What to Expect at Your First Facial
Quick Answer: Before your first facial, avoid arriving with sunburned, irritated, or recently over-exfoliated skin. Be prepared to discuss your skincare products, allergies, medications, skin conditions, and treatment goals. Your aesthetician will evaluate your skin and adjust the facial based on what it needs.
How Should You Prepare for Your First Facial?
You do not need a complicated routine before your appointment. Continue using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen unless the provider gives you different instructions.
In the days before your facial, avoid trying unfamiliar products or anything that leaves your skin peeling, tender, dry, or inflamed. Do not intentionally tan, and contact the practice if you develop a sunburn near your appointment date.
Strong exfoliants may also need to be paused before some treatments. Tell your aesthetician if you use retinol, prescription retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, acne medications, at-home peels, or exfoliating scrubs. Do not stop prescription medication without guidance from the clinician who prescribed it.
What Should You Tell Your Aesthetician?
Your first facial should begin with a consultation. Be open about your skin concerns, current products, allergies, medications, medical conditions, and previous reactions.
Mention if you:
- Have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis
- Have active cold sores, a rash, or another skin infection
- Recently had waxing, a peel, laser treatment, microneedling, or injectables
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Use prescription acne or skincare treatments
It also helps to bring a list or photos of the products you use. Include your cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, serums, acne products, exfoliants, and prescription treatments.
Should You Wear Makeup?
You may usually arrive wearing makeup because your skin will be cleansed before treatment. However, arriving with little or no makeup can save time and make it easier for the aesthetician to examine your skin.
Avoid applying several strong or unfamiliar products immediately before the appointment.
What Happens During a First Facial?
The exact steps depend on the facial and your skin’s needs. A typical appointment may include cleansing, a skin assessment, exfoliation, extractions, a mask, hydration, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Not every facial includes every step. For example, extractions may not be suitable for very sensitive or inflamed skin.
Your aesthetician should also ask about your goals. These may include dryness, clogged pores, uneven tone, redness, sensitivity, fine lines, or starting a better skincare routine.
Will a Facial Hurt?
Most basic facials are designed to be comfortable. Extractions may cause brief pressure or tenderness, and exfoliating products may create mild tingling.
Strong burning or significant discomfort should be reported immediately. Pain does not mean the treatment is working better. Your aesthetician can adjust or remove a product if needed.
What Should You Do After a Facial?
Your skin may look hydrated and refreshed after a gentle facial. Mild redness or sensitivity can happen, especially after exfoliation or extractions.
Follow the aftercare instructions given for your specific treatment. You may be advised to keep your routine gentle, avoid picking at the skin, pause strong active ingredients, and wear sunscreen.
Contact the practice or a healthcare professional if you develop unexpected swelling, blistering, severe burning, or a worsening rash.
First Facial Options at LUX
LUX offers several facial options for different skin types and concerns. The LUX Signature Facial is presented as an option for clients who have never had a facial or who want to begin a new skincare routine.
You do not need to know exactly which treatment to choose before arriving. An aesthetician can evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend an appropriate option.