What Happens During a Facial?
Quick Answer
A facial often starts with a skin consultation, followed by cleansing, exfoliation, and other steps chosen for the treatment. Extractions, a mask, massage, and finishing products may be included depending on the facial and the studio, so ask what your appointment includes.
Skin consultation: your esthetician asks about your skin, the products you use, and anything that makes your skin react.
Cleansing: makeup, oil, and surface dirt come off, and some studios cleanse twice.
Exfoliation: dead skin cells are removed, using a product or a tool depending on the facial.
Extractions, if included: clogged pores such as blackheads and whiteheads are cleared.
Mask and massage, if included: a mask chosen for your skin, sometimes with facial massage.
Finishing products: depending on the treatment, a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Introduction
Most of a facial happens with your eyes closed, which makes it hard to know what is going on. If it is your first one, you may also wonder what you are supposed to do.
Many facials follow a similar order, from a consultation through cleansing, exfoliation, a mask, and finishing products. What changes from one facial to the next is the detail: how long each step lasts, which products are used, and whether extractions or a blade-based exfoliation are involved.
If you know the order, you can speak up at the right moments, such as mentioning a skin condition at the start or saying right away if something stings.
This guide walks through what happens before, during, and after a facial, how long it takes, what it feels like, and what to ask.
What Happens Before the Facial Starts?
A facial should start with a conversation, before anything goes on your face. Expect questions about your skin, what you use on it, and what you want from the appointment. Your esthetician may also look closely at your skin before choosing products.
This is the moment to mention anything that could change how your skin reacts: current breakouts or flare-ups, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, or rashes, sensitive skin or product allergies, retinol or acid products, and recent waxing or peels. If you use prescription acne medication, especially one that makes your skin more sensitive or prone to peeling, tell your esthetician and ask your prescriber if you have any concerns about exfoliation. If you are unsure which facial to book, your esthetician can help you choose.
What Happens During the Facial, Step by Step
The exact steps vary by studio and by facial, and not every facial includes every step below. Blink & Wink describes its facial service as a multi-step treatment that can include double cleansing, exfoliation, deep hydration, targeted serums and masks, and facial massage, and lists its classic facial as including extractions if needed.
Cleansing. The facial often begins by removing makeup, oil, and dirt. Some studios cleanse twice, which is what double cleansing means.
Exfoliation. Dead skin cells are removed, either with a product or with a tool, depending on the facial. Dermatologists caution that strong exfoliating ingredients can irritate sensitive skin, so tell your esthetician if your skin is sensitive.
Extractions, if included. Extractions clear out blackheads and whiteheads. Dermatologists warn that popping pimples yourself can cause permanent acne scars and infection, and their guidance on extraction describes it being done by a dermatologist with sterilized equipment. It doesn't address extractions in a salon, so ask who performs them, what training they have, and how the equipment is cleaned.
Mask and massage. Some facials include a mask that is left on for a while, and some include facial massage alongside it. If your skin is sensitive, ask what is in the mask.
Finishing products. Depending on the treatment, finishing products may include a serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. At Blink & Wink, the Express Dermaplaning facial is described as dermaplaning exfoliation, a hydrating mask, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most of a facial is meant to be relaxing: cleansing, masks, and massage. Steps such as exfoliation and extractions can feel different from the rest, so tell your esthetician if anything is uncomfortable.
Medical guidance on dermaplaning says it usually isn't painful, although you may feel a scratching or stinging sensation. That guidance describes the procedure as carried out by a healthcare provider, so ask what to expect from the service you are booking.
If something stings or burns, say so right away. Dermatologists advise washing off a facial mask immediately if you feel itching, burning, or stinging, because it could be a sign of irritation or an allergy.
How Long Does a Facial Take?
At Blink & Wink, the classic facial with extractions if needed takes 45 minutes, Express Dermaplaning takes 30 minutes, and Classic Dermaplaning takes 50 minutes. Times at other studios vary, so confirm what your appointment includes and whether the time covers the consultation.
How Is a Dermaplaning Facial Different?
A dermaplaning facial adds a blade-based exfoliation to the usual steps. Dermaplaning shaves away the top layers of skin, removing dead skin cells and fine facial hair, often called peach fuzz.
The medical guidance described here covers dermaplaning as a cosmetic procedure carried out by a healthcare provider. A salon's dermaplaning facial may use a different technique or treatment combination, so ask the studio exactly what its service includes. Blink & Wink describes its dermaplaning as using a specialized blade to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz.
