5 Ways to Prep Your Skin Before a Facial

You booked the facial. Now what? The 48 hours before your appointment matter almost as much as the hour you spend in the chair — a few small choices can be the difference between "nice, relaxing" and "wow, my skin actually looks different."

Here's what we tell every client who asks.

1. Skip retinoids and exfoliating acids for 2–3 days

Retinol, glycolic acid, and other active ingredients thin your skin's outer layer — which is exactly what a facial also does. Stack the two together and you're more likely to leave red and irritated than glowing. Pause actives starting two to three days out.

2. Come with a clean, product-free face

Skip the makeup, sunscreen, and heavy moisturizer on the day of your visit if you can. It saves time in the chair for actual treatment instead of removal, and it lets us see your skin as it really is before we plan anything.

3. Hydrate — starting the day before

Well-hydrated skin responds better to extractions, massage, and masks. Drink water like you mean it the day before your appointment, not five minutes before you walk in.

4. Mention any breakouts, sensitivities, or recent procedures

Had a chemical peel last month? New medication? An irritated patch you're not sure about? Tell us before we start. It changes what pressure, products, and techniques make sense for that day.

5. Don't plan anything else for your face that week

Waxing, threading, laser, or a new retinol launch the same week as your facial means your skin is doing a lot of work at once. Give each treatment room to actually do its job.

Ready to put this into practice? Book your next facial and we'll walk you through anything specific to your skin when you arrive.