There's a simple answer to this question: wear whatever makes you comfortable! Realistically it doesn't matter too much what you wear, but you should remember that changing back into tight or uncomfortable clothes after your facial might not be the best way to end such a relaxing service.
Once you arrive into your treatment room, your beauty therapist will advise you to take off as much clothing as you feel comfortable. However, you should always remove your shirt so your beauty therapist can access your face, neck, and shoulders.
Because a facial will usually include both a facial massage, and a massage around the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Lovely stuff, but it does mean you'll be asked to take your top and bra off, or at least lower your bra straps. Most facials last around 60 minutes, and the course of treatment will depend on you.
It's always a great idea to come into your facial with a clean slate. So you should definitely wash your face and remove any makeup or other products that can build up from your face beforehand. Leaving a significant amount of product on your face could lead to interference with the products used during the facial.
There's no need – you can show up to your facial with your makeup still on, since your esthetician will just remove it all during the cleansing portion of the facial. The cleansing portion of the facial occurs even if you aren't wearing makeup, so arriving with makeup on won't take away any time from the treatment.
Avoid harsh scrubs, Cosmetic-Grade Peels, or exfoliating treatments in the days leading up to your session. Your skin needs a break to avoid irritation during the facial. Wax, thread, or undergo hair removal treatments right before your facial to avoid making your skin hypersensitive and irritation-prone.
And when tipping for spa services ranging from massages to facials you should expect to pay between 15-20% of the cost of services or more if you are very satisfied and feeling generous.
Gentle Cleansing: If you are wearing makeup prior to your appointment, ensure it is thoroughly and gently removed. Many spas provide cleansing as part of the facial, but arriving with a clean face is still preferable.
Your personal preference and the nature of the treatment largely determine whether you should talk during a facial. Conversing with your esthetician can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to communicate any concerns or preferences you have regarding the treatment.
The best time of day to get a facial is typically in the late afternoon or early evening. During these hours, your skin has had time to recover from the morning's environmental stressors, and you are less likely to be exposed to intense sunlight or pollutants afterward.
We do ask that you keep your eyes closed during a facial.
A good spa will always have your modesty and comfort at heart during the treatment. You will normally be asked to remove your footwear and clothing and retain your undergarments, but it does depend on the spa and what treatment you are having. You should never be left to feel exposed.
“A facial is like a big drink of water for your skin,” Kanaan says. “After a treatment, your skin will look healthy, hydrated and radiant.”
Try to time your spa day so that you use the spa facilities like the pool, sauna and steam room first, and shower before your treatment. That way it will open the pores and prepare the skin to make the most of the products and experience. It will also get you into the best headspace to truly enjoy your treatment.
It's generally okay to wash your hair after a facial, but you should take a few precautions to protect your freshly treated skin. Ensure that the water temperature is lukewarm, as hot water can irritate your sensitive facial skin.
The norm is 20% of the service cost. For example: A $50 facial would warrant a $10 tip. A $150 facial would warrant a $30 tip.
Pavitt says six to eight weeks is an ideal timeframe in between appointments. Medina-Cleghorn is a fan of getting a facial every four weeks so it aligns with the lifecycle of skin cells and allows your facialist to continue working on your skin health as old cells turn over and new skin cells emerge.
Remember that your esthetician is providing you with a service, so you should always tip. What to tip for a facial is much like tipping a server at a restaurant. A 20% tip is good, but base it off the esthetician's performance.
So if your treatment costed $200, it's appropriate to tip $30. You can go higher and tip $40 if the therapist provided exceptional service. You'll rarely ever find a day spa adding a service fee so it's recommended that you directly tip your therapist in cash.
It is best not to wash your face immediately after a facial. Washing too soon can remove serums, masks, and oils before they fully absorb, wasting product and irritating sensitive skin.
Contraindications that PREVENT a facial treatment: Viruses such as colds, cold sores, warts, Bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, styes, Fungal infections such as ringworm, blepharitis, Undiagnosed lumps or swelling, Broken bones, known sensitivity or allergy to products.