How to Look After Your Skin After a Facial

A facial doesn't end when you leave the studio. The day or two afterwards is when a little care goes a long way, helping your skin settle and keeping that fresh, glowing look for longer. The good news: aftercare is simple. Here's what to do, and what to ease off on.

The first 24 to 48 hours

Straight after your treatment your skin has been thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated and nourished, so it's at its most receptive, and worth treating gently. For the first day or two, the aim is to keep things calm and let your skin enjoy the benefits without overloading it.

A few simple do's

• Drink plenty of water and keep your routine gentle and hydrating.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF if you're heading out, your skin is fresh and deserves protecting.
• Let your skin breathe, going make-up free for the rest of the day if you can.
• Stick to the homecare we've recommended, which is chosen to carry on the good work.

And a few things to avoid

• Hold off on strong active ingredients (such as retinol, AHAs and BHAs) for a day or two, unless we've said otherwise.
• Skip heat for the first 24 to 48 hours, so no saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga or very hot showers.
• Avoid direct sun and sunbeds, and protect your skin if you are outside.
• Try not to touch, pick or exfoliate, and let your skin do its thing.
• If you've had make-up-free time recommended, give heavy make-up a miss until tomorrow.

Keeping the glow going

A single facial is a beautiful reset, but the real results come from consistency between visits. The simple, well-chosen routine we suggest is designed to maintain your skin day to day, so each treatment builds on the last rather than starting from scratch. If you ever have questions about your homecare, just ask, we'd far rather you check than guess.

An honest note

A little warmth or mild pinkness can be completely normal for a short while after a treatment, especially a more active one, and it usually settles quickly. We'll always tell you what to expect for your skin specifically. If anything feels unusually uncomfortable, or doesn't settle as expected, do get in touch and we'll talk it through.

Common questions

Is it normal for my skin to look a little pink after a facial?
A little warmth or mild pinkness can be completely normal for a short while, especially after a more active treatment, and it usually settles quickly.

When can I wear make-up again after a facial?
Giving your skin the rest of the day make-up free is ideal, and you can return to your normal routine the next day.

What should you avoid after a facial?
For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid heat such as saunas, steam rooms, hot showers and intense workouts, plus direct sun, strong actives like retinol and acids, and touching or picking at your skin. Heavy make-up is best left until the next day.