What steps should you follow before getting a deep cleansing facial?

When you turn up for your appointment, most people assume your skin prep has started with washing your face the night before. In fact, there's plenty of work to be done many days before you even step into the treatment room for a deep cleansing facial with me.

If your skin isn't properly prepared before using a product, your skin can become sensitive, the product may not penetrate into the skin where it is needed, and it could even cause some unacceptable irritation.

Stop aggressive treatments 3-7 days beforehand

It helps to have used all product that may have caused skin to become irritated or sensitive prior to having a facial and allowed skin to return to normal.

Don't use products that contain retinoids on the days leading up to your treatment, as they can cause peeling and cause your skin to be irritated. So, stop using your prescription-strength tretinoin as well as your over-the-counter retinol three to seven days prior to your appointment, based on your skin's individual tolerance and product strength. Also, consider the degree of peeling and irritation that you typically get from using these products. Give yourself a little extra time if you tend to peel and get pink from retinoid.

Don't forget about chemical exfoliants such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids and any other at-home peeling products you may be using. Give your skin a break from at-home peeling before you head in to see your esthetician as they will be providing exfoliation in your treatment.

As you are getting into a routine of skin care, you may realise it's time to put your physical scrubs on hold (or reduce them to a few times a week). Gentle exfoliating brushes will also need to be put on hold as well, even though they may seem gentle enough. This is because as you are exfoliating you will be creating tiny cracks and/or tears in the skin that will be a problem for skin therapists to work with when performing extraction in your treatments.

Please do not wax your face for at least 48 hours prior to your facial. This service can be very irritating to recently waxed skin, and we try to avoid any complications or discomfort to our guests. Please note that this means that you should have recently waxed other areas of your body at least 48 hours prior to your facial.

Plan your schedule strategically

Selecting the facial you require is as important as choosing the correct time slot.

We recommend allowing 24-48 hours before any event or photography as treatments including a deep clean with extraction can cause temporary redness and spots. These products cause the skin to look worse before looking better, as unclogging congested pores can be a slow and hardworking process.

Your skin will be more sensitive and prone to burning and pigmentation in the sun after having a facial, so it is best to avoid going out in the sun for a day after having a facial. If you have pre-booked activities on the same day as your Hydrafacial, it is better to have the facial first and then reschedule the activities for the next day. By following these simple Hydrafacial prep guidelines you will be able to understand the importance of timing to gain the ultimate experience from your facial.

It is also worth considering your exercise routine for the days leading up to exfoliating. Exercise can cause pores to be slightly clogged with the buildup of oils and dead skin cells, but it can also introduce bacteria that get stuck in the cleaned pores, leading to breakouts. So it is best to stick to gentler yoga days and avoid more strenuous activities such as running or weightlifting the day of and day after you are exfoliating.

Prepare your skin the night before

The night before, keep your skincare simple and avoid using products that are too harsh or contain brightening ingredients. You should also avoid applying rich moisturisers. Opt for a simple, calming routine and let your skin rest before the laser treatment.

Please remove all makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser before arriving. We ask that you do not use an oil-based makeup remover as these products leave behind a residue that can interfere with skin analysis and treatments.

Day-of preparation

We ask that you come with a completely clean face but not over-wash for the day ie. you wash your face in the morning with a gentle cleanser, without any other products, and come as you are for the day. We will then thoroughly clean your face with our professional cleanser before we apply your makeup. We like our students to come with a completely clean face.

For your comfort, we suggest that you wear clothing that won't cause any irritation to your face and neck. Also, please make sure that what you wear won't come in contact with the treated areas on your way home. We recommend that you avoid wearing turtlenecks and similar apparel.

What to communicate with your esthetician

Please be truthful with your previous skincare use for the upcoming treatment session. This will allow us to get the most out of your time at the studio.

Please inform us of any skin concerns or allergies and any current or past medical treatments (hair, skin, nails, mouth etc) and any pharmaceuticals you are currently taking. Some medical conditions and medications can cause skin to become more sensitive to UV light and may affect how your skin reacts to our treatments.

Preparing the skin is the most important step. Simply preparing the skin allows for product absorption, avoids skin irritation and gives long-lasting results that can be seen and felt for a fresher looking skin.