Pre-Facial Skin Talk

Prior to treatment, be prepared to have a detailed conversation about your skin, its problems and sensitivity. Tomasso says clients should also discuss what they'd like to see improved. Issues can include things like enlarged pores, excess oil, pigmentation and acne. Carr says to be honest as a professional can pick up on small details from your feedback and use them to transform skin during the treatment.

Relax

Facial first-timers might be nervous but try to chill. Carr says the more relaxed someone is, the more they will get out of treatment. She also encourages people to speak up if they're uncomfortable. For example, don't be shy about saying whether you're too hot or too cold or something is bothering you. It's also perfectly acceptable to say you'd prefer to save chatting until after the facial so you can relax during the treatment.

Extractions

People are often most intimidated by extractions, which are not for everyone. "Extractions are only intended if you have something to extract. If you unnecessarily have it done, you could end up with giant, scarred pores," says Lancer. Rest assured, extractions will always be discussed ahead of the facial, says Carr. Note that they're not all bad. When done properly, extractions keep skin clear, healthy and balanced.

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If there's anything you need to do after the facial, the esthetician will provide feedback. For example, they might suggest avoiding certain ingredients or being careful about sun exposure. Jones adds that home care is also essential to get full results from a facial. She recommends asking the esthetician to prescribe some of the key products used during the facial so they can be incorporated into your regular skin care regimen.

Be aware that skin should not break out after a facial. Hewett says that if it does, either the wrong products were used or the esthetician did something wrong.

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