Short version: facials can transform skin - but small mistakes before, during, and after a treatment are what actually cause irritation, pigment, or no results. Below I list the most common mistakes I see, clear examples, exact fixes you can use today, and a practical aftercare schedule so you don’t end up with a reaction the week before an event.
The 9 most common facial mistakes (with real examples and quick fixes)
1) Not disclosing medical history or medications (especially isotretinoin)
Example: a client on isotretinoin gets aggressive microdermabrasion and scars.
Fix: always tell the clinic about recent prescriptions, hormone therapy, anticoagulants, acne meds, pregnancy, or autoimmune conditions. If you’ve taken isotretinoin within the last 6–12 months, skip abrasive procedures until your prescriber clears you.
2) Using strong actives (retinoids, AHA/BHA, high-strength vitamin C) before a facial
Example: doing a chemical peel a day after using a 2% retinol cream - leads to burning and prolonged redness.
Fix: stop retinoids/strong acids 3–7 days before professional exfoliation (follow your practitioner’s exact timing).
3) Over-exfoliating at home and getting a facial too soon after
Example: daily at-home scrubs + enzyme masks + a spa microderm session = raw, irritated skin.
Fix: keep home exfoliation light in the week before a professional treatment. No abrasive scrubs 5–7 days before.
4) Choosing the wrong facial for your skin type
Example: oily/acne-prone skin given a rich, oil-based hydrating facial that clogs pores. Or rosacea-prone skin getting hot steam and aggressive extraction.
Fix: pick treatments tailored to your skin (acne: salicylic-based, non-comedogenic; rosacea: gentle calming treatments, no heat).
5) Aggressive extractions performed incorrectly
Example: excessive force or improper technique causing broken capillaries or scarring.
Fix: a skilled esthetician uses proper technique and knows when NOT to extract. If extractions hurt a lot or bleed heavily, stop the treatment and reassess.
6) Ignoring sun protection after a facial
Example: going straight to walk the Inner Harbour after a resurfacing facial without SPF and getting darker spots over the next weeks.
Fix: apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and reapply every 2 hours when outside. In coastal areas like Victoria/Sidney, water and reflective surfaces increase UV exposure - sunscreen is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
7) Returning to sauna, steam rooms, or heavy sweating too soon
Example: an exfoliating facial followed by a hot yoga class - results in prolonged redness, swelling, or infection.
Fix: avoid heavy sweating, saunas, hot baths, and pools for 48–72 hours after most professional resurfacing treatments.
Heat & Heavy Sweating
After advanced exfoliation, heat exposure can make the skin stay red longer and feel irritated. Giving your skin time to settle helps prevent setbacks.
8) Overdoing frequency - getting facials too often
Example: weekly deep peels or microdermabrasion - skin never recovers and shows chronic redness and sensitivity.
Fix: space active resurfacing (peels, needling, microderm) according to the treatment (usually 4–8 weeks). Hydration/maintenance facials can be more frequent.
9) Mixing too many professional treatments without staging (e.g., peel + laser same week)
Example: peel on Monday, laser on Thursday → compounding inflammation and higher PIH risk.
Fix: stage treatments with at least 2–4 weeks between aggressive procedures, and follow your clinician’s plan.
Practical “do this, not that” after every facial (exact actions)
Do:
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Cleanse gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser for 48–72 hours.
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Apply a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer and a barrier balm if your skin feels tight.
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Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning and reapply when outside.
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Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid heavy makeup for 24 hours.
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Book corrective/activating treatments (peels, lasers) with a 2–4 week buffer if you plan them.
Don’t:
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Don’t use retinoids or AHA/BHAs for 48–72 hours (longer after medium peels or needling).
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Don’t pick, scratch, or aggressively massage red or scabbed areas.
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Don’t take hot baths, go to saunas, or swim in pools for at least 48 hours after active resurfacing.
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Don’t schedule a facial 48–72 hours before an important event (schedule at least 7–14 days before to allow any chance of healing).
How often should you get a facial? (practical schedule)
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Maintenance hydration/calming facial: every 3–6 weeks.
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Active resurfacing (light chemical peels, microneedling): every 4–8 weeks, depending on depth.
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Aggressive procedures (medium peels, deep needling, lasers): spaced per clinician advice - usually 6–12 weeks.
Never repeat the same aggressive treatment until full healing is confirmed.
Warning signs that something’s gone wrong - act fast
Call your clinic or family doctor if you have:
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Increasing pain, spreading redness, red streaks, or fever (possible infection).
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Pus, oozing, or rapidly expanding swelling.
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New, dark spots forming over the weeks after the facial (possible PIH).
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Bruising or broken blood vessels that don’t settle within 7–10 days.
If you suspect infection: stop topical actives, keep area clean, and seek medical evaluation promptly.
Local climate tip - why Victoria & Sidney need specific aftercare
Victoria and Sidney are coastal: humidity, sea spray, and reflective light from water can change healing and sun exposure risk. That means:
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Higher risk of UV exposure even on cloudy days - take SPF seriously.
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Humid air can increase comfort during healing but also needs careful product selection (lightweight, non-comedogenic barrier repair).
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If you work outdoors (gardening, ferry commute, waterfront jobs) plan treatments for a less busy period so you can follow sun-avoidance and aftercare.
Quick 1-week aftercare plan (sample)
Day 0 (treatment day): gentle cleanse, serum/moisturizer provided by clinic, SPF 50+ before leaving. No makeup for 6–12 hours if possible.
Days 1–3: gentle cleansing twice daily, hydrating serums, barrier balm at night, avoid exercise/sauna. Reapply SPF each morning and every 2 hours outdoors.
Days 4–7: reintroduce gentle makeup if skin settled; still avoid acids/retinoids. If everything looks good, resume normal routine from day 8 onward.
What to Remember
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A good facial should leave you calm, hydrated, and glowing - not red, sensitive, or darker.
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The difference between “spa glow” and a reaction is often the provider’s knowledge + your honest medical disclosure + sensible aftercare.
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When in doubt, slow down: patch test, reduce actives before treatment, and pick a provider who explains why they chose each step.
