Your First Facial
Never had a facial? Nothing here is complicated, and every question is a good one.
What to Expect
Your first facial, start to finish
I’m Caty, a licensed cosmetologist in Canton. Before your appointment, we’ll chat about your skin. What’s bothering you, what you’ve tried, anything you’re nervous about. I want no surprises when you walk in.
When you get here, I’ll answer any questions and do what you need to feel settled and relaxed. If anything makes you uncomfortable, I’ll adjust so your service is relaxing.
I’ll talk you through the facial as we go. What I’m using, what it’s doing, and why your skin is reacting the way it is. Feel free to ask me anything.
After we’re done, I’ll walk you through your ideal skin routine, answer any questions, and share products if they fit you. You’ll go home with a plan, not a sales pitch.
How to Prepare for Your Facial
- Skip exfoliants for 3–5 days. This includes retinol, glycolic or salicylic acid, scrubs, and prescription topicals. Your skin needs to be calm, not raw.
- No waxing, laser, or injectables. Hold off for a week before and two weeks after.
- Come as you are. Makeup is fine (cleansing is step one anyway).
- Try to arrive a little early. You’re here to slow down and relax, not feel rushed.
- Bring your questions. If something’s bothering you about your skin, let me know.
Facial Aftercare
- Keep it gentle the next day. I exfoliate more than your daily routine, so your skin will be a little more exposed than it’s used to.
- Use a mild cleanser and a good moisturizer the next day. That’s all your skin really needs.
- Wear SPF. It matters more after a facial than before one, and most of all after a peel.
- After a regular facial, carry on as normal. Shower, work out, whatever your day holds.
- With waxing, avoid heavy sweating for the rest of the day. It helps reduce irritation and bacteria.
- With a peel, the rules are stricter. It starts with no excessive sweating, heat, or cold for 48 hours. Details for after the first 48 hours are in the FAQs below.
- It’s normal to break out a few days after. I have a full explanation in the FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a facial?
It depends on your skin and on which service you’re booking. I can help you determine the right schedule for your skin. One pattern to note: facials with a peel are usually best after summer, when they can help with seasonal sun damage.
Can I wear makeup to my appointment?
Absolutely! Cleansing is the first step either way, so there’s no need to arrive bare-faced. If you’d like it put back on before you leave, I’ll do that too.
How long does an appointment take?
It depends on the service. It could be just 10 minutes for a lip wax or up to 75 minutes for a dermaplaning facial. Everything on the services page lists its time.
Does dermaplaning hurt?
No. It might feel strange the first time, like a light scraping sensation, but it’s not painful. Plus, the hair grows back the same. It doesn’t come back thicker or darker.
Is there any downtime for dermaplaning?
Nope. You can go straight back to your day.
What should I expect after a peel?
Expect some warmth or tingling while the peel is on. The peel I use most has clove, cinnamon, and ginger, so it reads as spicy rather than stinging. Afterward, you may notice some pinkness that fades on its own.
Flaking can start within hours and usually runs three to five days. It’s light shedding, not the dramatic sheet-peeling people picture. Once it settles, your skin looks smoother and brighter.
I primarily use the Green Envee Pumpkin Peel, and I have a second one from Bioelements for oily skin. I’ll pick based on your skin and what you’ve been using lately, and you’ll get prep instructions before you come in.
What should I avoid after a peel?
Avoid excessive sweating, heat, and cold for the first 48 hours. Don’t wax for a week.
Wear SPF. Your skin is more sun-sensitive after a peel, so it isn’t optional.
Skip makeup until your skin has gone a full day without flaking. Putting it on sooner can trigger more flaking and irritate skin that’s still recovering.
If you have a wedding, photos, or anything else coming up, book your peel at least a week beforehand so you’re not mid-flake for it.
Will I break out after my first facial?
Possibly. It’s normal, especially for younger skin. A facial cleanses deeper than your daily routine, which makes your skin release more oil than usual. That can bring a few breakouts to the surface over the following days. It’s just your skin clearing out what was already under there, not a reaction to the treatment. It will settle after a few days.
Is my teenager too young for a facial?
Not if the service is designed for them. Kitten’s Facial is meant for ages 9–16: a gentle cleanse, a mask, moisturizer, and a little pampering. It uses special products for younger skin instead of a scaled-down adult facial, and most younger clients leave with a routine they’ll actually keep up.
What if I have sensitive or reactive skin?
I use gentle products chosen to be safe for the most sensitive and reactive skin. My own skin is sensitive and eczema-prone, so I’m picky about what I keep in the room. Tell me what your skin reacts to when you book, and I’ll have the right products for you.
Can I get a facial while pregnant?
Yes. My products are gentle. Just let me know in advance so I can plan the service for your skin needs.
Is there anything you won’t do?
I don’t dermaplane anyone on blood thinners. I don’t recommend a peel for very sensitive skin.
Beyond that, I’ll work with almost anyone. Just be upfront about medical conditions, skin conditions, and medications when you book so I can tailor the products and service to you.
Do I need to buy products afterward?
Never. If what you already have is working, I’ll tell you. If one of the professional lines I use can help, I’ll share why and can order it for you at my cost plus 10%.