Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for my facial appointment?

Keep Your Skin Clean: Avoid using heavy makeup or applying any skincare products right before your appointment. It's best to arrive with a clean face so that we can start the treatment without any barriers.

Skip Exfoliation: Refrain from exfoliating your skin for at least 48 hours before your facial. Over-exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive during the treatment.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Try to limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds for a few days before your appointment. Sunburned or irritated skin can be more reactive to facial treatments.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin responds better to treatments and enhances the overall results.

Communicate: Be prepared to discuss your skincare routine, any concerns, and the goals you have for your skin. Sharing this information helps me tailor the facial to your specific needs.

Avoid Certain Treatments: If you’ve recently had other skincare treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments, or Botox, let me know. These can affect how we proceed with your facial.

Relax: Try to arrive a few minutes early to relax and settle in. A calm state of mind can help you get the most out of your facial experience.

How should I take care of my skin after a facial?

Keep It Clean and Hydrated: Gently cleanse your skin with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser and follow with a hydrating moisturizer. Avoid using any harsh or active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants for at least 48 hours.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Your skin will be more sensitive after a facial, so it’s crucial to protect it from UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and try to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

Skip Heavy Makeup: Give your skin a break from heavy makeup for at least 24 hours. If you need to wear makeup, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products.

Avoid Heat and Sweating: Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise that causes heavy sweating for at least 24 hours. Heat can irritate your freshly treated skin.

Don’t Pick or Touch Your Skin: Resist the urge to pick at or touch your face. This can introduce bacteria and cause breakouts or irritation.

Use Gentle Products: Stick to gentle, soothing skincare products for the first few days. Avoid using strong acids, retinoids, or exfoliants until your skin has fully recovered.

Follow Alexis' Advice: Use any specific products or follow any particular aftercare instructions provided by your esthetician, Alexis. These recommendations are tailored to your skin’s needs.

How often should I get a facial for optimal results?

For most people, getting a facial every 4-6 weeks is ideal. This frequency aligns with your skin’s natural regeneration cycle, allowing us to address any emerging issues and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Regular facials help keep your skin clean, clear, and well-nourished, preventing common problems like clogged pores, dullness, and uneven texture.

However, the optimal frequency can vary based on your specific skin type and concerns:

  1. Acne-Prone Skin: If you have acne-prone skin, you might benefit from more frequent facials, such as every 2-4 weeks, to help manage breakouts and reduce inflammation.
  2. Aging Skin: For aging or mature skin, monthly facials can help with collagen production, firmness, and addressing fine lines and wrinkles.
  3. Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, we might start with less frequent treatments to see how your skin responds, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
  4. Special Skin Concerns: If you have specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, rosacea, or severe dryness, we can create a tailored treatment plan that might include a series of facials over a short period to achieve the best results.

What should I do if I experience skin purging?

  1. Stay Calm: Skin purging is a common reaction when starting new skincare products, especially those with active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids. It's a sign that your skin is adjusting and pushing out impurities.
  2. Continue Using the Product: Unless your skin is experiencing severe irritation, continue using the new product as directed. Purging usually subsides within 4-6 weeks as your skin gets used to the active ingredients.
  3. Maintain a Gentle Routine: Stick to a gentle skincare routine to avoid further irritation. Use a mild cleanser, soothing moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid introducing additional new products during this time.
  4. Avoid Picking: Resist the urge to pick at or pop any blemishes. Picking can lead to scarring, infection, and prolonged healing time.
  5. Monitor Your Skin: Keep an eye on your skin’s progress. If the purging lasts longer than six weeks or if your skin shows signs of an allergic reaction (like severe redness, swelling, or pain), stop using the product and consult with your esthetician, Alexis.
  6. Hydrate and Protect: Ensure your skin is well-hydrated and protected. Use a hydrating serum or mask to soothe your skin and a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect it from UV damage.
  7. Consult with Your Esthetician, Alexis: If you're unsure whether you're experiencing purging or a negative reaction, send Alexis a text at (813)-358-8598. I can help assess your skin and provide guidance on how to proceed.

What can I expect during a virtual skin consultation?

Personalized Assessment: We’ll start with a detailed discussion about your skin concerns, current skincare routine, and any specific goals you have for your skin. This helps me understand your unique needs and tailor my recommendations accordingly.

Visual Examination: You’ll provide clear, high-quality photos of your skin, and we will use video chat to allow me to assess your skin's condition, texture, and any visible issues. This visual examination is crucial for accurate advice.

Customized Recommendations: Based on our discussion and my assessment, I’ll recommend a personalized skincare regimen, including product suggestions and step-by-step instructions on how to use them effectively.

Education and Tips: I’ll provide you with education on the key ingredients and products that will benefit your skin type and concerns. I’ll also offer tips on lifestyle and dietary habits that can support your skin health.

Follow-Up Plan: To track your progress, we’ll establish a follow-up plan. This may include additional consultations or check-ins to adjust your regimen as needed and ensure you’re seeing the desired results.

Q&A Session: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your skin, products, or the recommended regimen. My goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed about your skincare journey.

What should I expect during and after a chemical peel treatment?

During the Treatment:

  1. Cleansing: I’ll start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
  2. Application: I’ll apply the chemical peel solution evenly across your skin. You might feel a tingling or warm sensation, which is normal and indicates that the peel is working.
  3. Monitoring: I’ll closely monitor your skin’s reaction throughout the treatment to ensure it’s responding well.
  4. Neutralization: After the appropriate time has passed, I’ll neutralize the peel (if necessary) and gently remove it from your skin.
  5. Soothing: Finally, I’ll apply soothing serums and a protective moisturizer to calm your skin and enhance the treatment’s effects.

After the Treatment:

  1. Immediate Effects: Your skin might appear red and feel tight or sensitive, this is normal and usually subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.
  2. Peeling: Depending on the strength of the peel, you may experience peeling or flaking within 2-3 days. This is a sign that the treatment is working, as old, damaged skin is shedding to reveal new, healthier skin underneath.
  3. Moisturization: Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Avoid using any strong or active skincare products like retinoids or exfoliants until your skin has fully healed.
  4. Sun Protection: Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so it’s crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible.
  5. Avoid Picking: Resist the urge to pick or peel at any flaking skin to prevent scarring or further irritation.
  6. Follow-Up Care: Follow any specific aftercare instructions I provide, and attend your follow-up appointment to assess your skin’s progress and plan any additional treatments.

How should I take care of my skin after a chemical peel?

Keep it Clean and Hydrated: Gently cleanse your skin with a mild, non-irritating cleanser. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin well-moisturized and to support the healing process.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun after a chemical peel. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, and reapply as needed throughout the day. Avoid direct sun exposure and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.

Do Not Pick or Peel: Resist the urge to pick at any peeling or flaking skin. Let your skin shed naturally to avoid scarring and irritation.

Skip Active Ingredients: Avoid using products with active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or any exfoliants until your skin has fully healed. These can further irritate your skin and prolong the healing process.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within, aiding the healing process.

Follow Specific Aftercare Instructions: Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your esthetician, Alexis. Things may be recommended tailored to your skin's needs.

Will dermaplaning cause my hair to grow back thicker?

No, dermaplaning will not cause your hair to grow back thicker. The treatment only removes the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair, which does not affect the hair follicle or growth pattern. Your hair will grow back at the same rate and texture as before the treatment.