What to Do After a Facial: Dos and Dont's

Getting a facial can feel like hitting the reset button for your skin. The deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration leave your complexion glowing, refreshed, and smooth. But what you do after your appointment is just as important as the treatment itself. Post-facial care helps prolong results, prevents irritation, and keeps your skin barrier healthy.

Whether you’re a facial newbie or a seasoned skincare enthusiast, knowing the right dos and don’ts will help you get the most out of your treatment. Below is a complete guide on how to care for your skin after a facial.

Why Post-Facial Care Matters

A professional facial involves cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extraction, and sometimes chemical or mechanical exfoliants. These treatments work wonders but can also leave your skin more sensitive than usual. The pores are open, dead skin has been sloughed off, and the barrier is more permeable.

If you take care of your skin during this window, you’ll maximize the glow. But if you expose it to harsh products, sun, or friction, you risk redness, breakouts, or dullness.

Think of it like this: a facial preps your skin for a new beginning, and what you do next determines how long that “fresh start” lasts.

The Dos After a Facial

1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Facials often include exfoliation, which removes dead skin cells and allows better absorption of hydrating products. To lock in that moisture:

• Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer morning and night.

• Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Your skin just received a hydration boost—help it stay plump and dewy.

2. Protect Your Skin With Sunscreen

Post-facial skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Even if it’s cloudy or you’re mostly indoors, UV rays can undo your facial benefits and cause irritation.

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

• Reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re outdoors.

• Opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if your skin feels extra sensitive.

This is non-negotiable—sun protection is the number one rule of skincare.

3. Stick to Gentle Cleansing

Your skin is in recovery mode. A harsh cleanser can strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.

• Use a sulfate-free, mild cleanser with lukewarm water.

• Cleanse once in the morning and once at night.

• Skip cleansing brushes or scrubs for at least a couple of days.

Gentle cleansing keeps your skin fresh without overdoing it.

4. Let Your Skin Breathe

Skip heavy makeup for at least 24 hours after your facial. Your pores are clear and more open than usual—clogging them right away with foundation defeats the purpose. If you must wear makeup, go for lightweight, non-comedogenic products.

5. Listen to Your Esthetician’s Advice

Every facial is tailored to your skin’s needs. Your esthetician may recommend specific products or steps to follow at home. Stick to their instructions—they know how your skin reacted during the treatment and what will benefit it most.

6. Maintain a Consistent Routine

Facials deliver an instant glow, but skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. Support your results with a consistent at-home routine:

• Cleanse, moisturize, and protect with SPF daily.

• Incorporate serums or treatments as recommended.

• Consider booking facials every 4–6 weeks for maintenance.

7. Use Soothing Products

Post-facial redness or sensitivity is normal, especially after extractions or peels. Calm your skin with:

• Aloe vera gel

• Chamomile-infused mists

• Fragrance-free moisturizers

These help reduce irritation and speed up recovery.

The Don’ts After a Facial

1. Don’t Touch Your Face

It’s tempting to feel your soft, smooth skin, but touching introduces bacteria and dirt, which can clog pores. Avoid picking or squeezing any remaining blemishes—the skin is already sensitive, and you risk scarring.

2. Don’t Work Out Immediately

Sweating can irritate freshly exfoliated skin and introduce bacteria into open pores. Skip the gym, hot yoga, or running for at least 24 hours. Instead, opt for light stretching or walking if you want movement.

3. Don’t Exfoliate Right Away

Your esthetician likely exfoliated your skin during the facial. Adding more scrubs, acids, or retinols too soon can cause redness, peeling, or breakouts. Wait at least 3–5 days before reintroducing exfoliating products into your routine.

4. Don’t Use Harsh Active Ingredients

After a facial, avoid strong skincare actives like:

• Retinol or retinoids

• AHAs and BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic acid)

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Strong vitamin C formulations

These can irritate your skin. Stick to hydrating and soothing products for the first couple of days.

5. Don’t Expose Your Skin to Heat

Stay away from saunas, hot showers, or steam rooms. Heat dilates blood vessels and can increase redness or sensitivity post-facial. Use lukewarm water when cleansing or bathing.

6. Don’t Book Another Harsh Treatment Too Soon

Laser sessions, waxing, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels should wait at least a week or two. Combining them too close together overwhelms your skin and can lead to irritation.

7. Don’t Forget About Pillowcases and Towels

Fresh skin deserves a clean environment. Dirty pillowcases, towels, or phone screens can transfer bacteria and oils, leading to breakouts. Wash pillowcases often and use a clean, soft towel for your face.

How Long Do Post-Facial Effects Last?

The glow from a facial can last several days to a week, depending on your routine and lifestyle. Consistent skincare and healthy habits—hydration, a balanced diet, stress management—help extend the benefits. If you make facials part of your regular self-care routine, results will compound over time, leaving your skin healthier and more resilient.

Key Takeaways

Post-facial care is all about protecting, soothing, and maintaining your skin:

Do: Hydrate, protect with SPF, cleanse gently, and listen to your esthetician.
Don’t: Exfoliate, touch your face, or expose skin to heat and harsh products too soon.

Remember, your facial sets the stage, but your aftercare keeps the performance going. Treat your skin kindly, and it will reward you with a healthy, lasting glow.

Final Thoughts

A facial is more than just a pampering session—it’s an investment in your skin’s health. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll protect your skin from setbacks and ensure that your glow lasts longer. Think of your post-facial routine as the bridge between professional care and everyday skincare.

The next time you leave the spa, remember: the treatment doesn’t end at the door. Your skin is still in the process of healing, absorbing, and renewing. Give it the care it deserves, and your future facials will only keep getting better.