Hey everyone, John here! Today, we’re diving into something a little different from our usual asset management chats – we’re talking about skincare, specifically facials! It’s all part of looking after our overall health, and feeling good, right?
Lila: Ooh, facials! I’ve always wondered if they’re really worth the money, John. And how do you make sure you get the best results?
John: That’s a great question, Lila! And it’s exactly what we’re going to explore. We’ve got some fantastic tips from a celebrity esthetician on how to make sure you get the absolute most out of your facial. Think of it like this: if a facial is an investment in your skin, these tips are how you maximize your returns! So, let’s get your skin ready to glow.
Getting Ready: What to Do Before Your Facial
John: Alright, so getting a facial isn’t just about showing up and hoping for the best. A little bit of prep work can make a huge difference in how effective the treatment is. We’re taking advice from Candace Marino, who’s known as “The LA Facialist” – so she definitely knows her stuff!
Tip 1: Give Your Skin a Little Break Beforehand
John: Candace says that about five to seven days before your facial, you should stop using certain strong skincare products. This is really important to let your skin calm down and be ready for the treatment.
Lila: Strong products? Like what, John? And why do we need to stop using them?
John: Good questions, Lila! She means things like retinoids and strong exfoliants, including skincare acids.
Lila: Hang on, John. “Retinoids” and “exfoliants” sound a bit like science class. Can you break those down for us?
John: Absolutely, Lila! It’s simpler than it sounds.
- Think of retinoids (you might have heard of retinol or tretinoin) as super-powered skin trainers. They encourage your skin to renew itself faster, which is great for things like wrinkles and acne. However, because they’re powerful, they can also make your skin a bit sensitive, especially to start with.
- And exfoliants are products that help remove the layer of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. These can be physical scrubs with little gritty bits, or chemical ones like acids (such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid). They help make your skin look smoother and brighter, but again, they are doing active work on your skin.
John: Using these kinds of active products too close to your facial appointment can make your skin extra sensitive. Your esthetician (that’s the skincare professional who gives you the facial) might not be able to perform all the steps they planned if your skin is already irritated or overly sensitized. It’s like trying to paint a masterpiece on a canvas that’s already a bit rough and bumpy – you want to start with a calm, smooth surface. Also, try to avoid too much sun exposure before your facial. Sunburned skin and facials are definitely not a good combination!
Tip 2: Know What You Want for Your Skin
John: This is a big one, and it’s all about communication. Before you even walk into the spa or clinic, take a moment to think about your skin. What are your main concerns? What are you hoping the facial will achieve?
Lila: So, it’s like going to the doctor with a list of symptoms or concerns, rather than just saying “I don’t feel well”?
John: Exactly, Lila! That’s a perfect analogy. If you can clearly tell your esthetician your concerns and goals – for example, “My skin has been feeling really dry lately,” or “I’m concerned about these little bumps on my chin,” or “I’d love for my skin to look brighter and more even-toned” – they can then tailor the facial specifically for you. They are skin experts, but they aren’t mind readers! The more information you give them, the better they can customize the treatment, choosing the right products and techniques for your unique skin needs. This makes the facial much more effective.
Tip 3: Drink Up! (We’re Talking Water, of Course)
John: Hydration, hydration, hydration! Candace really stresses the importance of drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your facial.
Lila: Why does drinking water help with a facial, John? I drink water anyway, but does it make a special difference here?
John: It really does, Lila! Think of your skin cells like tiny balloons. When they’re full of water, they’re plump and bouncy. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient, looks healthier, and is just generally happier. Imagine a juicy grape versus a shriveled raisin – we want our skin to be like that plump, juicy grape! When your skin is well-hydrated from the inside out, it responds much better to all aspects of the facial treatment. For instance, if you’re getting extractions, hydrated skin makes the process a bit easier and more comfortable.
Lila: “Extractions”? What are those, John? That sounds a bit intense!
John: Ah, good point, Lila. Extractions are when the esthetician very gently removes blackheads or whiteheads – those little clogged pores you might see. It’s a common part of many facials designed to help clear out the skin. If your skin is dry and tight, extractions can be more uncomfortable and potentially irritating. But if your skin is supple and hydrated, the pores are more relaxed, making the process smoother and gentler.
After the Glow: What to Do After Your Facial
John: Okay, so you’ve had your amazing facial, and your skin is feeling fresh and looking radiant. But the care doesn’t stop when you walk out the door! What you do in the hours and days *after* your facial is just as important to maintain that lovely glow and get the long-term benefits.
Tip 1: Handle With Care – Be Gentle!
John: Your skin has just had a thorough, professional treatment. It might have been deeply cleansed, exfoliated, and nourished. Candace advises treating it very gently for at least a day or two afterwards. This means no harsh cleansers, no abrasive scrubs, and definitely no picking at your skin!
