What to Know Before Your First Facial

What to Know Before Your First Facial

No prep anxiety required. Here's exactly what to expect.

A lot of people have been curious about facials for a while but haven't booked one yet. Sometimes it's not knowing what to expect. Sometimes it's not knowing if it's the right time or the right service for their skin.

Here's a straightforward rundown so you can walk in feeling prepared, not anxious.

What actually happens during a facial.

Every facial at Monarch is customized based on your skin, so there's no single script. But most facials follow a similar structure: cleansing, exfoliation, extractions if needed, a targeted treatment, and finishing products.

New clients always start with a consultation. We ask about your skin concerns, what you're currently using, your lifestyle, and any sensitivities or reactions you've had. This isn't just paperwork. It's how we make sure the service we choose is actually right for you.

What to do before your appointment.

Keep it simple. Come in with a clean face if you can, or we'll cleanse at the start. Avoid using any new or strong products in the days leading up to your facial, especially retinol or exfoliating acids. Irritated skin going into a treatment makes the treatment harder to calibrate.

That's really it. You don't need to prep extensively.

We take it from there.

What your skin might do afterward.

Mild redness or sensitivity right after a facial is normal, especially if extractions were part of the service. It usually settles within a few hours. Your skin may also feel more reactive to products for a day or two, which is why we recommend keeping your routine simple immediately after.

Some people also experience a brief purging period after their first few facials, where the skin clears out congestion that was sitting below the surface. This is temporary and a sign the skin is responding.

How often should you get a facial?

For most people, once a month is ideal. Your skin turns over roughly every 28 days, and a monthly facial supports that cycle. That said, even one facial a season makes a difference. You don't have to commit to a full routine to see results.

Which facial is right for you?

We offer express facials, 60-minute facials and 90-minute facials. All our We also offer peels, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning depending on your skin goals.

If you're not sure where to start, book a consultation. We'll look at your skin, talk through your concerns and lifestyle, and recommend the service that makes the most sense.

No guesswork, no pressure.

Summer is actually a great time for a first facial.

Your skin has been dealing with heat, sunscreen, and sweat.

A professional treatment can clear all of that and give your skin a clean foundation for the rest of the season.