Getting a facial is a relaxing experience, but if you aren’t careful in the day or two leading up to the treatment, it may not be as revitalizing as you’d hoped. Just as it’s tempting to prep before a pedicure, you may want to prep your skin before a facial. However, you may do more harm than good. Here are some tips to ensure you leave your next appointment feeling dewy and refreshed.

What Not to Do Before a Facial

Get Too Much Sun

A little vitamin D every day is beneficial, but too much sun the day or two before a facial can leave your skin red, inflamed, and irritated. Plus, a sunburn could cause an adverse reaction to ingredients that target acne and hyperpigmentation.

Have Other Treatments Done

Waxing will almost certainly irritate your skin because it strips away the top-most layer of your skin. The newly exposed layer will be fragile and hypersensitive, so exfoliation could lead to skin damage. Lash extensions, Botox®, and fillers are also no-nos. The steam can melt the glue on the lashes, while the facial massage can shift injectables.

DIY Skin Repair

If you’re dealing with a breakout, don’t pop those zits or squeeze blackheads yourself. Not only will it cause further irritation and inflammation, but it also significantly increases the risk of infection. Your esthetician can tackle the problem areas during your appointment and suggest products to prevent future breakouts

What to Do Instead

Use Gentle Products

In the 24 to 48 hours leading up to a facial, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Avoid skin care products with exfoliating ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid, which can cause additional irritation.

Wear Sunscreen & Reschedule Other Treatments

Spending time outside isn’t entirely avoidable, so protect your skin with a good sunscreen to avoid sunburns. If you regularly schedule services like waxing, Botox, or other treatments, book them well in advance of your facial, or wait until a few days after the appointment.

By avoiding the sun, exfoliation, and other skin irritants before your facial, you’ll have a much more enjoyable and relaxing experience. Whether your skin is dry or acne-prone, the trained estheticians at MassageLuXe can soothe and renew your skin. With spas in Edwardsville and Springfield, IL, and Carmel, IN, you’re never too far from a facial or therapeutic massage. Reduce stress by calling their Edwardsville spa at (618) 307-0093; Springfield at (217) 702-4444; and Carmel at (317) 203-3303. Visit them online for information about membership pricing.