The short answer

A first facial is relaxing, not intimidating. You'll get a quick skin consult, then a calm sequence of cleanse, exfoliate, (sometimes) extractions, a treatment step, massage, and SPF — all while you rest under a warm blanket. Prep by skipping strong actives for a day or two and coming with clean skin; afterward, keep it gentle and wear sunscreen. Start with a signature or express facial, or book one.

The only hard part of a first facial is not knowing what's coming. So here's the whole thing, in order, with nothing left mysterious.

Before you even lie down, we talk. A good facial starts with a short consultation — what your skin does, what's bothering you, any allergies, medications (Accutane matters), or sensitivities. This isn't a formality; it's how the treatment gets tailored to your skin instead of a one-size script.

How to prep the day before

Keep it easy. Pause strong exfoliating actives — retinol, glycolic or salicylic acids — for a couple of days so your skin isn't already sensitized. Don't wax or use hair-removal cream on your face for 24–48 hours. Come with clean skin if you can, and if you wear makeup, no stress — we'll cleanse it. Arrive a few minutes early to settle in.

What happens on the table

The classic rhythm: a double cleanse, exfoliation, sometimes extractions to clear congested pores, a treatment step (a mask, LED, or a resurfacing add-on chosen for your skin), a massage that's honestly half the reason people come back, and finishing products ending in SPF. You're warm, reclined, and undisturbed the whole time. Most people relax completely; plenty fall asleep.

A facial isn't a test you can fail. Come as your skin is that day — that's exactly what we're working with.

Does any of it hurt?

A standard facial shouldn't. The only step some people find slightly uncomfortable is extractions, and your esthetician checks in and eases off the moment you want. Stronger add-ons like a peel can warm or tingle briefly — but a first facial is gentle by design, and we'll never surprise your skin.

Afterward: keep it simple

For 24 hours, baby your skin: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF. Skip heavy makeup, strong actives, hot yoga, saunas, and sun. A soft glow or slight pinkness is normal and settles fast. That's it — no elaborate routine required.

Ready when you are. Tell us your skin goal and we'll match you to the right first treatment — start on the facials menu or book on Square. Not sure which one? Here's how to choose.