After Facial Precautions: Common Mistakes To Avoid for Lasting Glow
Regular facials help minimize the effects of environmental damage, stress, or bad skincare habits. But post-facial care is equally crucial.
Your skin remains at its most sensitive form after a facial, and some common mistakes can undo all the benefits, thereby leading to irritation, breakouts, or even long-term damage to skin.
Read this guide on after facial precautions to keep your skin glowing and free from after-facial mishaps.
Table of Contents
Why is Post Facial Skin Care Important?
A facial procedure makes your skin feel cleansed and renewed- and also, more delicate and sensitive than normal. Immediately after a facial, your skin tends to get more susceptible to environmental stressors or bacteria, which is why gentle skin care after a facial is essential.
After a facial, it is common to experience
- Redness,
- Rashes, pimples, or breakouts.
- Flaking.
Therefore, following a good post-facial routine or tips can be effective to :
- Soothe any lingering sensitivity or redness.
- Retain moisture and keep the skin plump.
- Help prevent post-facial breakouts.
- Help create a stronger skin barrier for the long run.
Post Facial Care Tips
Wondering what to do after a facial? Or things to avoid after your facial so that the time and money you invested in availing the facial bear fruitful results.
Hydrate
Drink 2 liters of water every day to maintain skin hydration and also the deep moisturising facial effect. It helps keep your skin hydrated by flushing out toxins and maintaining that natural facial glow for a long time.
Moisturise
Since facials include professional exfoliation, which means removing the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, and also the natural oils that keep the skin moisturised. So, in addition to drinking water, you should apply a gentle moisturiser to lock in the moisturising effect after a facial and to prevent dullness or flaking.
Avoid exfoliation
As your skin has undergone enough exfoliation during the facial treatment. Maintain a gap of 3-5 days before reaching for that exfoliating scrub again.
Avoid wearing makeup
Anything you apply to your face immediately after a facial may lead to irritation and breakouts. This is especially applicable for makeup. The main goal of facial is to make your pores open and fresh. So, give your skin a break ( from foundation and concealer ) for at least 24 hours to prevent clogging.
Touching your face
After a facial, your skin is more sensitive than usual, so avoid picking or touching. It’s the best way to avoid bacteria, inflammation, and prevent breakouts.
Avoiding harsh products
Similar to skipping exfoliation, avoid harsh skincare products after a facial that may irritate or strip the skin of its natural oils. Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers, serums, and exfoliants that are non-drying and gentle.
Follow your esthetician’s instructions
Consult with your esthetician to build a post-facial skincare routine that is tailor-made as per the specific skin types, issues, and skincare goals. Follow the expert advice, as they know your skin better than anyone.
Apply Sunscreen
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is one of the important after facial precautions. The skin is extra sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV radiation after a facial, which may cause pigmentation and irritation.
What Skincare Products to Use on Skin After a Facial?
After a facial, focus on gentle hydration and protection. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum and a moisturizer to replenish moisture.
Detailed Recommendations:
Gentle Cleanser: Opt for a mild, non-foaming cleanser to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils.
Hydrating Serum: Choose a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin to boost hydration.
Moisturiser: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and soothe the skin.
Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, especially if you’ll be outdoors, as facials can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Consider Face Oils: Facial oils can be beneficial after a facial to further hydrate and nourish the skin.
Specific Ingredients to Look For:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Excellent for boosting hydration.
- Ceramides: Help restore the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its calming properties.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can help with overall skin health.
- Niacinamide: Helps to regulate oil production and improve skin texture.
Duration-Wise Breakdown of Activities to Avoid after Facial
Here are three distinct tables outlining activities to avoid after a facial for a reason and recommended duration highlighted in each.
Within the first 24 hours after the facial:
| Activity Type | Why to avoid |
| Going to the gym | Increased heat and sweat may irritate the skin. |
| Taking a Sauna or hot showers | Steam heat may cause sensitivity or redness. |
| Heavy makeup product application | May clog pores and irritate freshly treated skin. |
Within a few days
| Activity Type | Why to avoid |
| Exfoliation (3-5 days ) | Over-exfoliation may result in inflammation, skin irritation, or damage. |
| Retinoids or strong actives (3-5 days ) | May cause redness or irritation in the skin by overly sensitizing it. |
| Chlorinated (swimming ) pool days and vacations ( 2 days ) | Chlorine may dry out freshly exfoliated skin. |
Within a week (minimum one week)
| Activity type | Why to avoid |
| Laser hair removal | Such treatment exfoliates the skin, and over-exfoliation may lift and burn the skin. |
| Waxing / threading | May cause nasty, painful scabs when combined with facial treatments. |
Conclusion
A good facial sets the stage -but after facial precautions, keep the results going for achieving healthy and glowing skin. Follow the aforementioned post-facial care tips to maintain that post-facial radiance and to make your skin feel fresh, incredible.
Thus, a solid post-facial skincare regimen is crucial for boosting the life of your facial. You should also avoid the post-facial activities for the suggested time duration to ensure that you get the maximum benefits from your facial treatment.
FAQs
Are there any restrictions after getting a facial?
Yes, there are restrictions, or rather precautions. After a facial, avoid sun exposure, refrain from using harsh scrubs or retinol, and skip makeup for a few days.
Can I apply moisturizer after facial?
Yes, applying moisturizer after a facial is generally recommended, especially if the facial included exfoliation or cleansing steps that eliminate natural oils.
After facial, what to do to maintain results?
To maintain the results of a facial, focus on gentle skincare, hydration, and sun protection.
Can I sleep after a facial?
Yes, you can sleep after a facial, but you should wait till the time post-treatment products get absorbed into your skin fully.
Can I apply ice after a facial?
Yes, it is usually safe and often recommended to apply ice after a facial, more so to help minimize redness and inflammation.
Which cream should I apply after a facial?
Post-facial, always apply a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher to reduce potential damage.
Can I apply vitamin C serum after a facial?
Yes, you can use vitamin C serum after a facial, but it’s crucial to consider the type of facial and your skin’s sensitivity.
Shall I wash my face after a facial?
No, it’s usually not recommended to wash your face after a facial; you should wait a few hours or preferably overnight to let the facial products absorb fully.
Can I use niacinamide after a facial?
Yes, it is safe to apply niacinamide after a facial, but it’s best to wait a few hours after the facial treatment, especially if it involved exfoliation or extractions.
What is the best aftercare for a facial?
Avoid touching or picking your face to prevent irritation or breakouts, and this is the best aftercare for a facial after hydration and moisture.
