What You Should Never Do After Getting A HydraFacial

HydraFacials might be revered by celebrities and beauty editors alike, but they don't come cheap. If you're going to fork out the big bucks it's important to be aware of what you should and shouldn't do after getting one. After all, there's no point investing in any beauty treatment if your actions immediately counteract it.

First of all, like most facials, you should never immediately jump back into your everyday skincare routine as some products or ingredients could do more harm than good. "Oftentimes the serums and physical manipulation of the skin during the facial can disrupt the skin barrier so it's best to stick to gentle, hydrating cleansers," Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told SELF. "I do not recommend applying toners to the skin for a day or two after a facial, especially if they are alcohol-based or contain exfoliating or astringent ingredients," he added. "These can cause irritation or dryness of the skin." The same goes for exfoliators, face scrubs, retinoids, and face masks.

According to Skin Body Soul Spa, a salon in Iowa that offers HydraFacials, there's a whole list of dos and don'ts following the treatment beyond avoiding harmful skincare products. In their post-care instruction manual, they advise customers to wear sunscreen at all times and warn against going in the sun for 72 hours. They also say that you need to stay away from the gym, hot showers, and saunas for the first 24 hours after treatment. While you can wear makeup immediately after a HydraFacial if you want to, you're best leaving your skin to breathe for as long as possible, even if it's just for the rest of the day. 

Lastly, postpone your next wax if it falls to close to your HydraFacial appointment. "Waxing especially exfoliates the skin, and over-exfoliation will make it more likely that the wax will lift the skin and leave you with an ugly scab instead of beautifully groomed brows," Chicago-based aesthetician Meghana Prasad explained to SELF.