Your First Time Facial: What to Expect and How to Prepare

what is a facial

If you have a prom night lined up or you have been asked for your first date, and you want to look your best. The first thought that enters your mind is to get that first facial. A facial is a must-have if you have a major event coming up. But if you’ve never experienced one before and it is your first time having a facial, it’s normal to worry about what could happen.

Many questions come to mind. What happens during a facial? What happens to your appearance? What to expect during a facial? Would it suit your skin etc. So, to ease you out of this load, we have come up with a guide to help you out with your first facial.

What Is A Facial?

As per beauty experts at Labella Beauty Salon, facials are designed to keep your face looking radiant, clean, and healthy while giving it a healthy boost of vitality. The purpose is to help keep it looking flawless while giving it vibrancy. Facialists specialize in facial treatments and are equipped to care for skin. Booking a facial will allow an esthetician to take steps that hydrate and rejuvenate your skin.

These could include:

  • Washing your face deeply with special cleansers
  • Steaming your face to open up pores
  • Gently scrubbing off dead skin cells
  • Taking out things like blackheads and whiteheads
  • Putting helpful masks on your skin
  • Massage your shoulders and face for the benefit of a relaxing massage

What Does A Facial Do?

Facials can help with issues like pimples, dry skin, dull/tired-looking skin, and early wrinkles. Getting them regularly works best.

Get Your Skin Ready: What to do before a facial?

Properly preparing your skin ensures your facial goes smoothly. Here are some tips:

  • Come to your appointment with a freshly washed, makeup-free face. Don’t use lotion.
  • Avoid harsh scrubbing or peels the day before if getting a peel facial.
  • Shave to prevent any itchy razor bumps on your face during the facial.
  • Skip drinking alcohol for 24 hours before it dries out the skin.
  • Drink lots of water leading up to your facial to hydrate your skin.
  • Wear comfy, loose clothes you can relax in.
  • Come ready to fully relax and destress.

What Happens During A Facial? Step-By-Step

Your skin is now ready and has been well-prepared, and you’re now all set to go for treatment. What typically happens is:

Cleansing

First, the esthetician or beauty salon facial experts deeply clean your face to wash away makeup, oil, and anything clogging your pores. This stimulates your circulation.

Steaming (Optional)

Certain facials employ steam to help open pores and prepare your skin to go on to the next stage. The beauty therapist will point the wand of steam at your face for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Let them know if you require them to take a break.

Exfoliating

Gentle facial scrubs or chemical solutions lightly slough off dead cells on the surface. This reveals fresh new skin underneath.

Extractions

Then, the esthetician gently removes blackheads, whiteheads, and gunk from your pores. Extractions may feel slightly uncomfortable, but should not hurt.

Face Mask

Next, a mask picked for your skin type goes on and sits for a bit to nourish your skin.

Massage

Enjoy a relaxing face, neck, and shoulder massage while the mask does its work. This boosts blood flow.

Moisturizer & Sunscreen

Finally, the esthetician applies moisturizers and sunscreens suited for your skin to protect and hydrate.

After all these steps, your skin looks bright, clear, and feels amazing.

Care For Skin After Your Facial

Be very gentle with your skin for the first day after the facial:

  • Avoid makeup, acids, and retinol for 24 hours. Let skin fully recover.
  • Keep applying moisturizer – skin may feel extra dry.
  • Wear SPF outside – freshly cleaned skin gets sunburned more easily.
  • Use only mild cleansers – no harsh scrubs.
  • If skin gets irritated or breakouts occur, apply a soothing cream.
  • Book your next facial in 4-6 weeks to keep seeing results.

Common Myths

Some wrong ideas people have about first facials:

MYTH: Facials hurt a lot.

TRUTH: They may be uncomfortable sometimes, but shouldn’t really hurt. Tell your esthetician if they do.

MYTH: Facials always make you break out.

TRUTH: Short breakouts after a facial are normal as gunk rises up. But not everyone experiences this.

MYTH: Your skin will be perfectly glowing after just one facial.

TRUTH: It takes several facials over time to see big results.

MYTH: Only women get facials.

TRUTH: Anyone can benefit from healthy, nourished skin.

MYTH: Facials require lots of recovery time.

TRUTH: You can get back to normal activities after about 24 hours.

Picking The Right Facial

There are so many types of facials to choose from for your first treatment. Here are some great starter options:
Classic Facial: It covers the essentials of cleansing, steams, masks, extracts, and moisturizers. It’s ideal for beginners.

Hydrating Facial: This facial hydrates dry skin by utilizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid as well as plant oils. Ideal for those who suffer from dryness.

Calming Facial: Utilizes soothing ingredients such as aloe vera to soothe irritation and redness. Great for sensitive skin.

Acne Facial: Deeply cleanses pores and utilizes ingredients like salicylic acid for clearing up breakouts.

Vitamin C Facial: Brightens dull skin using antioxidant vitamin C. It helps fight sun damage.

Get Excited for Pampering

You now know the process of facials and what you can expect from them. You’ll be ready for your first facial without any worries. Ask your esthetician questions and let them know about any issues you may have, and take a break if needed. Your skin will thank you for getting that facial.

Georgie Williams
Georgie Williams
Georgie Williams is a distinguished authority in the beauty and fashion industry, known for her innovative insights and strategic expertise. With a commitment to excellence, she empowers individuals and brands through her transformative approach to style, trends, and personal branding.
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