What happens during a spa facial? A step-by-step guide

Whether you’re a spa newbie or planning to try something new on your next spa break, a facial is one of the most luxurious and effective ways to look after your skin, but it’s also a fantastic way to relax. This spa facial guide walks you through what typically happens during a professional facial treatment, highlighting some of the most popular types of facial, and answering common FAQs so you feel confident about what to choose.

What is a spa facial?

A spa facial is a targeted skincare treatment performed by a trained therapist, designed to cleanse, nourish and rejuvenate your facial (and sometimes décolletage) skin. Facials can be deeply relaxing, intensely restorative, or tailored to specific skin concerns like hydration, ageing, breakouts, and brightness. These treatments can be enjoyed in isolation, but we like them best as part of a full spa day. They vary in length from express 30-minute sessions to luxurious 90-minute experiences.

Step-by-step: What happens during a spa facial?

Every spa has its own signature treatments, but most follow a similar journey from start to glowing finish:

1. Welcome and skin consultation

Before you lie down on your treatment bed, your therapist will chat to you about your skin type, lifestyle, any concerns you want to address, and how you want to feel at the end of your treatment. This helps tailor the facial to your needs.

2. Cleansing

All facials begin with a thorough cleanse to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil and environmental impurities, creating a fresh canvas for treatment.

3. Exfoliation

Dead skin cells are usually gently buffed to reveal smoother, brighter skin and prepare the complexion for deeper treatments.

4. Steam and pore prep

Often therapists will use steam or warm towels to open pores, soften debris and enhance circulation, making it easier to nurture the skin and help it absorb the skincare products.

6. Massage

Facial massage is deeply relaxing and helps promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness and encourage blood flow; it’s a highlight for many spa facial goers.

7. Masks

A bespoke mask is often applied to address your key concerns (e.g., hydration, brightening, etc). Some spas also massage the scalp, neck or shoulders while the mask works its magic.

8. Serums, moisturiser and protection

After the mask, rich serums and creams are applied to hydrate, cultivate radiance and lock in the benefits of the facial.

Popular types of facial

Different facials offer different experiences and results, and while there are broad categories of facial, different product lines and spas often create their own unique rituals, as well as tailoring treatments to individual wants and needs. Here are some of the broad categories you might come across when choosing your treatment:

A classic facial

A tailored treatment involving cleansing, exfoliation, a mask and facial massage, that’s great for most skin types and the perfect introduction to professional facials.

Hydrating facials

Designed to restore moisture, plump the skin and strengthen it against the elements, a hydrating facial is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin.

Brightening facials

Brightening facials are about boosting radiance and evening skin tone using gentle exfoliants and vitamin-rich masks to enhance glow.

Anti-ageing and advanced tech facials

There’s a wide range of anti-ageing facials, from those that simply use dedicated products to ones that incorporate techniques like microdermabrasion, LED light or galvanic currents to target fine lines, elasticity and deeper skin concerns.

Aromatherapy facials

Gentle and effective, aromatherapy based treatments are generally about rest and relaxation, working not simply on the skin, but more on the mind/body connection.

Lymphatic facials

A lymphatic facial is a gentle, massage-focused spa treatment designed to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system — the network responsible for removing waste, toxins and excess fluid from the body's tissues. Unlike traditional facials that focus mainly on cleansing and exfoliation, lymphatic facials centre on manual lymphatic drainage techniques to reduce puffiness, boost circulation and support a healthy glow.

Chemical and enzyme facials

These tend to be more specialist treatments that use acids or enzymes for deeper exfoliation and skin renewal for a more results-focused outcome.

Tips for your spa facial experience

Before your facial:

• Avoid heavy makeup to speed up the cleansing stage.
• Skip intense sun exposure or retinol products for 24 to 48 hours beforehand

After your facial:

• Try to wait at least 12 hours before applying makeup.
• Leave the skincare products on your skin without washing for several hours after your facial.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid or limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Avoid intense spa facilities right after to let beneficial products stay on your skin.

Spa facial guide FAQs

How long does a spa facial take?

Most facials range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the type you choose.

Will a facial hurt?

Facials are generally relaxing and shouldn’t hurt. Some products tingle, but therapist techniques are gentle and soothing.

How often should I have a facial?

It depends on what you want to achieve, and what is manageable for you. For specific results, your therapist will usually advise on recommended frequency or a course of treatments, but simply having them once in a while is a wonderful way to boost your sense of wellbeing.

Is a spa facial suitable for sensitive skin?

There are lots of different types of facial, so some will be suitable and some won’t. The short answer is ‘yes’, there will most likely be a facial for you, but it’s important to tell your therapist about sensitivities during your consultation, so they tailor products and techniques.

Do facials improve long-term skin health?

Regular facials can support brighter, smoother and healthier skin when paired with a good daily skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle.