First facial treatment? 5 things you need to know | Nordic Skin College

You have booked your first facial treatment. Perhaps you are excited, perhaps a bit nervous - and almost certainly unsure of what to expect. That is completely normal. A facial is an intimate experience: a stranger is close to your face for an hour, and a lot happens to your skin that you cannot necessarily see along the way.

Here are five things that will make the experience better - for both you and your therapist.

1. Come without makeup (or with minimal makeup)

It may sound obvious, but many people turn up to their first treatment in full makeup. It is not a disaster - your therapist removes it as the first step - but it takes time away from the actual treatment.

Why it matters

A facial treatment always starts with a skin analysis. Your therapist examines your skin under good light (often with a Wood’s lamp or magnifying glass) to assess your skin type, any concerns and what your skin needs. The cleaner your skin is from the start, the more precise this analysis can be.

What you can do

• Wash your face with your normal cleanser before you leave home
• If you have makeup on from work, that is perfectly fine - just be prepared for the first 5-10 minutes to be spent on cleansing
• Avoid applying heavy foundation or waterproof eye makeup just before the treatment

2. Mention allergies, medication and skin conditions

This one is important. Your therapist needs to know if there is anything that could affect the treatment or cause a reaction.

What you should mention

• Allergies: Even if you are “just” allergic to nuts or fragrance. Many professional products contain natural extracts and essential oils.
• Medication: Particularly Roaccutane (isotretinoin), blood thinners, antibiotics and hormone treatments. Roaccutane makes the skin extremely sensitive, and most therapists will recommend waiting at least 6 months after finishing the course.
• Skin conditions: Rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, perioral dermatitis. Your therapist will adapt product choices and technique to your skin’s condition.
• Pregnancy: Some ingredients and treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.
• Retinol/vitamin A: If you use retinol at home, you should pause 3-5 days before an intensive treatment.

Why it is important

A good therapist always asks, but it is your responsibility to mention it proactively. Most clinics have an intake form (consultation form) that you fill in the first time. Be honest - it is about your safety.

3. Be honest about your skincare routine

Many people feel tempted to embellish the truth a little when the therapist asks about their daily routine. Perhaps you do not always wash your face before bed. Perhaps you use an inexpensive moisturiser and not the serum cocktail that Instagram recommends. That is perfectly fine.

Why honesty pays off

Your therapist is not there to judge you. They are there to help your skin. And to do that effectively, they need the real picture:

• Which products do you actually use? (Not what you bought and tried once)
• How consistent is your routine?
• Do you use sun protection daily?
• Do you switch products often, or do you stick with the same ones?

With the right information, your therapist can give recommendations that fit your actual life - not an idealised version of it. A simple routine you actually follow beats an advanced routine you abandon after three days.

What the therapist does with the information

Based on your skin analysis and your routine, the therapist can:

• Identify gaps in your care (e.g. missing SPF)
• Recommend products in a realistic price range
• Tailor the treatment to what your skin needs most

4. Do not expect miracles from a single treatment

This is the most honest thing anyone can tell you: one facial treatment does not fix everything. Your skin looks better afterwards - yes. It feels softer, cleaner, more vibrant. But lasting changes require consistency.

What you can realistically expect after one treatment

• Immediate radiance and freshness (the “glow” everyone talks about)
• Cleaner pores, especially if you had a deep cleanse
• Better moisture balance over the next few days
• Possibly some redness or sensitivity (completely normal in the first 24 hours)
• A clearer understanding of your skin type and what it needs

What requires multiple treatments

• Reduction of pigmentation or scarring
• Treatment of active acne
• Anti-ageing results (collagen stimulation takes time)
• Smoothing of skin texture
• Long-term control of oily or dehydrated skin

It is typically recommended to have a facial every 4-6 weeks to follow the skin’s natural renewal cycle. But even with just 3-4 treatments a year, you can see a noticeable difference if you combine it with a good daily routine.

5. Follow the aftercare advice - it is not just a sales pitch

Your therapist gives you instructions for the next 24-48 hours after the treatment. It may seem like excessive caution or an attempt to sell products, but it rarely is. Your skin is more receptive (and more vulnerable) just after a treatment.

Typical aftercare advice and why it matters

• Avoid direct sun for 24-48 hours: Your skin is more sensitive after exfoliation and deep cleansing. UV rays can cause pigmentation on freshly cleansed skin.
• Use SPF 30+ for the next few days: Even if it is overcast. Even if you work indoors.
• Avoid makeup for the first 12-24 hours: The pores are clean and open - leave them be.
• No intense exercise on the same day: Sweat and friction can irritate skin that has just had a peel or deep cleanse.
• Avoid retinol and AHA/BHA: Your skin has already had an exfoliation. Wait 2-3 days before using active ingredients.
• Do not touch your face: No matter how tempting it is to feel the results.

What happens if you do not follow the advice?

Nothing dramatic in most cases. But you risk:

• Pigmentation marks (from sun exposure without protection)
• Breakouts (from makeup in clean pores)
• Irritation and redness (from too many active ingredients)

In short: you undermine the effect of your treatment if you ignore the aftercare.

Bonus tip: Choose the right place

Not all clinics are the same. When choosing where to have your first treatment, look for:

• Are the therapists trained (at a DKF-accredited school)?
• Do they carry out a skin analysis before starting?
• Do they ask about allergies and medication?
• Can they explain what they are doing and why?

A good therapist makes you feel safe and informed throughout.

Ready for your first treatment?

At Nordic Skin College’s student clinic at Kongens Nytorv you can get a professional facial treatment at a favourable price. A classic facial treatment is a great starting point, and if you want a thorough assessment of your skin first, you can book a personal skin analysis and consultation. All treatments are performed by cosmetology students under supervision from experienced teachers - so you get both expertise and care.

Book an appointment at our student clinic and discover what professional skincare can do for your skin. Want to work with facial treatments yourself? See our cosmetology and skin therapy programme.