Facial Phases Explained: What to Expect Before, During, and After
Facials aren’t just about pampering—they’re a powerful way to reset your skin and work toward lasting transformation. At Enlightened Beauty, we specialize in creating customized treatments that help you achieve your glow goals, whether you’re battling acne, dullness, or signs of aging. And if you’ve been mesmerized by the dramatic before-and-afters on our Instagram, you’re not alone—chemical peels are one of our most booked treatments for a reason.
But what actually happens during a facial? What should you do to prep beforehand, and how can you ensure your skin thrives afterward? Understanding the phases of a facial is the key to getting the best results while avoiding surprises like redness or the dreaded purging that can come with treatments like peels.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect before, during, and after your facial, so you can feel confident and prepared for your skin’s journey. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, we’re breaking it all down—because beautiful skin is as much about the process as it is about the results.
Phase 1: Preparing for Your Facial
Every skin transformation journey at Enlightened Beauty begins with a consultation. This is our chance to really get to know you and your skin. During your first visit, we’ll dive into your skin’s story—your concerns, goals, and daily habits. We’ll also ask about any allergies, medications, or past experiences with skincare treatments to ensure we create a facial experience that’s as unique as you are.
Preparing Your Skin
To get the best results, it’s important to prep your skin properly. For the 48 hours before your appointment, keep it simple: skip retinoids, exfoliants, or anything that might make your skin more sensitive. Instead, focus on hydration and gentle care. And if you can, come to your appointment makeup-free—it gives us a clean canvas to work with and lets us get straight to the good stuff.
Setting Intentions
Facials aren’t about quick fixes, they’re about progress, patience, and long-term transformation. Whether you’re here for a glow-up or something more intensive like a chemical peel, trust that we’ll guide you every step of the way. Our treatments are designed to meet your skin where it is now and help it reach its full potential. All you have to do is show up ready to relax and let us do what we do best.
Phase 2: During the Facial
Once you’re settled in, it’s time for your skin to take center stage. This is where the magic happens—every step is carefully chosen to meet your skin’s needs while creating a space for you to fully relax.
What Happens During a Facial?
We start by cleansing your skin deeply, removing impurities and preparing it for the rest of the treatment. Exfoliation follows to smooth and brighten, and if needed, we’ll perform extractions to clear congested pores. Then comes the real indulgence—customized masks, serums, and moisturizers that hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate your skin.
Every step is intentional, supporting your skin’s health so you leave feeling refreshed and radiant.
The Power of Chemical Peels
If your facial includes a chemical peel, here’s what to expect: we’ll apply a solution designed to work beneath the surface, accelerating cell turnover to reveal brighter, fresher skin over the following days. You might feel some tingling or warmth during the process—this is completely normal and shows the peel is working.
Chemical peels are one of our most transformative treatments. They’re a game-changer for addressing acne, pigmentation, and dullness and are behind many of the skin transformations we share on Instagram.
Relaxation Meets Results
Facials aren’t just about your skin—they’re about the experience. We create a calming atmosphere with soothing massage techniques, we might use healing crystals, and giving you quiet time to recharge.
This is your moment to let go and trust the process, knowing your skin is in expert hands.
Phase 3: After Your Facial
The care doesn’t stop once you leave our treatment room. What you do after your facial is just as important as what happens during it. This phase is all about giving your skin the time and support it needs to fully recover and thrive.
Immediate Post-Facial Effects
After your facial, you might notice a fresh glow or a little redness—both are completely normal. Your skin has just been deeply cleansed, exfoliated, and nourished, so some tightness or sensitivity may also occur. These are all signs your skin is responding to the treatment.
If you’ve had a chemical peel, you may experience flaking or peeling in the days following. This is part of the exfoliation process and is a sign that new, healthy skin is being revealed underneath.
Understanding Purging
One thing we often talk about with our clients is purging, especially after treatments like chemical peels. Purging happens when treatments accelerate your skin’s natural cell turnover, bringing clogged pores to the surface faster than usual. While it can feel frustrating, it’s a temporary process that clears the way for healthier, more radiant skin.
Expect purging to occur in areas where you’re already prone to breakouts, and remember—it’s part of the journey, not the destination. To support your skin during this time:
Stay consistent with your recommended skincare routine.
Focus on hydration and avoid picking at your skin.
Reach out to us with any concerns—we’re here to guide you through every step.
Post-Treatment Care
Your post-facial care routine plays a huge role in maintaining your results.
Use gentle, hydrating products like a soothing cleanser, heavier moisturizer, and SPF to protect your skin.
Avoid direct sun exposure (especially without SPF), hot showers, and intense workouts for 48 hours to reduce irritation.
Follow any specific instructions we provide based on your treatment.
Finally, think of this as the start of an ongoing process. Whether you’re coming in for a monthly facial or working toward long-term goals, consistency is everything. We’ll always be here to support your skin’s progress every step of the way.
Your Facial Journey: Transforming Skin with Confidence and Care
Facials are more than just a self-care ritual—they’re a partnership between you and your esthetician to help your skin look and feel its best. By understanding the phases of a facial, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more empowering experience.
From the moment you walk into Enlightened Beauty, we’re focused on your unique skin journey. Whether you’re prepping for your first facial, experiencing the transformative power of a chemical peel, or navigating the post-treatment glow (and maybe a bit of purging), every step is designed to move you closer to the results you’ve been dreaming of.
Beautiful skin takes time, care, and consistency, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Book your next facial with us today and let’s take the next step in your skin’s transformation together!