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Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. For specific issues or decisions, we recommend seeking professional advice.
Everyone loves a good facial — but no one loves to wake up with inflamed and angry skin because they forgot a crucial preparation step. Whether you’re just getting a chemical peel at your local skin clinic or travelling to undergo a face lift in Melbourne, there are a few things to cross off your pre-treatment checklist to make sure you’re adequately prepared.
Book a consultation with an aesthetician
A consultation will allow an aesthetician to understand the current state of your skin, your existing routine, what your beauty goals are, and how your skin will react to certain treatments. A consultation pre-treatment is crucial to make sure that you’re getting the best treatment for your needs and to avoid hurting yourself before you accidentally book yourself into something that perhaps needs a bit of working up to. Listen carefully in this consultation, take notes if you want to have something to refer back to, and make sure to follow up with the clinic if there’s anything you forget to feel you should have said but didn’t get the chance to.
Follow your aesthetician’s advice pre-treatment
When you make a booking, especially if it’s your first time undergoing a treatment, the aesthetician will usually explain what you should and shouldn’t do before the treatment. It’s important to listen carefully and answer questions accurately, as the preparation process might take several weeks. For example, before getting facial laser hair removal, it’s often recommended that you stop retinol and other active skin ingredients for a week to avoid over-sensitising the skin. This advice treatment might be delivered in the pre-consultation or might be sent to you over email. Read any documentation carefully, and make sure you listen to everything told to you in consultations.
Do your own research into the treatment
As well as telling you verbally, most clinics will have a page explaining the treatment, including steps on what to do to prepare and other tips and tricks to make sure you get the best results from your treatment. Especially if you’re someone who likes to do your own research into skincare and beauty (and if you’re reading this article, you’re likely that kind of person), the science behind the treatment might help you understand what you need to change about your existing routine.
For example, if you’re getting an exfoliating facial that uses acid to peel off a layer of your skin, you’ll want to avoid exfoliating for several days before, and you might also want to reschedule social appointments for the week after to let yourself recover and peel in peace at home. Find out these things early, so you won’t annoy any friends with a last-minute cancellation text. Just because a treatment gives you flakey skin doesn’t mean you also need to be a flakey friend.
Show up to your appointment makeup-free
Coming to your appointment without makeup is important so the clinician can see your skin in its natural state, and can apply products or undergo the procedure without worrying about how the treatment will react with products already sitting on your skin. Use a gentle facial cleanser the night before your treatment, then again in the morning to clear any excess dirt, sebum or remaining makeup. If possible, avoid using even a moisturiser — remember, if in doubt, you can always call and ask before your appointment.
If you’re like me, and wear sunscreen every day religiously, you might be worried about sun exposure, especially if you’re getting your treatment done on a blistering summer’s day, or if your skin is particularly sensitive to sun exposure (e.g., perhaps due to retinol treatments or your natural complexion). In this case, make sure you wear a hat and reduce your exposure to the sun while travelling to the clinic, especially if it’s a hot day — this might be a good day to skip that walk to the bus station and cough up for Melbourne parking instead.
So whether you’re just going for a little refreshing zap during the workday lunch break or gearing up to de-age your skin several decades, it’s important to do your due diligence, so you can stay safe, get the best results and reduce any unnecessary pain.
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