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What You Need to Know Before Getting a Facial for the First TimeGet the lowdown on when to book and what to expect |
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Most of the planning and thinking happens before stepping foot in a treatment room. Prior to researching estheticians, consider why you want to have a facial and what you want to achieve, says Elizabeth Jones, advanced instructor at Dermalogica. Are you looking for a few moments of blissful relation? Do you want skin to be on point for a big event? Are you dealing with a bout of breakouts that won't go away? Jones says that by defining what you want, the therapist can refine what kind of treatment they can perform and provide realistic feedback on the results. It will also give you a clearer idea when searching for the best esthetician.
Scheduling Around Events
Many people consider getting facials before big events like weddings. To ensure skin looks glowing as opposed to irritated, it's important to book a facial at the right time. Procrastinators take note, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer says once you've RSVP'd to an event, start your beauty maintenance and/or restoration regimen. In terms of scheduling facials, he says that they're usually done at two-week intervals until the event.
Monastery founder and esthetician Athena Hewett says that booking about six months ahead of a big event gives the esthetician time to fix any concerns and plan ahead. "I ask my clients to take note of what day their skin looks the very best after the facial and we try to book that many days before the [big event]."
A good compromise is having two facials before the big day. Sarah Carr, Liz Earle Beauty Co. ambassador and facialist, advises newbies to get one facial at least six weeks ahead of the occasion to see how skin is post-treatment. Then schedule the second accordingly.
Just want one facial? Experts suggest booking at least seven days prior to the event. If you want to be very safe, you could go up to a month prior, says Jones. Carr stresses the importance of having a thorough consultation and patch testing all products and says to consider avoiding extractions.
Image via Imaxtree
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