Lila: Picking? You mean like trying to pop any pimples that might show up?
John: Exactly, Lila. Your esthetician has likely performed any necessary extractions in a very careful, hygienic way. If you start picking at your skin afterwards, you risk causing irritation, inflammation, spreading bacteria, or even creating little marks or scars. It’s best to let your skin heal and fully absorb all the benefits of the facial without interference.
Also, just like before the facial, hold off on using those strong products like retinoids, exfoliants, and potent acids for a few days. Your esthetician will usually give you specific advice on when it’s safe to restart your usual active skincare routine.
Tip 2: Hydrate and Protect – Inside and Out!
John: Just like before your facial, keep drinking that water to help your skin from the inside! But now, external hydration and protection become super important too. Your skin can be a little more sensitive after a facial, especially to sunlight.
Lila: So, does that mean sunscreen is even more important than usual?
John: Absolutely, Lila! Sunscreen is non-negotiable every single day, but it’s especially crucial after a facial. Your skin has been freshly exfoliated, meaning a new layer of skin cells is at the surface, and these new cells are more vulnerable to sun damage. Candace recommends using a good quality, gentle moisturizer to lock in all the hydration and beneficial ingredients from the facial, followed by a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Think of sunscreen as your skin’s personal bodyguard, shielding it from those harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, dark spots, and undo all the wonderful work of your facial.
Lila: You mentioned “broad-spectrum” sunscreen, John. What exactly does that mean?
John: That’s a key detail, Lila! “Broad-spectrum” means the sunscreen protects your skin against both types of harmful UV rays: UVA rays and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones that penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily responsible for premature aging (like wrinkles and leathery skin), while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. So, a broad-spectrum sunscreen gives you comprehensive protection, like a shield that blocks two different kinds of attacks on your skin.
Tip 3: Stick to a Good Homecare Routine
John: A professional facial is a fantastic boost for your skin – it’s like a deep spring cleaning or a tune-up. However, it’s generally not a one-time magic fix that lasts forever. To maintain those lovely results and continue improving your skin’s health, you need a consistent homecare routine.
Lila: So, the facial is like taking your car for a super-deluxe car wash and detailing, and the homecare routine is like the regular washes and upkeep you do yourself to keep it looking good?
John: That’s a perfect analogy, Lila! Your esthetician will likely have a chat with you after your facial and may recommend specific types of products suited to your skin type and the concerns you discussed. Following their advice and using good quality, gentle products at home will prolong the benefits of your facial and keep your skin looking and feeling its best in the long run. This usually involves a gentle cleanser, a suitable moisturizer, and, as we said, daily sunscreen. Sometimes they might also suggest adding a serum to your routine.
Lila: What’s a serum, John? I hear that word a lot in skincare.
John: Ah, a serum is typically a lightweight skincare product that contains a high concentration of specific active ingredients. These ingredients are chosen to target particular skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, or dehydration. Because they’re lightweight, they can penetrate the skin more deeply than some heavier creams. You usually apply a serum after cleansing and toning (if you use a toner), but before your moisturizer. It’s like a specialized, potent booster shot for your skin, delivering targeted benefits.
Quick Recap: Your Facial Success Checklist!
John: So, to quickly bring it all together, maximizing your facial benefits is all about being prepared beforehand and then being gentle and protective afterwards.
- Before Your Facial:
- Pause strong products (like retinoids and exfoliants) about 5-7 days prior.
- Avoid getting too much sun.
- Think about your skin goals so you can discuss them with your esthetician.
- Drink plenty of water.
- After Your Facial:
- Be very gentle with your skin: no harsh products, scrubs, or picking for a couple of days.
- Continue to drink plenty of water.
- Moisturize well with a suitable product.
- Protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day.
- Follow a consistent, appropriate homecare routine, ideally based on advice from your esthetician.
A Few Final Thoughts…
John: You know, reading through these tips from an expert like Candace Marino, it really drives home how skincare is a true partnership. It’s a collaboration between you and your esthetician. It’s not just about what happens in the treatment room for an hour; it’s very much about the ongoing care you provide your skin every day. It makes a lot of sense – you wouldn’t invest in a beautiful new garden and then forget to water it, would you?
Lila: I completely agree, John! As someone who’s still learning about all this, these tips are incredibly helpful. I always thought a facial was just a pampering treat you had, and that was the end of it. But understanding the ‘before’ and ‘after’ care makes it feel like I can actually play an active role in how well it works and how long the benefits last. It’s empowering to know these simple steps can make such a big difference, especially when you’re investing your time and money into feeling good about your skin. It makes the whole idea of getting a facial seem much more worthwhile!
This article is based on the following original source, summarized from the author’s perspective:
A Celeb Esthetician Shares 3 Tips To Maximize The Benefits
Of A Facial