Having a facial is one of the most lavish and beneficial things you can do for your skin.
But while you might not think it, how you care for your skin directly after having a treatment is just as important as the facial itself.
The managing director of skin and laser clinic, Clinica Lase, Crystal Patel, recently lifted the lid on the five things you should never do after having a facial.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at her top tips.
The managing director of skin and laser clinic, Clinica Lase, Crystal Patel, recently lifted the lid on the five things you should never do after having a facial (pictured: Zoe Foster Blake)
‘If Vitamin A or BHAs were used, then I would advise waiting five days before exfoliating,’ Crystal advised (pictured: Bambi Northwood-Blyth)
QUIT EXFOLIATING
While countless dermatologists and skin experts often extol the benefits of exfoliating – whether via a sandy scrub or a chemical variety – you need to completely quit it for a period, after you’ve had a facial.
‘If Vitamin A or BHAs were used, then I would advise waiting five days before exfoliating,’ Crystal Patel told Beauticate. ‘For milder facials using lactic acid or enzymes then you should be fine to exfoliate after only two-three days.’
Instead of exfoliating, try slathering your face with an extra rich moisturiser and night cream before you go to bed.
You’ll need to restore any lost hydration from the use of strong formulas.
The temptation to touch your face and pick at any remaining impurities that have been brought out in the facial is major – but you need to leave your skin alone for at least 24 hours
DON’T PICK AT YOUR SKIN
The temptation to touch your face and pick at any remaining impurities that have been brought out in the facial is major.
But Crystal said you must leave your face alone for 24 hours afterwards, in order to let any unhealed skin underneath the surface heal.
Be aware whenever you’re touching your face and let it breathe. That way, the glowing complexion underneath should reveal itself faster.
NEVER WAX OR GO FOR LASER
If you’re involved in a laser treatment program, you might want to think about when you schedule your facials.
‘The amount of time you wait to remove hair both pre and post facial will depend on the type and strength of your facial treatment,’ Crystal told the publication.
But, as a general rule of thumb, she advised that you wait seven days either side of having your facial before you go in for any waxing or other hair removal procedures.
The same applies for at-home shaving, waxing and epilating.
After your facial, your dermatologist or facialist should apply sunscreen (left), which you should continue to do for a week afterwards, having compromised the skin’s barrier – you also should refrain from hair removal for several days (right)
ALWAYS APPLY SUNSCREEN – AND MORE THAN NORMAL
After most facials, the person who has done your treatment should – and will normally – apply some sunscreen to your skin.
This is because your skin is especially sensitive after a treatment, and with the new layer that has been revealed, you will need to work especially hard at protecting it.
Crystal advocates the use of a chemical-free sunscreen after facials, to prevent reactions.
Sydney dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook (pictured) revealed the cleansers that work for each skin
Make sure you apply it – regardless of the weather – for ten days post treatment.
LOOK AT YOUR MAKEUP CAREFULLY
Finally, while you might not expect it, makeup is something you need to look at carefully after the application of active ingredients.
Crystal explained to Beauticate that cosmetics frequently contain ‘high amounts of chemicals and when the skin’s barrier has been compromised’ it’s important to know your ingredients.
Look out for natural or mineral-based products that are lightweight and easy to use, or better still, avoid foundation or heavier makeup after having a facial.
Previously, FEMAIL spoke to dermatologist, Dr Natasha Cook, who revealed how exactly you should be cleansing your skin.
‘Cleansing in the morning is good to prepare for your application of your daily serums and skincare,’ Dr Cook told Daily Mail Australia.
‘It can act as an effective base and also make sure your skin is super clean before you add make up.
‘In the evenings, it’s important to remove all of your make up, sunscreen and any environmental pollutants and damage which may have built throughout the day,’ she said.
The top dermatologist added that she’s a fan of cleansers that are non-foaming in general, and include ingredients which will plump and hydrate the skin.
She also generally opts for ‘gentle’ formulas, and restricts the use of foaming and scrub-like cleansers that ‘aggravate rosacea, inflammation, sensitivity and ageing of the skin’.
‘Personally, I’m a fan of cleansers that are non-foaming, with moisturising ingredients like glycerine, and anti-inflammatories like Niacinimide (or Vitamin B3; the stuff that’s in Vegemite.’
The dermatologist added that coconut oil can be an effective remover of make-up, but it’s probably better if your skin is on the dry side.
‘It could leave an oily residue on the skin,’ she added.