What To Expect From Your First Facial

I know this might seem a little bit crazy being an esthetician and all, but I did not get my first facial until I was 18. Not sure if that's "normal" or not, but I've had friends who've had facials around 15 years old (so Persian or a mom who owns a nail spa ;)). However, my first time was horrible! I guess I expected what I normally see in movies: champagne, fluffy white robes, soft music, and relaxation. Mine was the complete opposite! No champagne, no robe (until she saw how uncomfortable I was and went through a rack full of coats and purses to find me a cover up), no music, and just pain! My first (very painful) facial included extractions (removal of black and white heads), let's just say I had tears streaming from my face and my face bruised for the next several days. My lovely esthetician also surprised me with a high frequency treatment...something I didn't even knew existed at time! It honestly felt like she was snapping a rubber band constantly all over my face! For a couple of years, I never even thought about getting a facial again, that was until I applied to esthetics school and received a complimentary facial and fell in love with facials.

I'm going to say this right now, your first facial should not be extremely painful. Yes, you might experience some discomfort while extractions or a chemical peel, but not to the extreme. Facials are supposed to be relaxing and beneficial, not painful. However, I believe that a good esthetician always consults with her client on what treatment is going to be preformed and also during the treatment. I think surprising a client is always a huge no-no, because the client might not have wanted a certain treatment or completely freak out if they suddenly experience discomfort. I also want to mention that pain does not equal results! Capisce?

So, whether you've never had a facial before or simply had a bad experience. Here are some tale-tell signs that you're under good care:

1) Meet and greet

• Your esthetician will introduce him or herself
• Your esti may also ask if you need to use the restroom or water

2) Consultation

• You may be asked to fill out a consultation form: this is where your esthetician will see your contraindication(s), lifestyle, diet, medications/supplements, products you're currently using, and your primary concern, and etc!
• It's important to be honest, because your skin might react to certain ingredients or treatment
• This also helps your esthetician choose the best treatment for your main concern or skin type

3) Escort to a clean, neat, and calming room
4) Your esthetician will then prepare you for treatment

• Let you know that you can undress and gives you a robe (I normally let my lady clients know that they can keep their bra on if it's more comfortable or take it off, which ever they prefer)
• Show you where to place your clothes and belongings
• Show you the massage table and ask if you prefer being under or over the covers
• Your esti will leave to give you a chance to get ready (before stepping out, I like to ask my clients if they have anymore questions for me before I step out to prep and look over their consultation form, it gives them an opportunity to ask questions before the treatment begins--I notice this helps them feel more at ease, especially for first timers)

5) Cleanse

• Your hair will be wrapped with a headband, towel, or both. This is to protect your hair and also keep it from getting in the way of the treatment 
• Your esti may cleanse with 2x2, cotton pads, sponges, or fingers
• S/he may or may not put on gloves at this time (depending on the type of treatment, your skin type, or if she or you may have open wounds)

6) Skin analysis

• Your eyes should be protected with 4x4s or an eye mask
• Your esti will now ask you about your skin, what meds or supplements you're on, what product you're currently using, and your primary concern (basically a recap of your consultation form)
• S/he will also be feeling your face, jawline, neck, and ears--this helps your esti understand the texture, tone, and what's going on with her skin
• This is when your esthetician would recommend a customized treatment

7) Steam 

• This helps soften your sebum, making extractions easier
• Your esthetician may skip this if there's contraindication(s)
• *If you have difficulty breathing, just let your esti know*

8) Exfoliation

• A process of manually or chemically removing the surface of dead skin cells

9) Extractions 

• This is a process where your black and white heads are removed
• Sometimes this is part of your facial, sometimes it's an add-on
• You may ask your esti to skip this step or go gently 

10) Facial massage

• Helps with relaxation and stimulates your skin and facial muscles  

11) Masque 

• Your esthetician may leave for a bit during this process to tidy up or s/he will perform a massage 
• Steam may also be involved 

12) Serum, eye creme, moisturizer/SPF

• This step is very important and beneficial after a facial
• Because dead skin cells are removed, serums and eye cremes will penetrate better and deeper
• If you had a facial during the day, SPF is VERY important in protecting your skin from the sun

Volià!

Of course your esti will help you up, ask you if you need anything (like bathroom or water), and ask you to come to the front desk whenever you're done, show you the products s/he used and make recommendations, and you're on your way out! That's about it, of course not all spas are the same! Just make sure you feel comfortable with your esthetician, treatment, etc. If you feel any discomfort, just let your esti know! Hope this is helpful!

Xo,

Heather