Thinking about getting a professional skin treatment? It’s a great wat to revitalize skin and learn a proper home care routine. Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience…
Selecting the Spa
Ask for referrals from friends and check online reviews. You want to pick a spot that has a good reputation and is concerned with proper sanitation. If there’s a particular skin care line you’re interested in (we LOVE Dermalogica), go the the company’s web site and see if they list any spas in your area.
What to Expect During the Facial
Most basic facials include steam, professional cleansing, skin consultation, professional exfoliation, massage, mask and moisturizer application. The theapist should talk to you about your skin concerns (and not provide a “fluffy” one-size-fits-all treatment). He/she should also recommend home care products based on what they see during the treatment. You typically wear a strapless gown (so the therapist can work the declotte), and will want to remove your jewelry. Try to relax, but be direct with your goals and expectations from the beginning…it will help the esthetician with product selection.
Before the treatment, let them know if you have used Accutane in the lat year, use Retin-A, or anything else for your skin prescribed by a doctor.
Expectations After Your Treatment
One skin treatment isn’t going to change your skin forever, but it can make you look & feel refreshed. Ask the therapist what you can do at home to prolong your results…remember, home care is crucial for a lifetime of healthy skin. Wearing sunscreen daily is ialways mportant for skin health, but be extra sure to wear it during the days after a facial. Professional exfoliation can make you more sun-sensitive.
We often get asked how often to get a facial. The answer depends on your unique skin concerns. For maintenance, we think once/month is great. If you are looking to clear the skin of acne or sun damage, try every 2-3 weeks for a more aggressive approach. Ask your salon if they offer discounted packages, or check discount sites like Groupon for specials in your area.


