If you're a skin care aficionado who knows their hyaluronic acid from glycolic acid and you have carefully cultivated a beauty regimen that works, the thought of having a stranger — albeit a professional, licensed one — come near your skin might make you a bit nervous if it's your first time having a facial.

Facials are supposed to be relaxing, indulgent experiences but newbies are often understandably worried if they don't know what to expect or how skin will react to a facial. Relax. A good facial helps you de-stress while targeting skin care concerns. As with most things, having information about the treatment can take the fear of the unknown away, help you to make smart choices and allow you to chill so you can fully enjoy your pampering session.

We asked the pros to share the important things to know when getting a facial for the first time. Read on for the 411.

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The Purpose

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.

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From our everyday skin care routines, we're familiar with how skin's needs can change depending on the weather. Dr. Ava Shamban, Beverly Hills dermatologist and founder of SKINxFIVE, says a good esthetician will adjust their treatment depending on the climate. Warmer seasons bring out more oil-related skin care conditions along with blackheads and UV ray exposure concerns, while dehydration and dryness are concerns in the colder months, says Katherine Tomasso, national director of education for Yon-Ka Paris. To rebalance skin during seasonal changes, she suggests scheduling professional facial treatments at least four times a year. If you want to splurge, book facials once a month.

Sun exposure is also something to think about. Jones says that anyone planning to spend time in the sun or traveling to sunny climes should avoid chemical peels or aggressive exfoliation as they make skin more sensitive to the sun's rays. Facials focusing on hydration and plumping are safer options.

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Read Reviews

Many of us spend ages poring over beauty product reviews to figure out which products are worth buying. Do the same with your facialist. Hewett says that it will make a huge difference in finding the best esthetician. Don't forget about asking friends or family for referrals.

Look for Specialized Estheticians

Want a facial that targets breakouts? Interested in facial massage? Carr says to look for someone who specializes in your area of concern for optimal results.

Think About Your Facialist's Skin Care Philosophy

One important thing the experts stressed was to find out your facialist's skin care philosophy and ensure that the treatment center is in line with your beauty ideals. There are many different kinds of centers, from spas to salons to medi-spas to dermatologist offices, says Jones. Some are focused on more natural, holistic approaches while others use clinical cosmeceutical grade ingredients and machines. Do you want a spa experience? Or do you prefer a more clinical space?

Find Out About the Products

You have a right to know what products and ingredients are going to be used in a facial, so don't be afraid to ask. Tomasso says that staff should be able to easily describe the main features, benefits and steps of every treatment on their menu of facial services.

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Think of this like an interview. You get asked about your professional qualifications in job interviews and you should ask prospective estheticians for theirs. Lancer says it's important that the facial facility is linked with a medical facility as this ensures that there is a board-certified medical professional overseeing it. If you experience an allergic reaction, they will be able to handle it.

Most salons have strict policies about therapists and qualifications but Tomasso points out that a few states don't require an esthetic license to perform facial treatments. Besides having a license, it's essential to consider experience, any specializations and satisfied customers.

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