What To Expect When Going For A Facial

Having a good, daily, skin care routine should be the absolute minimum to keep your skin feeling soft and feminine. Having a spa facial takes that feeling to the next level.

What to expect when getting a facial? When you go for a facial, you can expect an in-depth consultation so that your skin treatment can be customized to your skin’s exact needs. Each treatment will start with cleansing and finish with a facial massage and moisturizer.

Having a spa facial can feel completely overwhelming. They can address a wide variety of skincare concerns, such as dark spots, skin texture, and dry skin. However, it’s important to select the correct facial treatment for your skin’s needs.

Even though there are so many spa facials to choose from, you can always expect some standard facial steps.

Follow along and learn everything you need to know about getting a facial. I’ll be including tips on what to discuss with your aesthetician before your treatment.

What Is A Facial?

There have been, and there will be many spa facial trends that come and go. Generally, a spa-treatment will involve a few standard skincare steps. According to the National Institute for Biotechnology Information, these include:

• Cleansing,
• Steaming,
• Exfoliating,
• Extracting,
• Masking,
• Massaging,
• Facial Moisturizing.

These facial steps are the essential one-stop-shop for bettering your complexion.

When you book your facial appointment, it’s essential to consult with your aesthetician.

You’ll be able to discuss your skin type and skincare concerns, as well as what you want him or her to address during your treatment. You can focus on improving acne or look for treatments that promote anti-aging.

A licensed aesthetician will go over everything with you before beginning the treatment. You’ll also get recommendations on any steps or treatment options you may have missed.

This expertise is why it’s always important to do your own research before booking an appointment. Plus, most facials are not cheap, so going in prepared will help you get the most out of your skin treatment.

What Do Facials Include?

An aesthetician will tailor your facial treatment to your individual skincare concerns and needs. However, in general, a standard spa facial will include the following steps.

Consultation

Your aesthetician will speak with you briefly about what you’re looking to get out of your treatment.

Perhaps you may want to clear up acne or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Starting off with clean and healthy skin for the new season may also be on your mind.

Whatever your reason for booking a facial treatment, the professional performing it should go over everything with you before they begin.

During the initial consultation, be sure to tell your aesthetician about any skin issues you have.

Anything such as overly sensitive skin and any prescription skincare products you regularly use, like a retinoid cream, should be shared.

These are factors that can affect what your aesthetician may choose to include in your treatment.

Cleansing

Once you’re ready for a facial, your aesthetician will start the treatment by cleansing the skin.

If you can possibly help it, don’t show up to your facial appointment wearing any makeup.

Exfoliation

Most facial treatments will involve exfoliation of some sort. Exfoliation will help shed dead skin cells and allow skin care products to be better absorbed later in the treatment.

Depending on the treatment you’ve chosen, and what you’ve discussed beforehand with your aesthetician, exfoliation could mean a face scrub, washcloth, or chemical exfoliant.

Don’t forget to regularly exfoliate at home, either. Be sure to tell your aesthetician how recently you exfoliated your face.

Extractions

Facial extractions are probably the only part of the facial that will actually hurt.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, extractions involve using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

Depending on your skin and treatment type, they may not be included in your facial at all. If they are, you can expect some redness and discomfort after the facial is over.

This is normal and can be expected to fade over time. Keep in mind, facial extractions are a skin treatment that should only be done by a professional since specific, sterile, facial tools are used.

This is not a treatment you should try and replicate in your at-home facials.

Mask

Next, your aesthetician will typically apply a customized face mask. This may be a peel-off mask, a clay mask, or even a hydrating serum treatment.

Massage And Moisturizer

Almost all facial spa treatments will end with a moisturizer that is massaged over the skin. It is easily my favorite part of getting a facial.

This gentle facial massage feels amazing, and it provides essential skin benefits. According to the NCBI, it keeps the skin supple and offers a feeling of rejuvenation.