What to Do After a Facial for Healthier Skin

Post Facial Treatment Tips: 10 Things You Should Definitely Do After Getting A Facial

Stepping out of a spa after a rejuvenating facial, you may feel like you’ve been gifted with new skin. Your skin looks refreshed and radiant after an hour of pampering. But as the scents of essential oils and the soothing ambiance of the spa fade into memory, your at-home work begins: post-facial care to prolong your new glow.

Read on to explore some expert 10 facial treatment tips to ensure your newfound radiance becomes a lasting and everyday reality. Whether you’re a seasoned spa-goer or considering your very first facial, here’s how to make the most of the experience.

What is the Purpose of a Facial?

There are a number of different types of facial treatments available, but the overall aim is to promote and maintain healthy, glowing, and rejuvenated skin. This may involve exfoliation, extraction, moisturizing and more. The treatment should be tailored to your specific skin care needs, whether you are struggling with acne, dull skin, signs of aging, or another concern. Here are some of the main components to a standard facial:

Deep cleansing: Facials begin with a thorough cleansing of the skin to remove dirt and makeup. This step helps to unclog pores and prep skin for subsequent treatments.

Exfoliation: A gentle exfoliation process removes dead skin cells from the surface. This not only improves the skin’s texture but also helps with the absorption of skincare products.

Extraction: If necessary, the esthetician may perform extractions to remove blackheads or whiteheads. This step helps to prevent breakouts and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Moisturizing: Different facials may incorporate masks, serums, or lotions with specific ingredients tailored to the individual’s skin type and concerns. These products provide hydration, antioxidants, and essential nutrients to the skin.

Facial massage: A facial massage doesn’t just relax you and help to reduce stress. It also helps to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Skin analysis: Skincare professionals can assess the client’s skin during a facial and provide personalized recommendations for at-home skincare routines and products.

Anti-aging benefits: Some facials may focus on reducing the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, by using specialized treatments like collagen masks or lasers.

When Should You Get One?

Facials are suitable for all skin types at any time of day. However, you may want to schedule it for late afternoon to allow any serums used to penetrate the skin overnight. If you have oily or sensitive skin, be sure to ask your esthetician to use ingredients that are suitable for your skin type.

While there is no hard and fast rule about how often you should get a facial, most experts agree that once per month is sufficient when it comes to standard facials. If you are opting for a more sophisticated treatment like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and others, you should consult with the esthetician or your dermatologist depending on your skin type.

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10 Key Post-Facial Tips

To prolong the benefits of your facial and maintain that post-treatment glow, follow these 10 tips on facial treatment aftercare.

1. Cleansing and Moisturizing

After a facial, continue to maintain your skincare routine by cleansing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. This helps retain the benefits of your facial and keeps your skin hydrated. For extra moisture, we suggest using a product with hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant that attracts moisture to the skin and locks it in, improving hydration levels and boosting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Foundation Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Lotion moisturizes while improving the skin barrier. And it includes additional anti-inflammatory ingredients like shea butter and chamomile extracts to minimize any redness or irritation. Even more, the product layers well with other skin products, such as Foundation Skincare Vitamin C Lotion, which boasts anti-aging properties and protection from harmful UV rays.

2. Avoiding Sun Exposure

Speaking of harmful UV rays, you should always protect your skin from sun damage, but especially after a facial. Try to avoid direct sun exposure for a few days after your treatment. If you must go outside, practice sun-safe habits like wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 (50+ preferred) and a wide-brimmed hat. If you are already struggling with sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation or premature aging, try integrating some targeted products into your routine, such as niacinamide and azelaic acid. These products can potentially reverse signs of sun damage.

Foundation Skincare Niacinamide Lotion 10% offers a potent concentration of the active ingredient, which is powerful enough to help fade dark spots and brighten skin by reducing melanin deposits and enhancing DNA repair. Niacinamide also boosts collagen and keratin production to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and tighten sagging skin.

Use FS Niacinamide Lotion together with Foundation Skincare Azelaic Acid 14% Cream, which offers the highest non-prescription percentage available on the market, but is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Not only does it double down on niacinamide’s ability to reduce signs of premature aging, but it also minimizes hyperpigmentation by inhibiting an enzyme known as tyrosinase.1

3. Staying Hydrated

While hyaluronic acid does a great job of hydrating your skin from the outside, don’t forget to stay hydrated from the inside. Hydration is essential for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and radiance. It also helps your body flush out toxins and improves blood flow, which contributes to clearer skin.

4. Skipping Makeup (if possible)

If you can manage, plan to keep your face bare after a facial and skip the makeup. This gives your skin a chance to breathe and recover. Your pores will likely still be open and vulnerable after all the steaming and cleansing, so applying makeup may lead to irritation, clogging, or future breakouts.

5. Avoiding Harsh Products

Along with avoiding makeup, you should also try to avoid any harsh products that can irritate your skin. This includes at-home peels, and salicylic acid-based cleansers or toners. You may also want to avoid face masks, which may have ingredients intended to dry out acne or brighten skin. It’s not unusual for your skin to be sensitive after a facial and these types of products may cause redness and discomfort. Make sure to ask your facialist about any recommendations on what to avoid.

6. Gentle Skincare Routine

After a facial, be sure to follow a gentle skincare routine. In addition to using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer without fragrance, be sure to use warm water (not hot) and pat dry. If you are layering skincare products, make sure the ingredients don’t clash. Keep in mind that all of the products in the Foundation Skincare line are safe to layer.

7. Limiting Physical Activity

Physical activity is undoubtedly important for your overall health. But try not to overdo it after a facial. Intense workouts (and hot yoga!) can lead to excessive sweating, which can irritate skin or clog pores. Sweating can also remove any serums that your esthetician may have applied during the facial.

8. Protecting Your Skin

We mentioned protecting your skin from sun damage with sunscreen, but with so many options available, do you know how to choose the right one? Follow these tips to help you decide:

Use a sunscreen with SPF 30+ (50+ preferred)

Opt for broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays

Look for a hybrid sunscreen that contains both mineral and chemical compounds

When applying sunscreen, be sure to remember less obvious areas like the neck and ears. Also don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm or lipstick with SPF 30 or higher.

9. Avoiding Steam and Saunas

Though your facial may have included some steaming, you should avoid any direct heat to your skin afterward, which can cause swelling and redness to your vulnerable skin. Steam rooms and saunas also make you sweat, potentially leading to those clogged pores we mentioned earlier.

10. Follow-up Appointments and Maintenance

Before you leave the spa, discuss with your esthetician when your next facial appointment should be scheduled. Regular facials will help you maintain healthy skin, but so can having an at-home routine that works. Be sure to integrate ingredients into your regimen that will target any specific concerns you have, whether you are dealing with acne, premature aging, or hyperpigmentation.

Benefits Of Consistent Facials

Monthly facials don’t just benefit your skin–they also benefit your mental health. One study found that a one-hour facial induced cerebral, cardiac, respiratory, and muscular relaxation in subjects as well as positive emotions.2 These benefits are an added bonus to the clear physical benefits to your skin:

Cleaner skin

Reduced signs of aging

Exfoliated skin

More even skin tone

Unclogged pores

More hydration

A radiant complexion

Expert guidance on skin care

Remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s essential to follow the guidance provided by your esthetician for post-facial care tailored to your specific needs. Proper aftercare ensures that the benefits of your facial are maximized, leading to healthier, more radiant skin over time.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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