Facials FAQ with Alexa & Monique

While a facial itself isn’t necessarily complex, because there are so many different types of skins, concerns, and types of treatments out there, we often find ourselves answering the same questions.  Therefore, we decided to sit down and ask our incredible medical aestheticians––Alexa Barron and Monique Poitras––some of the most common questions that they address with their patients about facial treatments. 

 

Read on below to find out! 

 

Q: How often should facial treatments be done? 

 

Alexa: It is usually recommended to get a good facial treatment that covers all the bases (such as our BelaMD facial) every change of season. Then, in between seasons, we can dance with seasonal facials that target specific concerns, such as aging skin, acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, etc. 

 

Q: Why do some people experience breakouts after a facial?  

 

Alexa: This post-facial breakout is actually called purging, and it is quite common! Because we are stimulating the skin during a facial, all of the things (bacteria, sebum, etc.) that have been trapped under the skin are being pushed to the surface. 

 

Monique: Breakouts are often associated with the buildup of toxins. The skin needs to purge the impurities that are trapped under the superficial layers of skin. So of course, this post-facial breakout isn’t necessarily pleasant, but it’s necessary!

 

Q: When will treatment results be visible?  

 

Monique: This will always depend on the treatment––in some cases, results are visible right after. For example, treatments like a Vivier Glow Peel, a good extraction, or a facial massage will immediately help the skin to glow. However, in most cases (such as following a microneedling facial, a Morpheus8 treatment, or a Biophora peel), it takes either a few days to a few weeks for long-lasting results to appear.

 

Alexa: With the help of medical-grade, post-treatment care, of course!

 

Q: Can I get a facial treatment even if I’m experiencing an acne or eczema flare-up? 

 

Monique: I would say this depends on the flare-up. If the acne is very severe, it may not be a good idea because the skin is so sensitive. On the other hand, with eczema, there is usually no problem; I have suffered from eczema all my life and it has never prevented me from having treatments!

 

Alexa: ​​Yes, depending on the facial. During acne flare-ups, a peel would be great. For someone with eczema, something very calming & anti-inflammatory could also be very beneficial. 

 

Q: What should be done or avoided in both pre and post-facial treatments

 

Alexa: SPF always and forever, rain or shine, summer or winter, inside or outside! Aside from that, it depends on the facial––if any strong acids are being used, it is crucial to avoid retinol and/or any exfoliating ingredients for 10 days.

 

Monique: Sun exposure (or even worse, a sunburn), injectables, harsh exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, and in some cases even Vitamin C and/or retinol application is usually discouraged for a few days before and after a facial treatment.

 

Interested in booking a treatment with us at the Skinenvie Medispa? Give us a call at 450-458-5225 or send us a message on our Instagram today!

 

Until next time,

 

The BSE Team