Should You Wash Your Face After A Facial? A Complete Aftercare Guide

You have just left the treatment room, and your skin is glowing. Now you are thinking, should you wash your face after a facial?

You’ve spent the last 30 to 90 minutes being cleansed, exfoliated, massaged and moisturised, and your skin has never looked or felt better. But now you wonder, should you stick to your usual skincare routine, including washing your face, or leave your skin be?

Should you wash your face after a facial? This comes down to timing, your specific skin type and the type of facial you had. This is a common query, and here is what dermatologists and skincare professionals recommend.  

Why You’re Tempted To Wash Your Face After A Facial

Washing our faces is second nature, so going to bed without doing it can feel strange. After a facial, your skin may feel greasy from facial oils or leftover mask residue. Will washing these off undo all the treatment’s hard work? Understandable as the urge to clean your skin is, skipping the face wash is usually best for optimal results.

So, Should You Wash Your Face After A Facial?

The short answer from most skin professionals is no, not straight away.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr Erin Gilbert told L’Oréal Paris she generally advises against washing your face immediately after a facial, suggesting a gentle cleanser in the evening instead. It can depend on your specific skin concerns — Gilbert says that for oily skin types, there is no harm in washing your face after a facial if that is a personal preference, but to reap the full benefits, hold off. 

Active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and targeted serums, are personalised for your skin. Washing them off too soon means:

• You lose the benefit of the active ingredients
• You’re rinsing away part of what you paid for
• Your skin won’t get the maximum benefit or glowing effect it’s designed to deliver

Glow Med Spa says the goal is to let your skin absorb the products it’s just received rather than washing them straight down the drain, as the key to getting the maximum benefit from a facial is to allow your skin time to absorb the products.

How Long Should You Wait Before Washing Your Face?

It depends on the type of facial you had and whether it included a deeper cleanse. Most experts land somewhere in the following range:

• Standard or hydrating facial – wait at least 6 to 8 hours, or until your next scheduled cleanse
• Facial with deep cleansing or extractions – wait until the following morning
• Chemical peels or intensive treatments – wait 24 to 48 hours, but always check what your esthetician advises

Award-winning Titanic Spa echoes this, advising against applying makeup or other products for up to 12 hours after your facial. This gives your skin time to absorb the products, process the treatment and fully recover.

If your facial was in the morning, hold off washing your face until the evening. If you had a later treatment, waiting till the next day is usually easiest. Ultimately, whether you should wash your face after a treatment is down to your facialist’s advice, so always follow their specific instructions as they know best.

What Happens If You Wash Your Face Too Soon?

• You rinse away active ingredients before they’ve had time to work their magic.
• Could cause Irritation to  freshly exfoliated skin, which is more sensitive and prone to redness straight after a treatment
• Disrupts your skin barrier, which is temporarily more permeable following extractions or exfoliation.

Washing your face too early isn’t a disaster, but it can hinder your skin from reaping the best results. Green Spring Aesthetics notes that skin becomes more absorbent and delicate immediately after professional facial treatments, which is why a gentle approach works best in those first few hours. Also, avoid hot water and harsh cleansers.

How To Wash Your Face After A Facial

• Use a mild, sulfate-free, non-foaming gentle cleanser
• Stick to lukewarm water, never hot
• Cleanse with your fingertips only, skipping cloths, sponges or brushes
• Pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing
• Skip toner and exfoliating actives for the first few washes
• Follow up with a hydrating moisturiser to lock in comfort

Gentle is the name of the game, so steer clear of harsh products or anything with stripping qualities. 

Other Post-Facial Care Tips To Protect Your Glow

Whether you have a mini facial or the full works, you need to follow the right aftercare to allow your skin to enjoy the full benefits of the treatment. 

• Keep your hands off your face to avoid bacteria and oil getting onto the skin. 
• Avoid heavy makeup for at least 24 hours to allow your skin to breathe.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, and always wear SPF to protect from harmful UV rays, whatever the season, even in the winter months.
• Skip the sauna and steam room and turn down the hot shower for a day or two to limit heat and avoid skin irritation.
• Avoid waxing or exfoliating as your skin will remain sensitive for at least 48 hours. 
• Stay hydrated. Support your skin from the inside while it recovers by drinking enough water.

The Takeaway

So, should you wash your face after a facial appointment? The answer for most people is to wait. Holding off on the face wash lets the serums, masks, and active ingredients work into the skin for several more hours, or ideally overnight.

When you do wash your face, keep it gentle and use lukewarm water; follow a proper post-facial skincare routine, drink plenty of water, and then you can rock your post-facial glow for longer.

Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.