Dos and don’t of a facial: 10 things to keep in mind after a facial

Well done! You have just treated yourself to a rejuvenating facial, and your skin is glowing and refreshed. Facials are an excellent way to nourish and pamper your skin, providing numerous benefits such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration. However, it’s essential to take proper care of your skin after a facial to maximise its benefits and maintain the results. Sometimes, in our excitement or lack of knowledge, we can make mistakes that can potentially undo the positive effects of the treatment. Let’s dive in and discover the do’s and don’ts of a facial! Knowing them can ensure that you make the most of your post-facial skincare routine and enjoy long-lasting radiant skin.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Deepak Singhal, MBBS, DVD and VD specialist, Skin Karma Dwarka, Sai Skin Clinic Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi, to understand which things you should avoid doing after getting a facial.

Dr Singhal says, “Facials help to rejuvenate skin cells by circulating the blood flow under the skin, which helps to decrease puffiness, and fluid buildup caused by the lymphatic system. Better blood circulation provides the skin with nutrients, proteins, and oxygen while ridding our skin of toxins. But to get the best results from the facial, you need to avoid a few skincare mistakes.”

Do’s and don’ts after getting a facial

Here are 10 do’s and don’ts you must keep in mind after getting a facial:

What you should do

1. Stay hydrated

Maintain good hydration and drink a lot of water. It helps keep your skin soft and supple. Take good quality antioxidants. If you develop allergies like redness, itching, or acne after your facial, do not self-treat; consult your dermatologist.

2. Use a gentle cleanser

Cleanse your face with a mild, non-irritating cleanser to remove any residual products or impurities. Look for a cleanser suitable for your skin type and one that doesn’t strip away the skin’s natural moisture.

3. Moisturise your skin

After a facial, your skin may feel dry or more sensitive. Apply a moisturiser suited to your skin type to replenish moisture and help soothe and protect your skin. Opt for a moisturiser recommended by your dermatologist or one that is free of irritating ingredients.

4. Apply sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is crucial after a facial because your skin may be more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours if you will be exposed to the sun. It will help to protect it against sunburns, rashes, and skin irritation.

5. Follow instructions

Your doctor may provide you with specific guidelines for aftercare. Follow these instructions carefully, as they are tailored to your skin’s needs and the specific treatment you received.

Don’ts

1. Exposing your skin to heat

Avoid activities that can cause excessive heat or sweat immediately after a facial. This includes saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, or intense workouts. Heat can lead to increased redness and sensitivity in your skin. In fact, it might interfere with the result of your facial procedure.

2. Waxing your facial hair

If you need waxing or plucking of hair, do it 3 days prior to your facial and not afterwards. Dr Singhal says, “Facial exfoliates your skin deeply, and waxing after it can expose skin to bacteria, making it sensitive.” So, avoid facial wax.

3. Touching your face

Do not touch your face quite often as most people do as a habit. Your skin may be sensitive, and touching it can introduce bacteria and cause irritation or breakouts.
Also, if you have washed your face try to pat dry it rather than rubbing it vigorously. To wipe your face, do not use alcohol-based wet wipes.

4. Applying makeup

Give your skin some time to heal and breathe properly! Applying excessive amounts of cosmetics and makeup could clog your pores or further exfoliate your skin. Applying makeup after a facial can cause irritation and redness of the skin, which may later result in an outbreak of acne, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Additionally, for a few days after a facial, try to avoid using toners.

5. Using chemical peels

Dr Singhal says, “Chemical peels are strictly not for at least seven days post-facial. Chemical peels immediately post-facial can result in skin burns, discomfort, and pigmentation.” So avoid it using immediately after getting a facial.

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and the specific instructions and recommendations may vary depending on the type of facial you received and your skin condition. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist or skincare professional for personalised advice.