Facials

Tygirljojo

FYI, Groupon has a special going right now at Bella Sirena Salon & Spa in Kirkland: $50 for a 90 minute facial.  I know I want to do one before the wedding, but I'm trying to figure out how far in advance I should.  Advice?  I've had facials a couple times before and always enjoyed them but I know my skin looks not so great for at least a day.

dreamwinds

I was talking to an MUA at the Seattle Wedding Show who said if you do a facial to do it at least 1-2 weeks prior to your wedding day.

Tygirljojo

Ah, so it should be that far out, huh?  Yeah, I wasn't sure of that.  Hmmm....well then maybe I will do it a week before.

dreamwinds

Yea. Because most people, post-facial, have really raw skin, like all red and possibly a little puffy, and then it smooths out and looks really nice, but she said 1-2 weeks. You could also probably get your brows waxed and all other waxings done at the same time if that spa does that stuff? That way everything will be all smooth and pretty (and not so red) in time for your wedding.

Tygirljojo

I do threading on my brows, no waxing - waxing tends to piss off my facial skin.  I was hoping to be able to do it a couple days before the wedding since I'll be up in Kirkland then, but I can make a trip for a 90 minute facial.   A week before should be fine.  Thanks!

dawnies79

1-2 weeks sounds excessive to me. I think it really depends on what type of facial you are getting. I went to In Spa for mine and they said 3 days before should be fine and it was. Any kind of facial peel or dermabrasion facial is hard on your skin and you are almost guaranteed a reaction of some kind. A regular facial meant to moisutrize and revitaize shouldn't give you a severe reaction. It sounds like you have had facials a few times before and know how your skin reacts so I would guess you are safe to rely on that knowledge. You could also talk to someone about your specific skin to get a better idea. *edit* I would also add that if you are unsure and your budget allows it, get a "test" facial a month or more before to see how your skin reacts. Then just be sure to get the exact same facial a few days before your big day. 

amandasw

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_washington-seattle_facials?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:104Discussion:6346eb62-942b-4bbc-a60d-55441b2ef6ecPost:562928f4-7b3a-437d-a6c8-315a2bacfe52">Re: Facials</a>:
[QUOTE]1-2 weeks sounds excessive to me. I think it really depends on what type of facial you are getting. I went to In Spa for mine and they said 3 days before should be fine and it was. Any kind of facial peel or dermabrasion facial is hard on your skin and you are almost guaranteed a reaction of some kind. A regular facial meant to moisutrize and revitaize shouldn't give you a severe reaction.
Posted by dawnies79[/QUOTE]

I've been getting facials (through Group Health when they offered it and now through the lady who used to work there since they closed that department) for years and just did one wednesday. I wouldn't really call it a 'regular facial' if it's just a moisturizing massage. I think useful facials, especially to take care of acne, involve steaming, masks, exfoliating, extractions etc all of which does take at least a week to heal.  If the person doesn't have ance at all, maybe the kind of treatment they would receive would be very gentle (in which case, it's probably not necessary, but more relaxing).

karebear219

I would do a week. I went to magnolia skin care, she uses all organic stuff = no harsh chemicals. I had no redness at all which is amazing for me because I have REALLY sensitive skin. I did mine a week in advance, which worked out well because I did break out afterwards, but it was all heel up and my skin looked great for the big day.

melissa82

A week for most people is what I've heard, but if you've had facials before you probably know how your skin reacts best. If you're going to a new place, maybe go in advance so you know how your skin will react or err on the side of caution. I typically have no reactions to facials even with steaming, exfoliating, extractions, etc., so I guess I am lucky. To be fair though, I typically need very few extractions so that probably helps.

jennuinne

I agree, it depends on the type of facial and your skin.  I have really sensitive skin and the last facial I had, I told them I had really sensitive skin and they did a moisturizing facial, no chemicals, skin looked great the same day.

BrandyL10

I've never had a facial, but after watching this thread, I'm interested! Where are the best places to go? I'm in Kirkland so if you know a place, well, wow, insert foot in mouth.... Tygirl you're going to a place in Kirkland!!! Let me know how it is, or I might just put on my big girl panties and go try it myself before you do it. Does it hurt?

BrandyL10

Oh, and how long does that special last? You buy it now and you can use it whenever type of thing?

Tygirljojo

Just to be on the safe side, I think I'll do a week since I've never been there before.

Brandy - The Groupon deal is available for purchase until Sunday.  You have 1 year from purchase to redeem the deal.  I personally love facials.  If you have sensitive skin, I would mention that to them so they can use gentler chemicals/masques during the visit.  Honestly, I LOVE the ones that do the massage on the face and scalp.  Something about the pressure, especially around my sinus area that is calming, stress-relieving, and kind of rejuvenating for me.