A facial can be one of the most relaxing and beneficial things you can do, or it can be a nightmare that results in breakouts and even infections. If you’ve found a great aesthetician who gives you a real spa treatment with results that leave your skin looking and feeling better after it’s all over then you’ve found gold. Tip her well and enjoy your moments of relaxation. If you’ve just started shopping for a facialist, or you’ve had a negative experience and are considering another try, here are a few tips to help protect your skin and your experience.

Don’t be afraid to check out the entire salon and ask questions. Any establishment that does facials should be pristine. Not just the area where facials are performed, but the entire place. Most salons are more than happy to be scoped out. If they aren’t – beware. Anyone who will be exposing your sensitive skin to treatments should be serious about you and your needs. Let the attitude of those working in the salon or spa be your first indication as to whether or not you want to trust your face to them. Be wary of nail salons that hang a sign saying they do facials too. You want a place that specializes in facials and has trained professionals.

To be extra careful, ask your aesthetician not to use tools. Bacteria can easily spread to you and cause breakouts from lancets and steam machines that weren’t sterilized. Also be sure she wears gloves when doing any extractions. If any part of your treatment hurts feel free to ask her to ease up. Nothing about a facial should be painful.

Be sure to schedule time to talk about your specific skincare needs. If you have cystic acne or rosacea, avoid facials altogether. See instead your dermatologist for any treatments you may want to try. Your aesthetician should ask you if you are using any products or medications that may affect what she uses – be sure she knows if you’re using retinol, vitamin C or any prescription drugs which may cause skin irritation if she uses products that are too harsh.

Most facials are for deep cleaning, extracting and moisturizing. Anything more than the basics that are offered for the base price can either be done at home or should be left to dermatologists – microdermabrasion, for example, should be done by a dermatologist, not a facialist. Treatments like collagen masks may be a nice part of your relaxing afternoon, but if you’re looking to cut costs they can be done as successfully at home.

Once you’ve been patient and perhaps endured a few mishaps, you’ll be glad to have stuck with your search to find the perfect salon or spa. An hour or two with a skilled and compassionate aesthetician can change your world.

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