On acne, the two take different positions. Blink & Wink says its service suits all skin types except severe acne. Medical guidance is more cautious: it recommends talking with a healthcare provider before dermaplaning if you have active acne, cold sore outbreaks, eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, skin burns, or moles, skin tags, or other skin growths. If any of those apply to you, tell the esthetician before booking and ask whether you should get medical advice first.
We cover how to match a facial to your skin and goals in How Do You Choose the Right Facial for Your Skin?
How Will Your Skin Look and Feel Afterward?
It depends on the facial and on your skin. Ask your esthetician what to expect from the one you are having, including whether any redness is normal and how long it should last.
Aftercare instructions also vary from studio to studio. Blink & Wink's facial aftercare guidance recommends resting your skin for 3 to 5 days, wearing SPF 30 or higher, and using hydrating and firming serums and moisturizers. It advises avoiding exfoliants such as scrubs, acids, and retinol for 3 to 5 days, along with waxing, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and injectables, and it says to stay out of direct sun and avoid heavy sweating.
If you have dermaplaning, medical guidance says to contact a healthcare provider if the treated skin is bleeding, blistered, infected, or stays swollen for more than a week.
What to Ask at the Start of Your First Facial
Which steps are included in this facial?
Which products will you use, and are they suitable for sensitive skin?
Will there be extractions, and who performs them?
Is dermaplaning involved, and is it suitable for my skin today?
What should I do if something stings or feels uncomfortable?
What aftercare should I follow, and for how long?
First Facials at Blink & Wink in Buckhead
Blink & Wink is at 5299 Roswell Road NE in Buckhead. The studio says it uses Skin Script products in its facials. Its menu includes a classic facial with extractions if needed, Express and Classic Dermaplaning facials, and specialty dermaplaning facials, so ask the studio what is currently offered. The studio recommends a facial every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your skin type and goals, which is its own recommendation rather than a universal rule.
If this is your first facial, mention that when you call (404) 906-3200, and ask which facial suits your skin.
Conclusion
Many facials follow a similar order: a consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, and then extractions, a mask, massage, and finishing products depending on the treatment. The details change from studio to studio and from one facial to the next.
Tell your esthetician about any skin condition or product you use at the start, speak up if anything stings, ask what is included, and follow the aftercare you are given. If you are looking for a facial in Atlanta, Blink & Wink in Buckhead offers classic and dermaplaning facials, and you can ask the studio which one fits before you book.
FAQ
How long does a facial take?
At Blink & Wink, the classic facial with extractions if needed takes 45 minutes, Express Dermaplaning takes 30 minutes, and Classic Dermaplaning takes 50 minutes. Other studios differ, so ask what is included.
Does a facial hurt?
Most of a facial is meant to be relaxing. Medical guidance on dermaplaning says it usually isn't painful, although you may feel a scratching or stinging sensation. Tell your esthetician if anything stings or burns, and know that dermatologists advise washing off a facial mask right away if you feel itching, burning, or stinging.
Can I get a facial if I have acne?
Often yes, but tell the studio first. A facial may be part of your cosmetic skin care, but it shouldn't be treated as a replacement for medical acne treatment when you need it, and active acne is a reason to ask before dermaplaning. If your acne is deep, painful, or not improving with treatment, speak with a dermatologist.
How often should I get a facial?
Blink & Wink recommends a facial every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your skin type and goals. That is the studio's recommendation, not a universal rule, so ask your esthetician what suits your skin.
What is the difference between a classic facial and a dermaplaning facial at Blink & Wink?
The classic facial with extractions if needed takes 45 minutes. The dermaplaning facials use a specialized blade to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz, and run from 30 minutes for Express to 50 minutes for Classic. Those are the studio's descriptions of its own services, which may differ from the medical procedure described in dermaplaning guidance, so ask what each involves. The studio says dermaplaning suits all skin types except severe acne, so tell your esthetician about any active breakouts.
What should I tell my esthetician before a facial?
Mention current breakouts or flare-ups, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, or rashes, sensitive skin or allergies, retinol or acid products, and any recent waxing or peels. If you use prescription acne medication, especially one that makes your skin more sensitive or prone to peeling, say so and ask your prescriber if you have concerns about exfoliation.
