away all the benefits of your facial in the shower drain. Let the facial treatment sit on your face for a while as it performs magic on the skin. 

If you need to take a shower, use lukewarm water only. Stay away from soaps and shower gels. On the following morning, wash your face gently and try not to scrub your pores.

Can you wear makeup after a facial?

Can you wear makeup after a facial?

No, avoid makeup and heavy skincare products after the facial. Makeup products sit in the pores for hours after application. Let your skin breathe before and after the treatment. Think of getting a facial as if you are detailing your car. Would you take a ride on a muddy road after having the vehicle fully polished? No. The same goes for facials.

On the day after your facial, it's tempting to pull out a concealer to hide some of the redness and patchiness you may experience. However, doing this can cause you to break out. Leave the exfoliator and heavy skincare products like toners or retinol until the following week.

Can you workout after a facial?

Can you workout after a facial?

No, don't exercise after a facial. Sweating after the facial treatment is not a good look. The sweat can irritate your skin and undo the effects of the beauty products. Workouts also dehydrate and warm up the body, which counters the hydrating qualities of a facial.

If you must exercise, get your session done three to four hours before your facial appointment at Beauty Med. Remember to take a shower after your workout so that you will feel refreshed during the facial treatment.

What should I not do after a facial?

What not to do after a facial

Stay away from prolonged sun exposure after a facial. While experts recommend using sunscreen after facials, the best policy is to avoid the sun as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear clothing that will protect you from sun damaged skin, such as hats and sunglasses.

In addition, you should avoid sunbathing after a facial. Sunbathing can expose your skin to harmful free radicals and increase skin sensitivity. Similarly, don't go to saunas and heating rooms for a while after your facial session. Exposing your face to prolonged heat can break the capillaries and disrupt blood circulation.

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For questions, guidance, or more information, call Beauty Med today or contact us to schedule your free consultation at our cosmetic acupuncture clinic in Richmond Hill.