Nearly 13 million Americans have had at least one facial in the past six months, and nearly 3 million of those have had four or more. Facials are popular among both women and men, and for good reason: They feel great and they leave your skin looking great, too.
At Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, Soheila Rostami, MD, and Maryam Nazemzadeh, MD, and their team offer an array of signature facial services to help their patients in McLean and Dulles, Virginia, improve the health and appearance of their skin. If you’re planning on having a facial, here’s what you can do to make sure those beautiful results last as long as possible.
We all know too much sun can cause a sunburn, but even moderate exposure to UV rays can deplete skin of its natural oils, destroy skin-firming collagen, and usher in wrinkles and other signs of aging. To keep your facial results looking their best, avoid sunbathing and tanning beds, and try to stay out of the sun during peak UV hours — typically from 10 am until 4 pm.
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do for your skin, and it’s also really important for preventing premature aging. Choose a sunscreen that offers protection for both UVA and UVB and wear it every day — even on days when it’s cloudy or cold out.
Facials clear your pores of dirt and debris, giving them a chance to “breathe” and heal. At least for the first few days after your facial, use makeup sparingly to avoid irritating your skin and give it some time to recover naturally.
Moisturizer helps your skin retain oils and moisture that keep skin healthy and beautiful. Depending on your skin type, you might use a light moisturizer during the day and a heavier one at night. We can help you decide which moisturizers to use based on your skin’s unique needs.
Washing your face — especially at the end of the day — is important for removing makeup, skincare products, and environmental grime that can cling to your skin. Using a gentle cleanser avoids irritating your skin, and it can also help prevent breakouts.
Exfoliation helps your skin slough off dead cells that can clog pores and make skin look and feel rough and dull. Our team can help you find the right products and the right schedule for just the right amount of exfoliation for your skin.
Drinking lots of water replenishes your skin’s natural moisture to help it stay supple and soft. If plain water isn’t to your liking, try adding some slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for an added kick without adding unhealthy sugars or chemicals.
You know that saying, “You are what you eat”? It’s true — especially for your skin. Skip the fatty, sugary snacks and give your skin foods rich in antioxidants to fight off age-related and environmental damage. Scan this list before your next grocery shopping trip.
At Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, we offer several types of facials, including treatments for acne and for aging skin as well as facials combined with microdermabrasion for better tone and texture. Not sure which type is right for you? Our team can help you choose the best one based on your skin type and your goals. To schedule your facial, call the office or book your appointment online today.
