“I usually ask my clients to stop using any exfoliants (retinols, AHA/BHA serums and creams) and avoid excessive sun exposure 72 hours before their [facial],” says Garrido. Akram agrees: You might even wish to take an image of your whole skincare line-up to point out your esthetician beforehand, she says.
And after any form of facial, make sure to comply with common greatest practices: Go simple on potent exfoliators and retinoids in the meanwhile, nourish your pores and skin with hydrating substances, and shield your freshly cleansed pores and skin from the solar.
Finally, don’t count on lasting outcomes after only one session. “You will definitely notice a difference in the way your skin feels after your first treatment, but lasting change happens over time,” says Garrido. Results are cumulative, which is why specialists advocate you go for an expert facial each 4 to 6 weeks, should you can swing it. “It took years for these signs of a life well lived to emerge, so patience and consistency are the secret ingredients to great results,” Garrido provides.