Stop certain medications and/or skincare products 2-3 days prior to your appointment:

This would include any over the counter acne medications such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Also refrain from using any type of exfoliating ingredients that may contain active enzymes or AHA's (glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, mandelic); as well as, products that contain tretinoin, like Retin-A, for at least 3 days before your treatment.

Know your medications:

Since there are certain medications that can affect the skin, I will need you to fill out a questionnaire that lists your current medications.

Accutane:

If you are currently on Accutane, I recommend you stop using Accutane for at least 6 months prior to getting a facial. Accutane causes the skin to become fragile, so any active ingredients, steam, scrubs, exfoliants, etc., should be avoided completely.

Sun:

Please avoid getting sunburned prior to any facial treatments.

Botox and fillers:

You must wait 2 weeks after getting Botox or fillers before you can receive any skincare treatments.

Laser treatments:

It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before getting a facial, post laser treatment.

Consider your plans the day of treatment:

Your skin may be a little pink after your treatment (or not), which is completely normal. Your skin will also have been treated with amazing product ingredients designed to promote a healthy state, so if possible, it's best not to leave and apply makeup over your skin. Your skin will do better with a relaxing, makeup free evening at home as opposed to the alternative night out on the town.

Waxing/shaving:

Avoid waxing or shaving 48 hours prior to your appointment. Waxing or shaving can make the skin more sensitive and cause discomfort or irritation. Sugaring is okay.

Avoid touching your face:

Please avoid touching or picking at your skin. (I know this can be hard, especially when experiencing active breakouts.)

Avoid wearing makeup afterwards:

After your treatment, your skin will have been deeply cleansed and will have received very beneficial skincare ingredients. Applying makeup just after your treatment can lead to irritation and potential clogged pores. If possible, it is best to relax for the remainder of the day. It will allow your skin a chance to breathe and settle. I also recommend cleaning your makeup brushes after receiving a facial treatment, so they are clean and ready for the following day. That way you won't be introducing dirt, bacteria and germs to your beautiful fresh skin.

Change your pillow case:

Before you go to bed, change out your pillow case for a fresh one. This will help ensure your skin doesn't come into contact with residual sweat, dirt or bacteria that transferred to your old pillow case.

Avoid sweating, hot showers, saunas and steams afterward:

Sweat can irritate freshly exfoliated skin. While exercising and other physical activities are usually a healthy choice, you should, if at all possible, avoid activities that will cause you to sweat after your skincare treatment. Similarly, taking a hot shower and or using a sauna or steam room after your treatment, should be postponed. Keep in mind that during your treatment your skin has been stimulated, and heating up your face again is likely to irritate your skin and could lead to broken capillaries.

Stay out of the sun if possible:

I will be applying sunscreen as the last step of your skincare treatment; however, it is still best to avoid too much sun after your treatment.

Stay hydrated:

Drink lots of water after your treatment. This will not only help hydrate your skin, but it will help remove toxins.

Avoid active skincare ingredients for the next 2-3 days:

If you are using products that contain tretinoin (Retin-A), AHAs (glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, mandelic), salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you can resume using them 2-3 days after your treatment, unless otherwise directed by your esthetician.