_{By Kate Elliot, Esthetician}

Facials can be a relaxing escape from the daily grind, but they are also an integral part of your journey to healthy skin. Like any well-oiled machine, maintenance is required to ensure optimal performance. Facials combat the wear and tear of daily life and get your skin back on track to reach your skin goals. But oftentimes, what you do after your facial can be an even more pivotal player in how you get there. Here are your post-facial do’s and don’ts to keep that glow long after you’ve left the spa. 

TRY NOT TO WEAR MAKEUP

As an esthetician, I get asked a lot: “Can I wear makeup after a facial?“. While it may be tempting, I would definitely suggest against it. After a facial, your pores are squeaky clean. It’s best not to put anything other than sunscreen on your skin for the rest of the day to minimize the chance of clogging. Let your skin breathe and embrace your natural glow and healthy flush! There is nothing more beautiful than the glow you get from self-love and a little R&R. 

SKIP THE GYM

Avoiding the gym after a facial is also a must. If you have to fit in a workout that day, try going before your day at the spa. Your freshly exfoliated and cleansed skin will be much more sensitive to sweat and heat and may cause irritation or a reaction, which we definitely don’t want! Wait at least 24 hours before getting back into the gym.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN

After a facial, your skin is going to be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. Avoid spending extended periods of time outside right after getting a facial and make a conscious effort to wear and reapply sunscreen throughout the day to ensure your fresh new skin is always protected. Going forward in your skincare journey, this is a great habit to get into for your daily routine. The best anti-aging hack is preventing the damage before it even starts; sunscreen will do just that. 

USE A SILK PILLOWCASE

An often overlooked tip is using a silk pillowcase. Not only is it good for the health of your hair, but it’s amazing for your skin too, especially if you suffer from acne. Silk fibers absorb less moisture and bacteria than your typical cotton, creating a much cleaner sleeping environment. Silk also offers less skin friction, helping prevent irritation and damage. 

NO PICKING

If you suffer from acne or blackheads, you may be familiar with the urge to pick at your skin. If you do see something on your skin that you want to pick, your esthetician probably didn’t extract it for a reason. Trust the process and put down your extractor tools. Your skin is more sensitive after a facial and you may run the risk of scarring or introducing harmful bacteria to the skin. 

LISTEN TO YOUR ESTHETICIAN

To maintain your glowing skin, your esthetician will recommend a personalized skincare routine specifically curated for your skin and your concerns. This will take the guesswork out of finding the right routine and will put you on track to achieving the skin you desire. They may also recommend lifestyle or habit changes you can make as well. And if you’ve had a more intensive treatment like a peel or laser, they may recommend specific aftercare instructions to help with your skin’s healing process. A lot of work happens in the treatment room, but the work you do at home will prolong and extend beyond the benefits of just facials alone. 

BE GENTLE

Following a deep cleanse that a facial provides, the skin may be left a little sensitive. It’s important to not overdo it with your skincare routine in the days after your treatment. Avoid retinol, scrubs, and exfoliating acids for at least 3 days to ensure you don’t irritate your skin. Keep your routine simple and stick to products that will hydrate, nourish, and protect. 

ENJOY YOUR SKIN

This step is mandatory… enjoy the glow! Whether it’s the beginning of your skincare journey or you’ve reached your skin goals, there’s nothing quite like that after-facial feeling. Like going to the gym, you may not be where you want to be after one treatment, but you know with consistent work, you’ll be there in no time. Enjoy the ride to your best skin ever. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be getting the most out of your next facial.