How to Prepare for a Facial Treatment
What to do a week before, the day before and on the day of your facial, plus what to tell your practitioner for a safe, comfortable treatment.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
How to Prepare for a Facial Treatment
To prepare for a facial, stop strong exfoliants and retinoids a few days before, avoid sunburn and waxing in the treatment area, arrive with clean skin if you can, and tell your practitioner about any medications, recent treatments, pregnancy or skin conditions. For microneedling there are extra steps, which your practitioner will confirm when you book.
A week before
- Avoid sunburn on your face. Wear SPF daily.
- Skip waxing, threading or laser hair removal on the face (usually 5–7 days before; ask us).
- Don't start new strong products right before a facial.
- Book around events. Most facials, like OxyGeneo and dermaplaning, have no downtime. Microneedling brings redness that usually settles within 3 days, so plan accordingly.
Two to three days before
- Pause retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) and strong acids (AHA, BHA), usually 2–3 days before, or longer for microneedling (we'll confirm).
- Pause home exfoliating tools and scrubs.
- Hydrate well.
The day before
- Keep your routine gentle: cleanser, moisturiser, SPF.
- Get a good night's sleep; your skin reflects it.
- Avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate skin and increase redness.
On the day
- Come makeup-free if you can. We'll cleanse either way.
- Wear comfortable clothing with an easy neckline.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in. See Your First Visit to Flourish.
- Eat something light beforehand, especially for longer treatments.
What to tell your practitioner
Please share:
- Medications and supplements, especially isotretinoin (Accutane) now or in the past 6 months, blood thinners, or antibiotics.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some treatments are paused. See Skin Care During Pregnancy.
- Recent treatments: peels, laser, injectables or filler, and when.
- Skin conditions: active acne, cold sores, eczema, rosacea, sensitivities or allergies.
- Implanted devices like a pacemaker (relevant to RF and micro-current).
- Your goals. What would you most like to change?
After your facial
Your practitioner will give aftercare advice for your treatment. For most facials: SPF daily, skip strong actives for 48 hours, and keep skin hydrated. For microneedling, see Aftercare After Microneedling: The First 72 Hours.
Where to book
Facials are available with Mehri and Mina at our Yaletown clinic, easy to reach from Downtown Vancouver and South Granville. See also dull, dehydrated skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear makeup to my facial?
It's fine; we'll cleanse it off, but coming makeup-free saves time.
Should I stop retinol before a facial?
Usually 2–3 days before, longer for microneedling.
Can I get a facial with a breakout?
Often, yes. Tell us, and we'll adjust or suggest a better option.
Can I wax before a facial?
Avoid facial waxing for about a week before.
How long does a facial take?
From 60 minutes to 150 minutes, depending on the treatment.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology — Hair removal: How to wax (aad.org)
- Spring LK, et al. Isotretinoin and Timing of Procedural Interventions: A Systematic Review With Consensus Recommendations. JAMA Dermatol. 2017. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more (aad.org)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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