Booking a facial is a great first step toward healthier, more radiant skin. But pre facial skincare matters just as much as the treatment itself. A smart pre facial routine helps your skin respond better, minimizes irritation, and sets the stage for stronger, longer-lasting results.
Knowing how to prepare for a facial comes down to two things: what to use, and what to skip. Start building your routine with our ORMEDIC collection, formulated to balance and comfort skin before treatment.
Why Pre Facial Skincare Matters
Your at-home routine directly affects how your skin responds during treatment. Skin that is hydrated, balanced, and free of irritation can better tolerate exfoliation, extractions, and active ingredients.
When skin is over-exfoliated or dehydrated going into an appointment, it is more likely to react with redness or sensitivity. That is why a short pre facial routine matters in the days leading up to treatment.
A calm, balanced complexion also helps your provider customize your facial with confidence, since they can safely recommend stronger actives when your skin barrier is healthy.
How to Prepare for a Facial
The week before your appointment is the most important window for skin prep before facial treatment. Here is what to focus on:
Keep skin hydrated and balanced. Stick to gentle, hydrating products that support your moisture barrier. This is not the time to skip moisturizer.
Avoid major routine changes. Consistency matters more than trying something new. Save new serums or treatments for after your facial, once your provider has seen your skin.
Simplify where needed. If your routine already includes several active ingredients, this is a good week to scale back and let your skin rest.
What Ingredients to Pause Before a Facial
Some ingredients increase skin sensitivity and should be paused as part of your pre facial routine.
Retinoids and Retinol
Retinol speeds up cell turnover, which can leave skin more reactive to extractions. Pause retinol products for three to five days before your facial.
Exfoliating Acids (AHAs and BHAs)
Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids already exfoliate the skin's surface. Layering a professional exfoliating treatment on top can lead to irritation. Pause these for two to three days beforehand.
Physical Exfoliants
Scrubs and manual exfoliators can create micro-tears in already-sensitive skin. Skip these in the days before your visit.
Other Potentially Irritating Actives
Benzoyl peroxide and high-strength vitamin C can also increase sensitivity. When in doubt, pause it and ask your provider.
Stopping these products early gives your skin barrier time to recover, which lowers the risk of redness or breakouts after treatment.
The Best Ingredients to Use Before a Facial
The right pre facial skincare routine leans into ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier.
Hydrating Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid and other humectants draw moisture into the skin and help it feel plump and comfortable. IMAGE's hyaluronic acid collection boosts hydration without disrupting the skin barrier, making it an easy addition to any pre facial routine.
Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Ceramides and lipids reinforce the skin's natural protective layer, so skin is better equipped to handle professional-strength ingredients during treatment. The ORMEDIC balancing biopeptide crème combines hyaluronic acid with nourishing botanical oils to replenish moisture-depleted skin before your appointment.
Soothing Ingredients
Look for calming botanicals like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula. The ORMEDIC balancing facial cleanser is a gentle, pH-balanced option that cleanses without stripping, making it ideal for skin prep before facial appointments.
What to Avoid the Day of Your Facial
On the day itself, a few simple habits go a long way:
Skip heavy makeup so your esthetician can properly assess your skin
Avoid aggressive exfoliation, even gentle at-home devices
Do not try new skincare products right before your visit
Limit sun exposure, and always wear SPF on the way to your appointment
Preparing for Different Types of Facials
Hydrating facials pair well with a pre facial routine focused on humectants and barrier support, like the ORMEDIC line above.
Exfoliating facials call for extra caution with at-home acids and scrubs beforehand, since your provider will already be exfoliating during the session.
Acne-focused facials may require pausing certain actives longer, especially if extractions are planned. Every pre facial skincare plan is different, and professional recommendations may vary based on your skin's needs.
Questions to Ask Before Your Facial Appointment
A quick conversation with your provider helps you prepare with confidence. Consider asking:
Should I pause any of my current products, and for how long?
What should I expect immediately after my facial?
Should I mention recent treatments, like injectables or chemical peels?
Do I have any skin sensitivities my provider should know about?
Sharing this information ahead of time helps your esthetician tailor the treatment to your skin's current state, not just its usual routine.
Pre facial skincare does not need to be complicated. Focus on hydration, consistency, and pausing potentially irritating actives, and you will walk in with skin that is ready for treatment. Explore the ORMEDIC collection to build a calming pre facial routine, and talk to your provider about a personalized plan by visiting the IMAGE Skincare pro locator.
For more skin prep tips, check out what to look for in a facial cleanser and common exfoliation mistakes to avoid.
Ready to find your ideal routine? Take the IMAGE Skin Quiz to get personalized product recommendations for pre facial prep and beyond.
About the Author: Written by Christina Angelacos
Christina is a Senior Editor at IMAGE Skincare focused on clinical skincare innovation, ingredient science, and skin longevity. Passionate about holistic wellness, she believes our healthiest skin comes from the intersection of advanced skincare and mindful living.