How to Prepare for a Facial
A clear, simple guide to getting the best results from your facial, preventing irritation, and showing up with skin I can properly assess and treat.
TL;DR
Arrive with a clean face, skip exfoliants and retinol for 48 hours, avoid tanning or peels before your visit, and let your skin show up as it truly is. This helps your facial be safer, more effective, and tailored correctly to your current skin condition.
How to Prepare for a Facial: A Simple and Effective Checklist
1. Arrive With a Clean Face
A freshly cleansed face helps me assess your skin accurately. Avoid heavy moisturizers, sunscreen, or makeup right before your appointment. If you are coming from work, do a quick rinse or use a simple wipe to remove surface products.
2. Pause Retinol, Acids, and Strong Exfoliants for 48 Hours
Retinoids and exfoliating acids make the skin more sensitive. When layered too close to a facial, they can lead to irritation, peeling, or reduced tolerance during treatment. A two-day pause keeps your barrier calm and receptive.
3. Avoid Tanning, Steaming, and At-Home Peels
Sun exposure, steamers, and DIY peels can overstimulate the skin. Showing up inflamed or overly exfoliated limits what can be done safely during your facial. I need to see your natural baseline—not a stressed version of your skin.
4. Keep Your Routine Simple the Day Before
Use gentle cleanser, basic moisturizer, and sunscreen only. This helps avoid product conflicts and reactions during your treatment. Save the actives for after your skin has healed.
5. Let Your Skin “Show Up Honest”
If you are breaking out, flaking, dull, oily, or irritated—do not try to “fix it” right before your appointment. Let me see what your skin is doing naturally. It’s the only way to design the right treatment for you.
6. Tell Me About Medications & Skin History
Certain prescriptions, over-the-counter treatments, and medical conditions influence what is safe to use during your facial. Sharing this info ensures:
- correct exfoliation strength
- comfortable massage techniques
- products suitable for your skin and sensitivity level
7. Aftercare Starts Before the Facial
Good preparation reduces post-treatment redness and makes results last longer. Keeping the skin calm beforehand supports smoother recovery after your facial.
If you use daily styling products, read the Scalp Brush Guide, Hair Clay Guide, or Texturizing Paste Guide to help remove product buildup before your facial.
8. When to Reschedule Instead
If your skin is sunburned, recently microneedled elsewhere, peeling aggressively, or you’re actively using high-strength retinoids, it’s safer to postpone. A facial should support your skin—not stress it further.
9. Final Prep Before You Leave the House
- Cleanse your face with a gentle wash
- Skip makeup, sunscreen, and perfume
- Drink water and avoid dehydrating drinks before your appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little damp
Ready for a treatment built around your skin and stress level? Book your facial here.