The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Facials: Rachel from SKIN lounge Aesthetics Expert View.
At SKIN lounge Aesthetics, we understand that facials are more than just a moment of relaxation – they are an investment in your skin’s long-term health, resilience, and radiance. With over 25 years of clinical experience, our skin expert Rachel and the rest of her team of practitioners combine advanced technology, clinical-grade products, and bespoke techniques to deliver results that are tailored to your individual skin needs.
In this guide, Rachel answers the most frequently asked questions about facials, helping you to understand how to choose the right treatment, what to expect, and how to achieve fabulous and healthy, glowing skin.
What Is a Facial?
A facial is a professionally delivered skin treatment designed to improve the health, function, and appearance of the skin, not just provide temporary relaxation. At SKIN lounge Aesthetics in Richmond, every facial begins with a comprehensive skin assessment, informed by one of our practitioners, each with over 10 years of clinical expertise.
Our expert-led facials typically include:
- Deep cleansing and exfoliation
- Targeted treatments for ageing, pigmentation, congestion, or sensitivity
- Clinical-grade products and technologies chosen for your skin
- Techniques to stimulate circulation, collagen production, and cellular renewal
- Personalised advice to support long-term skin health
Unlike generic spa facials, every step is tailored to your skin’s current condition and long-term goals, delivering visible, cumulative improvements.
What Are the Benefits of a Facial?
Professional facials go far beyond relaxation. Key benefits include:
- Improved skin health and function, restoring hydration and supporting barrier function
- Visible improvements in tone, texture, and radiance
- Targeted, results-driven treatment for concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, dehydration, or congestion
- Stimulation of collagen and circulation, supporting firmer, more resilient skin
- Prevention and future-proofing, slowing visible signs of ageing and supporting long-term skin health
- Expert guidance, ensuring home care and treatments work together for lasting results
At SKIN lounge Aesthetics, facials are an essential part of a long-term skin strategy, not just a pampering ritual.
How Often Should You Have a Facial?
The ideal frequency depends on your skin type, age, lifestyle, and goals. Most clients benefit from a facial every 4-6 weeks, aligning with the skin’s natural renewal cycle.
Factors influencing frequency include:
- Skin type and condition
- Age and skin maturity
- Lifestyle and environmental exposure
- Specific skin concerns
Our practitioners create personalised treatment plans, ensuring your facials are effective, safe, and aligned with your long-term skin goals.
How Long Does a Facial Take?
Facials at SKIN lounge Aesthetics are bespoke, with durations ranging from 30 to 120 minutes depending on your skin’s needs and treatment type.
Longer sessions allow for advanced techniques, corrective treatments, and optimal product absorption, while shorter treatments can focus on maintenance and hydration or hyper focused mini treatments for specific small areas. Every facial is structured to deliver maximum results, rather than fit into a predetermined schedule.
Does a Facial Hurt?
Most facials are pain-free, particularly our hands-on Alumier Medi-Facial and ClearLift laser facial, which are included in the HydraRefresh facial. Some advanced treatments, such as RF Microneedling or HIFU, may feel slightly uncomfortable, but this is carefully managed by our expert practitioners.
If you are concerned about discomfort, this is always discussed during your consultation so we can design a bespoke facial plan that balances comfort and results.
Are Facials Suitable for All Skin Types?
Yes – when expertly assessed and delivered, facials are suitable for every skin type. And here are my top 2 recommendations for each skin type or condition:
- Sensitivity, redness, rosacea or reactive skin: calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier – Sylfirm X RF Microneedling with Exoxomes or Dermalux Tri-wave MD
- Dry or dehydrated skin: restore hydration and barrier function – HydraRefresh or Alumier MD Medi-Facial
- Oily or acne-prone skin: regulate oil production and refine pores – HydraClean Deluxe or Alumier MD Medi-Peel
- Pigmented or uneven skin: improve clarity and brightness – Harmony XL PRO – IPL Skin Rejuvenation or HydraRefresh Deluxe
- Ageing or mature skin: stimulate collagen, firmness, and elasticity – HIFU Ultraformer 3 or HydraLift Deluxe
- Uneven texture or scarring: Deeply resurface and renew – Harmony XL PRO iPixel or Sylfirm X RF Microneedling with Exoxomes
At SKIN lounge Aesthetics, every treatment is bespoke, ensuring your facial is safe, effective, and tailored to your skin’s unique needs.
Is It Normal to Break Out After a Facial?
A mild, temporary breakout can sometimes occur as the skin brings congestion to the surface – a process known as skin purging.
This is normal if:
- Breakouts are minor and short-lived
- They appear within a few days and resolve within a week
Persistent or inflamed breakouts are not normal, which is why our consultations and bespoke treatment plans ensure your facial is suitable and safe for your skin type.
How Should I Prepare for a Facial?
To optimise results:
- Avoid strong actives (retinoids, exfoliating acids) 3-5 days before
- Limit sun exposure and avoid tanning
- Arrive on time for your appointment, so that you don’t miss any precious treatment time
- Avoid introducing new products or treatments right before your appointment
- Be honest on your consent forms, share your skincare history and lifestyle with your practitioner for optimum results
- Come with an open mind and any questions, there is so much misinformation out there, it is important to find a practitioner that you can trust and at SKIN lounge Aesthetics – we love to answer your skin questions
Preparation is simple but important for allowing your skin to respond optimally to your expert facial.
Do I Have to Remove My Makeup Before a Facial?
No – we will always thoroughly cleanse your skin at the start of your facial. Minimal makeup can help streamline the assessment, but it is not required.
Can I Wear Makeup After a Facial?
Yes – but for optimal results, we recommend giving your skin time to breathe and absorb the benefits. For advanced facials, it’s often best to avoid makeup for 24 hours. If makeup is necessary, use light, non-comedogenic products.
Will I See Immediate Results from a Facial?
Many clients notice visible improvements immediately:
- Radiance and glow
- Plumpness and hydration
- Softer, smoother texture
- Reduced puffiness
Long-term benefits, such as improved firmness, elasticity, and barrier function, develop with regular treatments and a bespoke home-care plan.
What Should You Not Do After a Facial?
After a facial, avoid:
- Heavy makeup immediately
- Direct sun exposure without SPF
- Heat and sweating (saunas, hot showers, intense exercise)
- Harsh skincare products (retinoids, chemical exfoliants)
- Touching or picking your skin
Following expert-led aftercare ensures long-lasting results and skin health.
Are Facials for Men?
Yes – facials are for everyone. Men’s skin often has unique needs:
- Thicker, oilier skin prone to congestion
- Shaving-related irritation and sensitivity
- Signs of ageing, such as fine lines and loss of firmness
Our bespoke facials for men are tailored to these needs, delivering results, comfort, and confidence.
How Do I Know Which Facial Is Right for Me?
At SKIN lounge Aesthetics, the best way to choose a facial is to trust our expert practitioners. Every facial begins with a comprehensive consultation and the use of the OBSERV skin analysis machine, allowing us to see beneath the surface and tailor your treatment precisely to your skin’s condition and goals.
Our approach ensures that:
- Your facial is fully bespoke
- Treatments are safe, effective, and results-driven
- Your skin receives both immediate improvements and long-term benefits
Book Your Expert Facial at SKIN lounge Aesthetics
The right facial is not chosen at random – it is determined by expert assessment, advanced analysis, and personalised planning. With decades of clinical experience, SKIN lounge Aesthetics in Richmond, London, delivers facials that combine luxury, comfort, and measurable results.
Take the first step towards your best skin ever by booking your consultation today. Our expert practitioners will guide you to the treatment plan that is right for your skin, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
