Nothing is better than spending a day being pampered at the spa. A relaxing massage, a therapeutic foot scrub, and a professional facial can leave you feeling like a newer, better version of yourself.
A soothing spa facial can help set the skin on the path to renewal from concerns like aging, hyperpigmentation and acne. It’s important for clients to understand, however, that a single professional facial may not be enough to achieve the desired results, especially over the long-term. It takes time for the skin to adjust to new treatments and even the best facial results can only be sustained with skincare at home.
The information you receive at intake will help you cater the treatment to each individual client’s needs. Once the treatment is completed, however, it’s up to the client to maintain their results. Here are some important points to hit with clients before they check out.
Treatment Day Do’s and Don’ts
When a new client books a facial, it’s a good idea to provide some direction regarding pre-facial do’s and don’ts. This helps to ensure a smooth treatment and a positive experience for the client.
The first step in any professional facial is a skin analysis, so it’s important to enter the treatment room with the client’s skin in its normal state. Clients should wash their face in the morning and proceed with their morning skincare routine. If makeup is part of the client’s daily routine, they should either skip it on the day of the facial or remove it before the appointment.
After a facial, it’s important to treat the skin with care. Instruct clients not to apply makeup immediately after the treatment and to avoid scrubbing or picking at the skin. It’s best to stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers and avoid exfoliation for a few days. When stronger peels are used during treatment, it may be necessary for clients to avoid exfoliation for up to 7 days.
Because a professional facial typically involves extractions and intense exfoliation, you may want to advise your clients to avoid strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours. Most importantly, however, clients should skip the sauna and avoid prolonged sun exposure following a treatment.
Tips for Maintaining Facial Results
Achieving healthy, glowing skin is a marathon and not a sprint. While a single professional skin treatment may provide noticeable results, they can fade quickly if the client fails to take proper care of their skin. At-home skincare is essential not only for keeping the skin healthy from one day to another, but for sustaining the results of professional facial treatments.
Here are some simple tips to recommend to your clients:
- Drink plenty of water. Hydration is a must for whole-body health. While drinking water may not directly moisturize the skin, dehydration can compromise the skin’s ability to hold water. It can also increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Prioritize skin protection. Damage from the sun’s UV rays can compromise the results of a professional facial but can also age your skin prematurely and contribute to other issues like hyperpigmentation. Recommend your clients wear at least SPF 30 on a regular basis.
- Use noncomedogenic skincare products. A professional facial can help clarify the skin and remove the dead skin cells clogging the pores. Using heavy creams and lotions after a facial can clog the pores and interfere with the lasting results of products used in the treatment.
- Skip the exfoliation for a few days. The exfoliators used in professional facials are generally stronger than those the client uses at home, so recommend they skip exfoliation for a few days after treatment. Over-exfoliation can irritate the skin and exacerbate existing problems.
- Don’t overdo it on acne products. Clients with acne-prone skin may need to avoid at-home acne treatments for a few days to give the skin time to rest and recover. This includes at-home peels, retinols, and cleansers or toners that contain salicylic acid.
- Focus on keeping the skin hydrated. Professional facials can work wonders in hydrating the skin and repairing its natural moisture barrier, but the results can only go so far. A daily routine of cleansing and moisturizing is required to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
- Rethink the face masks. While hydration is important, caution your clients against using face masks for a few days – particularly those that contain brightening, exfoliating, or acne-treating ingredients. The skin will be sensitive from the facial and may become irritated more easily.
- Include similar products in their at-home routine. For clients with specific skin concerns, it’s wise to recommend at-home products similar to those you used in the treatment. For example, clients concerned with hyperpigmentation could benefit from using vitamin C serum at home.
A strong daily skincare routine paired with monthly professional facials is a recipe for healthy skin. As a skincare professional, it’s your job to educate and instruct your clients in best practices both before and after their treatment to help sustain their results.