A skin-renewing spa experience in the form of a facial should be relaxing, but for some of us, it’s go-time for overthinking to kick into overdrive. Next time these thoughts go through your head, know that you’re not alone.
“I feel ashamed of the products I’m using.”
We’ve all been there: That touch-and-go phase when the aesthetician looks over your skin and asks, “What daily products do you use?” It’s hard not to come across as the slightest bit judgmental and, sure, it’s tempting to give the answer that would give you an aesthetician A-plus (“I use retinol religiously, I never walk out the door without sunscreen”), but it’s best to be honest, no matter what you are/are not using. And rest assured that this cross-exam goes both ways: “Most clients ask ME if the products I am using will really work, if they will be effective and what the results will be,” says Barbara Broas, national aesthetician for Le Métier de Beauté.
You May Also Like: How Often Should You Really Get Facials?
“Can they tell I just lied about the last time I got a facial?”
Broas says an aesthetician can really get to the root of your skin problems (and if you are/are not using the right products) simply by talking to you, so best to be honest and concentrate on what’s bothering your about your complexion. “Skin may appear to be fine visually, but I can tell a lot more when a client tells me what skin concerns they have. I can advise how to get your skin to the condition you want (sometime by process of elimination on products being used). Then I analyze your skin based on the concerns you’ve mentioned and can advise on how to improve it.”
“May I go to the restroom?”
Even if you are tucked away and only two minutes in, it’s not worth being uncomfortable over the course of the treatment and your aesthetician honestly doesn’t care if you get up. “Of course you can go! I want you to feel comfortable,” Broas says.
“Is this going to leave a mark?”
Extractions, extractions, extractions…the debate wages on. Chances are even if you have a really gentle aesthetician, if you get extractions, you’re going to be some shade of red. If you don’t want them, say so and if you need to be somewhere after, point that out as well. There’s a lot of different facials out there and some can be customized for skin that specifically looks glowing as soon as you hop off the table.
“I need to scratch this itch but I have 10 layers of things on my face/hands.”
Again, it’s silly not to speak up if you are uncomfortable. “I’m there for customer service so whatever you need, by all means, tell me,” Broas says.
Did I just fall asleep?
If you did, almost every aesthetican will tell you that that is the ultimate compliment. “To relax a New Yorker is almost unachievable. The ambiance of the room and playing relaxation music are essential. Once I start speaking with them, I ensure they feel comfortable. They typically begin to relax when they lie down. Once I start they facial they tend to get more relaxed as the facial progresses. When I get into the massage of the facial they’ll be very relaxed, most even fall asleep,” Broas says.
“They’re going to apply makeup after this right?”
Again, tell your aesthetician if you are going somewhere post-facial. Some people like the idea of letting their skin “breathe” and allowing the products applied to “sink-in.” No matter your preference, don’t leave without a layer of SPF.
You May Also Like: A Facial With Celebrity Aesthetician Nerida Joy
