How to Care for Your Skin Between Facial Appointments
We can picture you now: you’ve just left the spa or that esthetician appointment that felt like a moment of sanctuary. You’re a little high on endorphins and your skin is glowing from your hydrafacial.
But now you might be wondering: "how do I care for my skin in between my facial appointments?"
Our products were made with spas and estheticians in mind. That's why we've put together this short guide on how to care for your skin in between your esthetician appointments.
Your Skin Care In Between Facials
Step 1: Here’s a List of What NOT to Do
After a facial the skin can be particularly sensitive and requires gentle care after the first few days.
Look to avoid these things right after a facial:
- Retinol - retinol products can be sensitizing and should be avoided for a few days after your facial.
- Sun Exposure – avoiding sun exposure for up to a week is crucial as the deep exfoliation can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.
- Excessive/Harsh Exfoliation- you want to avoid scrubs, cleansing brushes and acids (i.e., glycolic acid, AHAs) after a facial as your skin barrier can be particularly vulnerable due to the deep exfoliation.
- Makeup – Take a break from your everyday makeup for 48 to 72 hours after a facial. Wearing makeup right after a facial can clog your pores as your skin is more tender and absorbent.
- The sauna and intense work outs – Sweat and heat can be irritating to exfoliated skin. Try giving it a few days before you step back into the sauna or engage in intense cardio.
Step 2: Hydrate Your Skin
Okay, now you know what NOT to do. Here’s what is very important: hydration.
With your skin barrier being temporarily more vulnerable, nows the time to hydrate and replenish your skin with moisture and nutrients.
Hydration maintains the skins protective barrier, promotes elasticity and allows your skin cells to function more effectively.
Pull out your favourite hydrating mist or light-weight serum containing humectants and nutrients to nourish your skin cells.
Our favourite nutrient dense humectants include:
- hyaluronic acid
- floral hydrosols
- reishi mushroom
- marshmallow root
- astragalus root
- aloe vera
Step 3: Moisturize & Replenish Your Skin Barrier
With the outer layer of the skin being more vulnerable, you’ll want to make sure you are replenishing the lipid barrier of the skin.
One of the best ways to replenish the lipid barrier of your skin is with balms. Balms tend to utilize occlusives which put a protective layer over the skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss and also shielding the skin from environmental irritants.
Balms are also oil-based, and oils are what help to replenish any lost lipids from the skin barrier.
In addition, you may want to reach for products that contain ceramides. Ceramides are a type of fat molecule present in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. Ceramides work well with occlusives, by protecting the skin barrier and holding moisture within the skin, effectively preventing trans-epidermal water loss.
Step 4: Maintain Your Results with a Corrective Serum
In order to maintain that glowing and radiant skin, you may want to reach for a corrective serum that's going to give you lasting results.
No matter what your skin type, serums that contain gentle and natural actives like coenzyme Q10 and bakuchiol can be wonderful options to maintain those glowy results.
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring fat-soluble molecule and powerful antioxidant found within the skin barrier. Coenzyme Q10 increases the production of collagen and elastin, increases cell regeneration, and brightens the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is an enzyme involved in melanin production.
Bakuchiol is known as the natural retinol alternative and is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin. It is sought out for its ability to increase collagen and elastin production, increase cell turnover, and diminish hyperpigmentation.
The Author : Adisa May
Adisa May is the founder of Adisa May Skincare, a line that utilizes botanical ingredients to create gentle effective formulations. Prior to becoming a beauty entrepreneur she was a lawyer who practiced criminal law Downtown Toronto. Through her research-backed and spiritually guided insights, Adisa shares knowledge and routines that aim to support long term skin and health wellness.