A facial can do wonders for your skin, but how you prepare and care for your skin afterwards can make the difference between good results and glowing, long-lasting transformation.
At Skin Lab By Leah in Nottingham, many first-time clients ask what they should (and shouldn’t) do before their treatment, and how to protect their skin afterwards. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get the most out of your facial, from the week before your appointment to the days following your treatment.
Why Pre-Facial Preparation Matters
Facials like microneedling or chemical peels go deeper than surface-level cleansing. They work with your skin’s natural regeneration cycle, so preparing your skin ensures that products and treatments can penetrate effectively and safely.
For instance, if you arrive with irritated or over-exfoliated skin, even a gentle facial can feel too intense. By contrast, if your skin barrier is healthy and hydrated, treatments can achieve far better results.
It’s similar to prepping for a workout, your skin performs better when it’s ready.
The Week Before Your Facial
It’s tempting to ramp up your skincare routine ahead of a professional treatment, but simplicity is key. In the week before your facial:
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Avoid active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or AHAs. Overuse of actives can make your skin more sensitive and reactive.
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Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly and use a nourishing moisturiser to keep your skin barrier balanced.
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Minimise sun exposure. According to the NHS sunscreen guidance, UV exposure weakens the skin barrier and increases irritation risk before treatments like peels or plasma therapy.
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Skip waxing or laser. Any hair removal treatments can make your skin more vulnerable to irritation.
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Let your therapist know about recent skincare treatments, such as fillers, botox, or laser resurfacing, as these can affect what’s suitable for your skin.
If you’re unsure whether your skin is ready, Leah offers a free consultation to review your routine and ensure you’re fully prepared before your appointment.
The Day Before Your Facial
Think of this as “rest day” for your skin.
Avoid self-tanning, intense workouts, or harsh exfoliants. Keep your skincare routine simple, cleanse, tone, moisturise, and hydrate.
If your treatment includes microneedling or a chemical peel, skip makeup and any actives. Arriving with clean, makeup-free skin helps Leah and her team assess your natural skin tone and texture, ensuring the best results.
A common question we hear is, “Can I wear makeup before my facial?”
Ideally, no, clean skin allows the products and technology used during your facial to work directly on your pores and tissue without interference.
On the Day of Your Treatment
When you arrive at Skin Lab By Leah, Leah will carry out a detailed skin consultation before beginning. This ensures your treatment plan matches your skin’s current needs, which can change from week to week due to hormones, weather, or stress.
During your facial, you’ll likely experience a combination of deep cleansing, exfoliation, massage, and targeted technology, depending on your treatment. Some clients choose to combine treatments for faster healing and collagen stimulation.
You may feel mild warmth or tingling, especially with treatments like Radio Frequency Skin Tightening or CoolJet Plasma, but it’s completely normal. Most clients describe the experience as deeply relaxing, many even drift off during their treatment!
Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
Your skin will be more absorbent and delicate immediately after your facial, so treat it gently.
What to do:
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Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and cool water.
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Apply a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture.
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Keep your skin protected with SPF 30+ if going outside.
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Stay hydrated, water helps flush out toxins and maintain plumpness.
What to avoid:
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Makeup for at least 24 hours.
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Heavy exercise or saunas, sweating can introduce bacteria to freshly treated skin.
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Exfoliating or using retinol-based products.
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Touching your face unnecessarily.
Many clients ask, “Why can’t I work out after a facial?” The answer is simple, raised body temperature and sweat can interfere with the skin’s recovery and cause minor irritation or congestion.
Days 2-7: Maintaining That Post-Facial Glow
After the first 24 hours, your skin begins its natural regeneration phase. You may notice light flaking or dryness, particularly after treatments like microneedling or peels, this is your skin shedding old cells to reveal new, radiant layers underneath.
To prolong results:
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Continue using gentle, hydrating skincare.
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Avoid harsh scrubs or acids for a few more days.
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Protect your skin from the sun diligently, UV rays are the fastest way to undo your facial benefits.
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Eat antioxidant-rich foods and drink water to keep skin supple and glowing from within.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, antioxidants like vitamin C and E can help support the collagen your facial stimulates.
If you’ve had an advanced treatment such as microneedling or plasma skin therapy, Leah may provide a specific post-care routine. Following it precisely helps maximise long-term results.
Long-Term Care: Making the Results Last
Many clients ask how often they should have a facial. It depends on your treatment type and goals:
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Standard facials: Every 4-6 weeks to maintain results.
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Microneedling or Plasma: Every 6-8 weeks for collagen renewal.
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Radio Frequency Skin Tightening: Monthly sessions for ongoing firmness.
Consistent treatments help train your skin to stay in balance, just like regular exercise maintains your fitness.
Between appointments, avoid harsh skincare habits, over-exfoliating or skipping SPF can undo months of progress. Consider booking a Hydrating Facial occasionally to replenish moisture and restore your glow.
Common Post-Facial Myths
There’s a lot of misinformation around what you can and can’t do after a facial. Let’s clear a few up.
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Myth: “Your skin should peel or flake for it to work.”
Reality: Only deeper resurfacing treatments like chemical peels cause mild flaking. Most facials work at a cellular level, so results don’t always mean visible peeling. -
Myth: “You can go back to your normal skincare routine immediately.”
Reality: It’s best to wait a few days before reintroducing actives like retinol. Let your skin barrier heal first. -
Myth: “Facials are only for women.”
Reality: While Skin Lab By Leah focuses primarily on female skincare, facials benefit all skin types. Treatments like oxygen facials support healthy cell turnover for everyone.
When to Book Your Next Facial
You’ll start seeing the best results when you commit to a consistent facial schedule. Leah recommends spacing appointments based on your treatment plan and skin type.
If you’re prepping for a special event, such as a wedding or photoshoot, schedule your facial 1-2 weeks before to allow the skin to fully settle and glow naturally.
If your concern is acne, pigmentation, or ageing, booking a course of treatments, like a series of microneedling sessions, helps the skin renew steadily over time.
By following these before-and-after guidelines, you’ll not only protect your skin but also maximise every treatment’s potential. Whether you’re having a Deep Cleansing Facial or an advanced Plasma Skin Treatment, a little preparation and care go a long way in achieving that signature Skin Lab glow.