Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Thinking of going for a facial, but have no idea what to get done? I hear ya. With all the new treatments available, navigating a spa menu can feel overwhelming. Should you go for your usual glycolic acid peel or try laser this time? And what’s this vitamin IV infusion that promises to give you glowing skin in your 20-minutes lunch break? Mmm….
You want to try all the things, but what if something doesn’t work? Facials & co are a bit more invasive than your OTC lotions and potions. If something goes wrong, it may take your skin weeks to recover… Fret not. Finding the right spa treatment doesn’t have to be hard. The key is to do your homework beforehand and really understand what your skin goals are.
Here are 4 things you need to know before booking a facial to make sure you’re picking the right salon and treatment for your unique needs:
1. Do Your Research
Research, research, research. I can’t stress this enough. Look, I’ll be the first to admit that whenever I walk in front of a salon that looks all pink and flowery, I’m tempted to go inside and book a treatment on the spot. But pretty decor isn’t a good guarantee for beautiful skin.
Research is. Blogs and magazines are a good place to start your search for a good salon, but don’t stop there. Ask your friends for recommendations (that’s always the best way to find a reputable aesthetician). You can even ask your dermatologist or skin coach if they can recommend anyone in your area.
Once you have a few names, call them up or walk in. Ask as many questions as you can. Don’t forget to verify credentials. That’s the most important thing. These days, almost anyone can inject Botox into your face or give you a facial. You don’t want to discover your aesthetician didn’t have the proper qualifications after your face got frozen in an unnatural smirk!
Related: Botox Treatment: How To Find A Qualified Practitioner You Can Trust
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
2. Have A Consultation Before Your Treatment
This is especially important if you’re going to a new salon for the very first time. You need to get to know your aesthetician and your aesthetician needs to get to know you. A good aesthetician will ask you what skin issues you’re experiencing, what products you’re currently using, and what your goals are. Everyone’s skin is different and the more she knows about you, the better able she’ll be to recommend the right treatment for you.
But don’t just take her word for it. Always ask as many questions as possible. Why did she choose that treatment? Are there any side effects? What’s the downtime? How many sessions will you need? And whatever else comes to mind. Don’t be shy. This is your face. If something goes wrong, you’ll wear the results on it for weeks. Be as open and inquisitive as you need so you can choose the best treatment together.
3. Never Book A Visit Without Choosing A Treatment In Advance
Never book an appointment at a spa or salon without knowing in advance what treatment you want to have done. If you don’t know, that’s what the consultation is for (see above). But don’t go in and pick a service off a menu. How will you know it’s right for you? Just because a treatment sounds amazing, it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for your skin type and needs. A retinol peel may sound cool at the time, but if you’ve got deep acne scars, a laser treatment would work best.
You also don’t want to be pressured into fancy treatments you don’t need. Most aestheticians out there are absolute treasures who have your best interests at heart and are more than happy to help you pick the right treatment for you. But if you don’t know what you want, you’re easy prey for the few bad apples who’ll recommend you something super expensive you don’t need (and may even make things worse – we’ve all heard the horror stories!).
4. Trust Your Gut
Just because you’re already at the salon, it doesn’t mean you have to go ahead with the treatment. If, at any point, you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and get the heck out of there ASAP.
- If you feel pressured to sign up for treatments you’re not sure you need or want, say no and leave.
- If you feel your skin stinging, burning, or feeling unpleasant during the treatment and your aestheticians isn’t taking it seriously, run away.
- If you feel like your aesthetician doesn’t get you or underestimates your concerns, walk out of there.
- Wherever your gut says no, make sure your mouth says no too.
I know it’s common sense. But I also know it’s hard to do it. You don’t want to be rude. You don’t want the aesthetician to think you don’t like her. Maybe you’ve already paid for the treatment and don’t want to lose your money. But your gut doesn’t lie. If you feel like something’s off, don’t wait until your skin gets damaged. Leave and find an aesthetician you can completely trust. You deserve it.
Timing Matters: When NOT To Book
Look, I get it. You’re excited about trying that new peel everyone’s raving about. But there are times when getting a facial is genuinely the worst idea ever, and you need to know when those times are before you book anything.
Got a wedding next week? A photoshoot coming up? An important presentation? This is not the time to book an aggressive treatment. Your skin might purge, break out, or turn red, and even if everything goes perfectly, you’re basically gambling with your face right before a big event. Book at least 2-3 weeks before if you really want to try something new, not 3 days before when you’re already stressing about everything else.
Pregnant? Some treatments are completely off-limits right now. Certain peels, laser treatments, and even some facial ingredients aren’t safe during pregnancy, so always mention it to your aesthetician, even if you think it’s obvious.
Already using retinol, tretinoin, or on acne medication? Your skin’s already being exfoliated pretty aggressively at home. Adding a professional peel on top of that could irritate the absolute hell out of it. Make sure you tell your aesthetician exactly what you’re using at home so she can adjust the treatment (They’ll often recommend you stop using retinoids at home for a while before and after your facial).
Post-Treatment Care Requirements
Before you get all excited and book that fancy facial you’ve been eyeing, you really need to ask what you’ll have to do AFTER the treatment. Some treatments come with a whole bunch of annoying rules and restrictions that might not fit your life right now, and you don’t want to find that out when you’re already sitting in the chair.
Can you wear makeup the next day? Because some treatments say absolutely no makeup for 24-48 hours, and if you’ve got work meetings or plans or just don’t feel comfortable going bare-faced in public, that’s going to be a problem.
Sun exposure restrictions are super real. A lot of facials make your skin incredibly sun-sensitive for days or even weeks afterward, which means you’ll need to wear SPF religiously (and I mean way more religiously than usual) and avoid direct sun as much as possible. Got a beach vacation coming up next week? This is not the time to get that peel you’ve been wanting to try.
Some treatments come with actual downtime. Your skin might peel, flake, or look red and irritated for several days. That gorgeous “fresh glowing skin” phase everyone talks about? Yeah, that comes AFTER the “why does my face look like a snake shedding its skin” phase. Make sure you’ve got time to hide out at home if you need to.
You might also need to avoid certain products in your routine at home for a while. No acids, no retinol, no harsh scrubs or anything remotely exfoliating. If your entire skincare routine is built around active ingredients, you’ll need to switch everything over to gentle, basic products temporarily.
And here’s the part that catches a lot of people off guard: some treatments require multiple sessions to actually work. One session isn’t going to cut it. You’re potentially signing up for 4-6 visits over several weeks or months, not a one-and-done miracle treatment. Ask upfront how many sessions you’ll realistically need and what the total cost is going to be.
The Bottom Line
Don’t book a facial thinking you can just show up, get pampered for an hour, and bounce back to your regular life immediately. There’s actual homework involved.