10 Things Every Woman Should Know Before Getting a Facial

Posted by Samantha Speisman on June 29, 2015, Updated October 3, 2016

Almost every woman in the world has considered getting a facial at one point or another. Either you did and loved it, you did and hated it, or there was some little voice inside your head that made you hesitant and thus, you decided not to go for it. Having someone pick and prod at your face can be incredibly intimidating, and the results can be less than stellar if you don't follow instructions. To help you on your facial journey, we sat down with Morgan Henderson, head esthetician at Blitz Facial Bar (Toronto's very first facial bar) to find out how to get the most out of your treatment.

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    Know your products

    Know what products you are currently using — from the vitamin c cream to the sunscreen and everything in between. We will ask. If you have a concern with your skin we want to know what products you are using. Chances are something isn’t agreeing with your skin. Make a list if need be.
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    Beware of big events

    We recommend that you schedule your appointment accordingly. We suggest that you do not book a facial the day of or the day before a major event such as your wedding. Most likely your skin will be fine but let’s not chance trying something new before your big day. You are probably already stressed enough.

    RELATED: 17 bridal makeup styles for stunning and timeless photos.
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    No waxing or shaving

    No waxing or shaving 24 to 48 hours before or after a facial. Before will allow for a very uncomfortable experience that could include tingling or stinging. Afterwards could cause breakouts or worse, tearing the skin. Give your skin a few days to enjoy the fresh clean feeling before inflicting pain on it.
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    Beware of medication

    We recommend that you discontinue the use of any products that will thin your skin such as Tretinoin and Accutane at least three months before getting a facial. These medications that thin your skin, can make way for some serious damage if a facial is performed before the skin has had time to rebuild to its natural state.
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    No sun bathing

    Avoid sun bathing or tanning beds at least a week before a facial. A sunburn will make for a very unpleasant experience as well as defeat the purpose of getting a facial. Sun damage is the number one culprit behind aging so avoid sun worshipping and tanning beds altogether and wear sunscreen every day.

    If your amendment about the tan, consider self-tanners to achieve that JLo glow.
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    Exfoliate

    Will you break out after a facial? Most likely, no, but there is always a small possibility a breakout may occur. Depending on the condition of your skin, if you aren’t used to exfoliating, any excess oil will be released after a facial. This may result in a breakout but don’t fret, it will be gone in a few days and your skin will still be glowing. On that note, continue exfoliating at home to keep the skin glowing and the excess oil from building up again — it's a beauty treatment you can do in under a minute.
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    Communicate with your esthetician

    Let them know what your concerns are and what you are looking to get out of the treatment. It's their job to give you the treatment you want but they also need to let you know what is achievable in the amount of time you have and how to continue working on this goal at home. It’s like going to the gym, a trainer can make you sweat in an hour but you have to continue going to the gym daily to get the results.

    RELATED: beauty myths that are ruining your skin.
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    Arrive Early

    Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This is your time and you want to get the most of it. Allow yourself time to fill out any necessary forms and to talk to your esthetician. If you're late, it'll cut into your facial treatment. Estheticians want to put your best face forward but can’t do that if you only give them 15 minutes to work with.

    Self-care is important and carving out time for yourself is an action you can take. These celebs share their self-care tips.
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    Come as you are

    Arrive at your appointment the way you would arrive at work. Go about your regular skin care regimen the morning of your facial. It is best to see how your skin looks every day so your esthetician can make suggestions or recommendations if needed.

    RELATED: 10 big skin cleansing mistakes you could be making.
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    Be open minded

    Be open minded and willing to make changes. You have chosen to have a facial for a reason and estheticians are there to help. If a product isn’t working for you, it's their job to tell you what will work best for your skin type. Estheticians are well trained in skin care and have great skin for a reason. They are there to share their knowledge, offer advice and make sure you continue to glow long after you have left the facial bar.

    RELATED: The all-time best skin care products under $20.
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    Meet the expert

    Morgan Henderson is the head esthetician at Blitz Facial Bar — Toronto's very first facial bar. You can learn more about their 30-minute facial, along with their other services here.
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