Most women (and some men!) enjoy getting a good facial. And, there’s plenty of reasons why.
Getting a facial treatment from a professional will deep-clean your skin in a manner you just can’t achieve at home. Not only are they extremely relaxing, but they’re proven to promote healthy cell growth, balance your skin’s oil production and even reduce your pore size. Extracting the bacteria from your skin offers both immediate and long-term benefits.
But what happens afterward? If you’re going to invest in a facial treatment, you want to make sure you’re not derailing your efforts by doing these counter-productive things following your appointment:
Don’t Wear Makeup Right Away
This is difficult for many of us, but it’s important to resist the urge. Your skin’s pores are wide open and will quickly and deeply absorb anything you put on it. Lipstick is fine, and you can get a special powder for your face if required.
Don’t Expose Your Skin to the Sun
As with the makeup, you don’t want to apply sunscreen right away either. You certainly don’t want to expose your bare skin to the sun, so plan your facial when you don’t have any outdoor activities booked and stay inside.
Don’t Use Anything Harsh on Your Skin for 48 Hours
Gentle cleaning is fine but no more than that. Avoid anything harsh, such as toners or astringents for at least two days.
Don’t Touch or Pick Your Skin
If you’ve had any extractions, you may have some scabbing or sores. Don’t pick at them — they must be allowed to heal naturally. Avoid touching your skin as much as possible, as the dirt and oils from your hands will be soaking right into your open pores.
Don’t Hit the Gym, or the Sauna
Your skin has just been cleaned and steamed — hitting the gym or sauna will kill your brand new glow, so wait a day before heading back to the gym or relaxing in the sauna or steam room.
Don’t Book a Massage
If you really need that massage, book it before your facial. The last thing your open pores need is to be pressed against that toilet-bowl shaped massage table for an hour!
