If you have never had a professional facial before, it is completely normal to not know what to expect. A lot of people show up a little nervous, unsure of what they are walking into. This post is here to take the mystery out of it so you can walk in feeling comfortable and walk out glowing.
Before Your Appointment
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your first facial. Come with a clean face if you can, but it is not required. I will cleanse your skin as part of the treatment anyway.
A few things to avoid in the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment: waxing the face, using retinol or strong exfoliants, and prolonged sun exposure. These can make the skin more sensitive and limit what we are able to do during your session.
When you arrive at my private studio in Culver City, I will ask you a few questions about your skin, your current routine, any concerns you want to address, and whether you have any sensitivities or allergies. This is not a formality. Your answers shape the entire session.
During Your Facial
Every facial I do is customized. There is no set menu of steps I run through regardless of who is on the table. What happens during your treatment depends entirely on what your skin needs that day.
That said, most facials include some combination of the following:
- Double cleanse to remove any makeup, sunscreen, and surface buildup
- Skin analysis where I take a close look at your pores, texture, tone, and any areas of concern
- Exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and prep the skin to absorb treatment products
- Extractions if needed and appropriate for your skin type
- Targeted treatment such as a mask, serum, or peel chosen for your specific concerns
- Massage to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Moisturizer and SPF to seal everything in
You should feel relaxed throughout. If anything feels uncomfortable, just say so. Pressure, temperature, and technique can always be adjusted.
What Your Skin Might Feel Like After
Most people leave with their skin looking brighter and feeling softer than when they came in. Some temporary redness is normal, especially if extractions were done. This usually fades within a few hours.
In the 24 hours after your facial, keep things simple. Avoid heavy makeup if you can, skip the retinol and active exfoliants, and stay out of direct sun or wear SPF if you are going outside. Your skin just received a treatment and deserves a little recovery time.
Some clients notice their skin looks even better two to three days after the facial once any initial redness settles and the products have had time to work.
How Often Should You Get a Facial?
For most people, once a month is ideal. Your skin goes through a full cell turnover cycle roughly every 28 days, so monthly facials allow us to stay ahead of congestion, address seasonal changes, and build on the results of each previous session.
That said, even one facial can make a visible difference. If monthly is not realistic right now, every six to eight weeks is still a meaningful investment in your skin.
What to Expect Longer Term
A single facial is a reset. A series of facials is a transformation. The clients who see the most dramatic improvements are the ones who come in consistently and follow through with a simple routine at home between sessions. I will always give you clear, realistic guidance on what to use and what to skip based on what I see in your skin.
Ready to Book Your First Facial in Culver City?
My studio is located at 11140 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 47 in Culver City. Sessions are one on one in a private, quiet space with no front desk, no distractions, and no upselling. Just skilled, focused skincare.
Book your first facial here and I will take it from there.