Q: What does a facial entail?
A: In a basic facial, we steam the skin to soften it and open the pores and do a cleansing massage. The skin is exfoliated to remove excess dead skin. *Time permitting, extractions are done (pinching on the skin to clean out white heads, black heads, clogged pores). A concentrated treatment serum is applied; absorption, tightening and plumping is encouraged via a beauty wand treatment. A mask is applied to sooth, hydrate, tighten the skin. During the masking session, you get a nice neck and shoulder massage. We finish with a moisturizer.
Q: What does a facial do?
A: Immediate effects leave the skin softer, smoother, more hydrated and “glowing”. They can help clear acneic skin, soften lines, minimize the visibility of pores, and even skin tone.
Q: Will I break out after a facial?
A: On occasion, but not often, one might have some “purge” breakouts following a facial. Facials are kind of like construction: sometimes it may get a little worse before it gets better. If you have any concerns, please let me know.
Q: I have an event, when is the best time to get a facial?
A: Plan to receive a facial at least a couple days prior to an event: everyone’s skin is a little different, but they usually take a couple to days to “recover” from a facial. Peak results (glowiness) from a facial are during the first week following a facial. *If you have never had a facial before and are planning to have one prior to a big event (eg a wedding), I recommend to try a facial 1-2 months prior to the event so you can gauge your recovery/optimal time range.
Q: Should I shave before a facial? (for men/those with beards)
A: Skin that is exposed will receive the most benefit from a facial. If shaving, I recommend to shave 24 hours prior to your facial. You do not want to shave immediately before the facial; products may sting due to microabrasions.
Q: Area there any before care condsiderations?
A: Avoid exfoliating 2-3 days prior to a facial. Discontinue any retinol/retin-A products at least 72 hours prior to a facial. Do not receive a facial if you are sunburned; please wait until the inflammation/redness has calmed.
Q: Are there any aftercare considerations?
A: Avoid liquid foundation/concealers for 24-48hours following a facial. Powder is fine; it’s best to just allow the skin to breath. Wait 2-3 days if you exfoliate at home. If you have any questions at all, please let me know.
Q: Is there any downtime after a microdermabrasion?
A: Immediately following a microdermabrasion, your skin may be a bit pink. Occasionally, but not often, your skin may flake a bit about 3 days later; this is actually a good thing. I suggest a nice exfoliation/scrub at home on the 3rd day following a microderm.
FYI: Unfortunately, there’s not enough time to do extractions in a 30 min facial
Occasionally, some people experience a “purge” breakout after a facial. Facials are kind of like construction: sometimes it may get a little worse before it gets better.
TIPS:
If you can, come with a clean face to maximize treatment time. (It is ok to moisturize.)
Plan to receive a facial at least a couple days prior to an event: everyone’s skin is a little different, but they usually take a couple to days to “recover” from a facial.