Are there any side effects from a facial treatment?
It is common to experience some pinkness or redness immediately after your facial. This is a normal response to increased circulation, which benefits your skin, and usually resolves within 20–30 minutes post-treatment. You’ll also leave with a noticeable glow!
Some clients may notice a temporary increase in breakouts following a facial. This occurs because the treatment promotes skin cell turnover and can bring congestion to the surface. These breakouts typically resolve quickly and heal well.
Temporary Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight: Exfoliated skin may be more sensitive to sunlight. Sunscreen is always recommended, but it is especially important following a facial to protect your refreshed skin and maintain your progress. Apply SPF 30 or greater and reapply every two hours if outdoors.
When should I stop using ___________ before a treatment?
Please pause any retinols, exfoliants including AHA/BHAs/scrubs/enzymes, or any irritating ingredients 5 days prior to your treatment. If you accidentally used these before your treatment, no biggie! Just let me know so we can adjust accordingly to keep your skin happy and glowing!
I’ve never had a facial before. What should I expect?
I’m so thrilled to be the one to introduce you to facial treatments—welcome to this skin-loving journey! Once you book your appointment, I’ll send over some forms to fill out. These help me understand your skin goals and health history, which is super helpful in personalizing your experience.
When you arrive, we’ll kick things off with a consultation to chat about your skin and what you’re hoping to achieve. Afterward, I’ll step out so you can disrobe to your comfort level. Most clients leave their bottoms on and remove their shirt and bra, but if you’re more comfortable keeping your bra on, no problem—I’ll work around the straps, as that’s a no-touch boundary for service providers.
During the facial, I’ll cleanse your skin, apply a mask, and use products that may have a mild stinging or warming sensation, but don’t worry, I’ll check in with you to make sure everything feels just right. Steam and warm towels are part of the experience, and if extractions are needed, I’ll gently remove blackheads and whiteheads. This can feel a bit like a tender pinch, but it’s quick and over before you know it. I have a few modalities in my collection of tools and tricks including mircocurrent, galvanic current, and high frequency. These electrotherapies don’t hurt, but they have some tingly, prickly sensations. We’ll talk about it more before using the treatments, and I’ll warn you before I use them.
When we’re done, your skin might be a little red or flushed, but that’s totally normal and will calm down within an hour or two. I can’t wait to help you feel foxy and fabulous with your first facial experience!
What are reasonable expectations for improving my skin concerns?
When it comes to your skin concerns, we can achieve a lot in the clinic, especially if you’re committed to your treatment plan, a consistent home routine, and religious sunscreen use (it’s non-negotiable for real progress!).
Keep in mind, your skin cells turn over every 28-35 days (depending on your age), so while we’ll see progress, lasting changes take a little patience. Realistically, we can see tremendous progress on issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, and fine lines in about 3-6 months.
You’ll dig how your skin looks and feels after just one treatment—it’s usually enough to have you hooked! But keep the big picture in mind, and together we’ll get you to where you want to be.
Should I do anything special before my treatment?
Keeping your routine simple at home and focusing on (topical) hydration before your treatment to minimize surface dryness and sensitivities– what that means is better extractions and less potential redness after the treatment.
Will my extractions by TikTok famous? What are reasonable expectations for extractions?
Maybe, but probably not—let me break it down! Those TikTok-worthy extractions happen under just the right conditions, and while I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to prep your skin, we never want to force anything that’s not ready to come out.
Comedones (aka whiteheads and blackheads) are compacted sebum—your skin’s natural oil, which can be waxy and sticky. Steam and products help soften the sebum, but how easily they’re extracted depends on factors like your skin’s tolerance to certain ingredients, heat, and your unique sebum composition.
If you’re dealing with a lot of congestion, it’ll likely take a few visits to gently clear things up without stressing your skin. The best thing you can do before your appointment? Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized! This makes a huge difference and allows us more time to focus on extractions while keeping your skin happy and healthy.
Do you have facials or chemical peels for acne? for black skin/deeper skin tones? for men? for rosacea? for pregnant clients? [and other commonly googled concerns]
Absolutely! If you’ve got skin, I’ve got a treatment for you. 🤗 I have experience working with a beautifully diverse clientele, thanks to my time in a high-volume spa where I learned to treat a wide variety of skin types and concerns. Whether it’s acne, rosacea, deeper skin tones, men’s skincare, or pregnancy-safe treatments, I’ve got you covered.
As a total skin science nerd, I’m well-versed in PCA protocols and peels, and I feel confident customizing treatments to meet your unique needs. There’s a spot for everyone here at my clinic, and I can’t wait to help you on your skincare journey!
Special Notes for Pregnant Clients
If you’re pregnant, please note that I’m unable to perform chemical peels, and I recommend checking with your OB for prior consent before booking a treatment. Additionally, for clients in their third trimester, I’m unable to raise my treatment table, so if lying flat on your back isn’t comfortable at this time, you may need to wait until your little ones’ arrival or until I can update my equipment. Your safety and comfort are my top priority!
