How Often Should You Get a Facial? We Asked Dermatologists

When it comes to our favorite skincare treatments, facials are at the top of our list. Our skin always feels incredibly refreshed and looks radiant after spending time with our favorite dermatologist or esthetician in the treatment room. But if you’re like us, you’ve likely wondered how often we should get a facial to keep our skin healthy and glowing.

Ahead, we spoke with two dermatologists, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, and Dr. Anetta Reszko, MD, to find out how frequently we should treat our skin to a facial.

What Is a Facial?

Facials are noninvasive, skin-refining treatments typically performed by an esthetician or dermatologist. They consist of several steps that cleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate, and even massage the skin, depending on its needs and overall skin type. The goal of a facial is to promote skin health by cleaning it, clearing out clogged pores, and improving the skin’s tone, texture, and glow.

Several different facials exist, ranging from the more standard European facial, which employs steam to soften the skin for easier extractions, to deep cleansing ones that focus more on dislodging dirt, oil, and dead skin that can dull the skin’s luminosity. Teen facials treat younger skin, often targeting acne, whereas anti-aging treatments add moisture and radiance to the skin, making it look more youthful. “Facials can be customized and tailored to any individual’s skin type and concerns,” Dr. Reszko adds.

Add-on treatments are often coupled into a facial to further treat the skin’s needs. Common add-ons include dermaplaning to remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells, LED light therapy to stimulate collagen and kill acne-causing bacteria, chemical peels for further exfoliation, microdermabrasion which removes dead skin cells and debris, collagen and jelly masks to detox, hydrate, soothe, and plump the skin, and radiofrequency or microcurrent devices to help stimulate collagen and firm and tighten the skin.

Dr. Murphy-Rose says that to determine the best facial add-on, a skincare professional should assess your skin type and concerns to reach the desired outcomes. “Personalized recommendations ensure that the selected add-ons enhance the overall benefits of the facial, addressing specific issues like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or acne,” she adds.

The Benefits of Facials

Facials can be performed on the face and body. They benefit the skin by deeply cleansing it, unclogging the pores, removing dead skin cells that can dull the complexion, and adding hydration. Dr. Murphy-Rose adds that the right facial for your skin type can also help clear up congestion while also exfoliating and protecting against hyperpigmentation or signs of aging.

However, the benefits don’t end there. “Facials also increase blood circulation, slow the aging process, and allow skin care products to penetrate the skin better and more effectively,” Dr. Reszko says. “Regular facials are also a great form of self-care and relaxation.”

Regular facials benefit all skin types and tones, including acne-prone, dry, oily, or sensitive skin, and many dermatologists and estheticians recommend them as part of a holistic skincare plan. With a facial, you’ll typically see the benefits immediately. Usually, the skin appears more hydrated, plumper, radiant, and luminous after a treatment. “However, some facials yield benefits that are not fully visible until one week or more after the treatment,” Dr. Murphy-Rose adds.

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

Our experts say the skin cell regeneration cycle takes about four weeks. To reap the benefits of facials, you’ll want to stay consistent and get one every four to six weeks. Dr. Reszko says getting a facial any sooner than that can lead to skin irritation and compromise the skin barrier. “Regularly scheduled facials will maintain and promote overall skin health and reduce signs of aging,” she adds.

For facials that focus on acne and are an integral part of a skincare regimen, your dermatologist may recommend doing them every four weeks to keep your skin in check and on the path to clearing up. Specialized facials, like HydraFacial, can be done once a month, whereas facials with chemical peels should be done every two to three months to avoid compromising your skin.

How to Determine What Type of Facial to Get

Getting the right type of facial can make a difference in your skin’s overall health, but choosing the wrong one can wreak havoc on your skin. “The best way to determine what facial is right for you is to have your dermatologist or esthetician determine the best type of facial suited for your skin type and concerns,” Dr. Reszko suggests. “A licensed professional will analyze the skin, sometimes using special tools like a magnifying lamp to assess the pores and texture.”

What to Do Before and After a Facial

Before

Before you get a facial, follow any pre-treatment skincare tips your dermatologist or esthetician recommends. That may include pressing pause on products containing exfoliating acids, retinol, or retinoids for up to one week before your facial appointment. “You also don’t want any excess sun exposure or a sunburn before a facial,” Dr. Murphy-Rose notes.

Both Dr. Murphy-Rose and Reszko recommend coming to a facial appointment with clean skin without makeup, if possible. Dr. Reszko adds that drinking plenty of water before a facial is also recommended.

After

After a facial, you should be gentle with your skin. Keep it well hydrated and follow the customized skincare routine your dermatologist or esthetician recommends post-facial, which Dr. Reszko says will help garner the best results.

You’ll also want to avoid touching your face, excessively sweating, and exposing the skin to extreme heat via hot showers or the sun. It’s best to go makeup-free for about 24 hours to let your skin fully absorb the products applied during the service.

“After most facials, you can skip washing your face that night,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Instead, she recommends moisturizing the skin well and using sunscreen. It’s also best to avoid using skin care products with active ingredients unless directed by your aesthetician or dermatologist.

To maintain the results of your facial, Dr. Reszo suggests incorporating specific tools into your routine. “There are some at-home treatments that you can incorporate after a facial, such as a cleansing brush, LED mask, and even skin toning devices, like Nuface, which can help to shape, lift, and tighten the skin, creating a youthful appearance,” she shares.

The Final Takeaway

While facials are a luxury, there’s no denying that they are an important part of a skincare routine. During a professional facial, your esthetician or dermatologist can cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin more thoroughly than you can at home. Dr. Murphy-Rose and Reszo recommend getting a facial every four to six weeks to maintain your skin’s health and radiance. Getting facial treatments more often than this cadence can lead to a compromised skin barrier and irritation.