Never had a facial before? Are you itching to book an appointment but holding back because you don’t know what to expect? Stick with us, we’ll help you out. This facial 411 guide will have you on your way to glowing skin in no time. Now let’s get started.

Why are facials important?

You exercise often, you eat right and you get frequent haircuts, so why wouldn’t you get a facial? As with most other beauty and health matters, facials help prevent and treat common problems. Facials are important because they keep on top of things that happen seasonally.

Take the fall season, for example. When you turn the heat on for the first time in October, you might notice a change in your skin. Inside heat can dehydrate skin and facials can drastically correct a lack of moisture. And every April when the weather warms up a bit, skin can get oilier and create breakouts. Facials can help with these and many other skin ailments.

What are the benefits?

So what can you expect from facials? Our licensed esthetician credits facials with smoother texture, proper hydration, a glowing complexion, fewer breakouts and firmer skin. “Regular facials do work,” she says.

The proof? We have mother daughters and sisters as simultaneous clients. One came for facials regularly, the other only occasionally. When the less vigilant one noticed that the other had started to look younger, she quickly changed her tune.

What to know before you go

Facials are relaxing and good for you, but there can be a few uncomfortable moments in the process. But don’t worry, they’ll be well worth it in the end. One seemingly unpleasant part: Extractions, when your esthetician deep cleans your pores. There’s a reason you shouldn’t pick at your skin at home; extractions should only be done by a trained professional esthetician. “An esthetician has a magnifying glass. There has to be the right pressure and angle to achieve good results. The skin is properly prepared and softened for successful extraction,” our licensed esthetician says. “The esthetician does NOT get emotionally involved with a zit. If it’s not ready it’s not ready. Premature extraction can cause scarring. Only a good esthetician will know that.” Another thing to consider: there’s some redness that follows a facial. But don’t worry, it’ll go away in about a day! “The worst your skin will look is that same day in some cases. If your skin has a lot of breakouts, it may take a few more days to heal what was already there. But it should start improving with facials unless it’s a systemic problem. In that case the esthetician should tell you that you made need the services of a dermatologist,” our licensed esthetician says.

Make your results last

If you’re investing in a good quality facial, make sure you get your money’s worth. You wouldn’t go out and buy a $400 bag then throw it all over the place, would you? No, so when you get a facial, make sure you maintain the results: “It’s like going to the dentist for a cleaning and brushing and flossing at home a few times a day. You can’t expect the results to last if you go home and sleep in your makeup or wash with a bar of soap. You have to use a cleanser and moisturizer for your skin type and season of the year. You need a guru. That would be your esthetician.”

Facials are an amazing way to help promote skin’s cell turnover and give yourself a refreshed, rejuvenated look. By using cleansers, steam treatments and appropriate medical grade skin care products, your face can look as good as it feels. What most patients do not realize however is what steps to take after a facial to maximize the benefits. Most of what is recommended post-facial deals with avoiding routines. Washing your face, and using makeup are fine when it is a regular day, but after a facial – keep it simple! The first 24-48 hours post-facial are the most essential to guaranteeing your skin has time to completely refresh itself and to breath.

Follow these tips to get the most of your facial:

Avoid Applying Heavy

Makeup Avoid applying makeup right after-and up to 4 hours -after your facial. Pores are open, and applying makeup can clog them which might lead to further breakouts. Skipping or using minimal application post-facial will further enhance your glow!

Avoid Over Cleansing and Exfoliants

After your facial your skin is clean, refreshed, and radiant. You can make it last longer post treatment by avoiding over cleansing, using harsh toners, or heavy creams. Instead, use a soap free cleanser, and a light to mid weight moisturizer. There are certain ingredients in products that should be avoided for at least 24 hours such as BHA/AHA, or Retin-A. These ingredients may cause irritation and redness.

Avoid UV Exposure

Most facials include an exfoliant or light peel to activate new skin cells which aids the treatment in giving you a fresh look. For this reason, it is very important to protect your face, and other areas by avoiding or limiting sun exposure and selecting the right sunscreen. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are ideal ingredients in products for your skin. They work by physically blocking the UV light from being absorbed into your epidermis. Choose a minimum of SPF 30, and reapply every 80 minutes if you are outdoors.

Avoid Steam, Sauna, or Gym

During your facial steam, exfoliants, and medical grade skin care products are used. Exposing your freshly treating skin to excessive heat in a shower/sauna or working up a sweat can cause irritation, redness and breakouts. Make your pretty glow last- enjoy a cup of green tea instead!

Avoid Picking

Sometimes breakouts can appear right after your treatment. While a facial can rid your skin of congestion, often times dirt and oil are too deep under the skin to extract. When this happens, do not give into the temptation to pick, or squeeze them yourself. Picking can cause more breakouts and lead to scarring. Wait until the congestion rises to the surface and treat by visiting your medical aesthetician for extractions or products. Following these tips will help you enhance the results you received from your facial.

Remember – healthy skin is beautiful skin, and beautiful skin starts at Newport Aesthetics!