Unfiltered Questions You’ve Wanted to Ask a Facialist—Answered!

Dewy skin. Self-care. Serious glow. When you think about booking a facial, we’re guessing all of the feel-good, look-good benefits are top of mind, not making small talk with the esthetician. But whether you’re a first-time client trying to figure out what you need or a facial pro filled with curiosity, there are bound to be questions you keep meaning to ask. So, we asked them for you. And the spa team answered with all the candor, experience and insights Lena Rose is known for. 

What is a facial exactly?
As you’ve probably guessed, a facial involves your face. But really it’s all about skin wellness. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and it absorbs anything we put on it. A facial is a way of cleansing, exfoliating and detoxifying the skin with cleansers, masks, serums and massage. It increases collagen production and skin elasticity. No two facials are exactly the same, because nobody’s skin is exactly the same. So a good esthetician should start any facial, especially for a new client, with a skin consultation. 

Do I prep for a facial? Is that a thing? 

Good news—you don’t even have to take off your makeup. During a facial, we do that for you. The best thing you can do to prep is pick a time when you’ll be able to truly relax. Don’t come in at a hectic time of day when you’re going to feel rushed.

I want to try a facial but can’t commit to a monthly appointment. Is it still worth it?

Absolutely. It’s a total myth that facials only make sense for folks who can commit to coming in once a month. The truth is, everyone’s skin can benefit from some TLC, even if that means a facial just once a season. If you want to maximize the benefits, you’ll want to come in more often. We usually suggest one, 60-minute facial every four-six weeks. But if you can’t come that often, don’t sweat it. Your skin will still thank you for giving it some love, even if the appointments are more spaced out. 

Is there such a thing as seasonal skin? 

You’ve probably noticed changes in your skin depending on the seasons, especially if you live in a four-season climate. Changes in humidity and temperature affect your skin. From Summer to Fall, we lose humidity and it pulls the moisture out of your skin. It can make your skin dry, flaky, red, lackluster and possibly breakout-prone. Your skin needs to adapt again in the cooler months when there’s less humidity in the air. That’s why, as a baseline, we encourage customers to come in once a season for a treatment.

How long does a facial last?
Our facials last from 30 to 90 minutes. Anything less than 30 minutes doesn’t allow the time to prep your skin for the products. A longer session means more time to address specific skin issues and layer different treatment options for maximum benefits and relaxation.

Will your face be red after a facial?

Ninety percent of clients look dewy and bright afterward. Their skin looks juicy and healthy. Deeper extractions might show a little redness that should subside within an hour or two. If you have redness or swelling or pain that doesn’t go away, that’s a problem. It could be a sign of an allergic reaction or someone being too aggressive. You shouldn’t leave a facial looking worse than when you came in. Always let your facialist know during the service if something doesn’t feel right. Even natural products can cause sensitivity.

Can I make the effects of a facial last longer?

Staying hydrated and moisturized is half the battle. You can exfoliate or mask 1-2 times a week as well, depending on your skin. Ask your esthetician for recommendations or tips. Believe me, we’re happy to share ways to help your skin at home, which also include the right product regiment. And only after a good consultation and skincare analysis by an esthetician, can you really get to the bottom of what your skin needs. Exfoliation doesn’t have to be invasive or abrasive. Mixing almond flour, oat flour or bentonite clay with greek yogurt can be a gentle physical and enzymatic exfoliant.

Once you get a wrinkle, is it a wrinkle for life?
That depends on the kind of wrinkle and how much it matters to you. We believe in healthy aging at Lena Rose, and each line tells a story. But we get it, we all want to age gracefully. Products with hyaluronic acid can plump up and fill in some lines and wrinkles. Lymphatic drainage (massaging the facial lymph nodes using tools such as Gua Sha or Jade Rollers) can naturally lift the face. If you’re concerned about aging, speak up when you visit the spa. A good esthetician won’t worry about your fine lines, unless you want her to.

What’s the best thing I can do for my skin when I’m not at the spa?

Drink lots and lots of water. It sounds cliche, but our water intake is so reflective in our skin. You should up your water intake based on how much coffee/tea/alcohol you’re drinking. Your general level of happiness is reflective in your skin, too. Everyone’s skin ages differently, but the No. 1 thing is to manage stress. And as Americans, we also tend to be Vitamin D deficient. It’s so worthwhile to get a bit of time in the sun everyday.

What’s the worst thing I can do for my skin?

Stop being so hard on yourself. Really. Is it a good idea to sleep in your makeup? Probably not, but it happens. Just do a double cleanse in the morning. If you can lower your caffeine and alcohol intake, that’s good. If you can drink more water and get enough sleep most nights, even better. But stressing about your skin isn’t doing you any favors.

What skin care products do you recommend?

Live Botanical’s Hyaluronic Acid serum. Maya Chia’s The Great Cleanse cleansing oil. Maya Chia’s The Super Couple. If I could only take three products to a deserted island, those would be the glowy-skin picks for sure.

Above all, the point of a facial is to make your skin look and feel better and to help you relax. At Lena Rose, we offer fully customizable facials (and more!) using a full range of non-toxic, green and clean products. We have two locations in Chicago, Illinois in Albany Park and Lincoln Square that offer a full menu of spa services and retail products. You can find Lena Rose online at www.lenarosebeauty.com or on Instagram @lenarosebeauty #TheLenaLife

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About us: Lena Rose is Chicago’s first and only apothecary spa and green beauty boutique, opening in 2016 and founded by local green beauty crusader and Women Belong member, Jenny Duranski.