If you have never had a professional facial, the part that surprises people is how much of it is massage. Here is the whole sequence.
The stages of a 60-minute facial
- Consultation Your esthetician asks about your routine, any prescription skincare, recent sun exposure, allergies, and what you want from the session.
- Double cleanse First cleanse removes makeup, sunscreen, and the day. The second cleanses the skin itself.
- Skin analysis A proper look under a magnifying lamp. This decides the products for the rest of the treatment — which is why a facial should never be the same twice.
- Exfoliation A gentle enzyme or acid exfoliant, or light mechanical exfoliation, chosen for your skin that day.
- Steam Warm steam softens the skin and opens the pores, making extractions easier and far more comfortable. Left out on sensitive or reactive skin.
- Extractions Blackheads and congestion cleared using gentle, controlled pressure. This is the least comfortable stage and it is optional — say if you would rather skip it.
- Facial massage Usually the longest and most enjoyed stage — face, neck, and décolleté, working the products in.
- Mask A treatment mask matched to your skin, left on for around ten minutes while your shoulders or hands are massaged.
- Finishing products Serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and SPF. Your esthetician will explain what they used and why.
What will my skin look like afterwards?
Usually flushed and slightly pink for an hour or two, particularly if you had extractions. That settles. Skin generally looks its best a day or two later rather than immediately.
If you are booking before an event, book three to five days beforehand rather than the morning of it — especially for a first facial or anything involving extractions or a peel.
What should I avoid afterwards?
For 24 hours: heavy makeup, retinoids and acids, hot yoga, saunas, and direct sun without SPF. Keep your routine simple for a day and let the treatment settle.
Common questions
Do extractions hurt?
They are the least comfortable part of a facial — a brief pinching pressure. Steam beforehand makes a real difference. They are optional; tell your esthetician if you would rather skip them.
Should I wear makeup to my appointment?
It makes no difference — the first cleanse removes it. Come as you are.
How far before a wedding should I book a facial?
Three to five days for a facial you have had before. If you are trying a new treatment, or a peel, allow at least two weeks and do a trial run first.
How often should I get a facial?
Every four to six weeks matches the skin’s renewal cycle. Every two to three months still makes a visible difference if that suits you better.
Should I tell you about prescription skincare?
Yes, always. Retinoids, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and prescription acids all change what we can safely do — particularly exfoliation and extractions.
