Is Facial Treatment Etiquette a Thing?
Eyes open or shut? Should you come with makeup on? Do extractions hurt? What about homecare? Here are the answers to those questions – plus everything else you need to know to make your next facial treatment flawless.
Before Your Treatment
Makeup
Always come as you are. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed at the start of every treatment, so there's no need to arrive bare-faced. If you wear a lot of makeup, consider booking a slightly longer appointment so there's plenty of time for removal without cutting into your treatment. And just let us know your preference on mascara – easy to leave on or take off either way!
You never need to wash your face before coming in, but if you do, make sure to moisturize and/or apply SPF for the ride over so your skin doesn't arrive feeling tight and dry.
Working Out
Avoid a heavy workout right before your treatment – exercise can leave skin flushed and irritated. Working out afterward is usually fine, unless you've had a medium or deep chemical peel, microchanneling, or a medspa treatment. When in doubt, let your aesthetician know your plans so they can design a workout-safe protocol for that day.
Paperwork
Fill out your intake paperwork at least a few hours before your appointment so your aesthetician has time to review it beforehand. Please don't write "N/A" if you're on medications – be as detailed as possible about your skincare products and makeup. When it comes to your skin, everything is relevant. The more you share, the better your results will be.
Retinoids & Exfoliants
As a general rule, don't arrive over-exfoliated. It's always better to err on the side of caution. If you use prescription vitamin A topicals (like tretinoin), skip them for at least a few days before your appointment.
During Your Treatment
Eyes Open or Closed?
Either works – and both are perfectly welcome. Most clients find closed eyes the most relaxing and natural way to settle in. It's also the safest option, since extractions and exfoliation can occasionally stir up small bits of dead skin or product that you'd rather keep out of your eyes. That said, if keeping your eyes open helps you feel more at ease or less claustrophobic, go for it. However you're most comfortable is the right answer.
Speak Up
Have you ever sat through an entire facial with an itchy nose? Or endured a massage that was too rough without saying a word? It's hard to speak up – but your aesthetician genuinely wants to know if you're uncomfortable so they can adjust their pressure, technique, or product. Your comfort and your results depend on it.
Relax
Some people love being touched; others take a little time to settle in. Feel free to chat about skin, life, or anything in between – or just close your eyes and decompress. If you'd rather not talk during the treatment, that's completely fine. Just know there will likely be a few minutes at the beginning and end to discuss your skin and next steps.
Extractions
Extractions can be uncomfortable – but they're worth it. Skipping them is like passing on the deep clean at the dentist and just getting a polish. Wincing or tensing is completely normal; just try not to pull away suddenly. Your aesthetician will read your cues, but if you need a break or can't tolerate any more, say so.
One helpful tip: don't hold your breath. Deep breathing actually eases discomfort and relaxes the facial muscles, which makes extractions easier for everyone.
Phone
Usage At Skin MPLS, we're not a full spa and we don't require silence – so if you need to take a call or keep your phone handy, that's okay. We're all for normalizing facial treatments during the workday. That said, if it's your first appointment, your aesthetician will need your attention and will have quite a few questions for you, so plan accordingly.
One Practical Note
Pop into the restroom before your appointment to make sure you're comfortable throughout. You'll thank yourself later!
After Your Treatment
At Skin MPLS, you'll leave with a homecare card outlining all your follow-up guidelines. The single most important thing? Avoid sun exposure. And never hesitate to call or email the studio with any follow-up questions – we always want to hear from you.
If something about your experience didn't meet your expectations, we'd genuinely love to hear about it directly. Facial treatments are highly individualized, and detailed personal feedback gives us the chance to make things right. Reaching out to the studio directly before leaving a negative review can make a real difference – for you and for us.
The Golden Rule of Facials
Be honest. About your skin, your products, what you've been doing, and what you haven't. Aestheticians don't judge – most of us became aestheticians because of our own skin journeys. We've seen and done it all. Without honesty, you risk not getting the results you came for – or worse, inadvertently harming your skin. The truth will set your skin free. Everything else on this list is secondary to that.