How Often Should You Get a Facial for Radiant Skin Results?

How often should you get a facial? If money and time weren’t factors, most of us would happily book one every week. Facials make skin look clearer, brighter, and healthier almost instantly, and there’s something undeniably comforting about leaving a treatment room with fresh, glowing skin. But as appealing as frequent facials sound, more isn’t always better.

In reality, getting facials too often can work against your skin rather than helping it. The key is understanding what your skin actually needs and how much time it requires to respond to professional treatments.

To settle the debate, here’s a clear, practical breakdown of what facials are, why they’re beneficial, and how often you should realistically be booking them.

What Is a Facial?

A facial is a professional skin treatment that uses a combination of skincare products, hands-on techniques, and sometimes advanced devices to improve overall skin health. Depending on the treatment, a facial may focus on product application, massage, technology, or a blend of all three.

Some facials are designed to deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin, while others target specific concerns like acne, dullness, uneven texture, or early signs of aging. The best facials are customized, adjusting to your skin type, lifestyle, and goals.

The Benefits of Facials

The appeal of facials goes far beyond relaxation. When done properly, they can help keep skin clear, hydrated, and balanced. Many people notice reduced puffiness, calmer redness, and a brighter complexion after treatment. Facials also support circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can give the skin a healthier, more refreshed look.

Over time, regular facials can improve how skincare products absorb and help maintain smoother, more even-looking skin. When performed by a trained professional, the risk of negative side effects is low. Most issues arise only when the wrong products or techniques are used on the wrong skin type.

Facial Prep: What to Do Before Your Appointment?

Before coming in for a facial, a consultation is important. This allows your provider to understand your skin, current products, and any sensitivities.

In general, it’s best to pause active ingredients like retinol and chemical exfoliants, including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), about five days before treatment. Avoid excessive sun exposure in the week or two leading up to your appointment, and skip shaving, laser or waxing, or threading facial hair for at least 24 hours beforehand.

Arriving with a clean face is helpful, but not essential. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed as part of the treatment.

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

In general, most skin types do best with a professional facial every four to six weeks. This timeline aligns closely with the skin’s natural cell regeneration cycle, which averages about 28 days. Scheduling facials within this window allows treatments to build on each other as old skin cells shed and new ones come to the surface.

That said, how often you should get a facial done can vary depending on the type of facial, your skin concerns, and how your skin responds. Some people benefit from slightly longer gaps of six to eight weeks, especially if their skin is sensitive. Others, particularly those managing acne, congestion, or oiliness, may need more consistent monthly treatments.

It’s also important to understand that more frequent facials are not always better. Too many exfoliating or aggressive treatments can weaken the skin barrier, leading to redness, irritation, or breakouts. A well-timed facial should support the skin, not overwhelm it. The right schedule is one that keeps the skin calm, balanced, and steadily improving over time.

How Often Should You Get Facials at Different Ages?

Your skin doesn’t stay the same year after year, so your facial routine shouldn’t either. As you move through different stages of life, your skin’s needs shift, from prevention and maintenance to repair, hydration, and barrier support. 

Here’s how often facials typically make sense at each age and why.

How Often Should You Get a Facial in Your 20s?

In your 20s, facials are mostly about prevention rather than correction. Skin turnover is still strong, and collagen production is naturally high, so the focus is on keeping pores clear, maintaining balance, and addressing early breakouts before they become chronic.

If your skin is generally normal and low-maintenance, a facial every 6–8 weeks is usually enough to keep things on track. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, about every 4–6 weeks can help control congestion and support clearer skin long term.

How Often Should You Get a Facial in Your 30s?

By your 30s, you may start noticing subtle changes like dullness, uneven tone, or fine lines that weren’t there before. Stress, hormones, and slower cell turnover begin to show up on the skin, which is why consistency becomes more important.

At this stage, getting a facial every 4–6 weeks works well for most people. Regular treatments help maintain hydration, improve texture, and address early signs of aging before they become more noticeable.

Learn more about maintaining a youthful glow in your 30s in our article on the experts’ guide to anti-aging treatments for the 30s, 40s, 50s & beyond.

How Often Should You Get a Facial in Your 40s?

In your 40s, the skin’s natural renewal process slows down more significantly. Collagen levels decline, and concerns like pigmentation, laxity, and rough texture tend to be more common.

Because of this, many people benefit from facials every 4 weeks. Monthly treatments help support cell turnover, improve firmness, and keep the skin looking smoother and more even over time.

How Often Should You Get a Facial in Your 50s?

As estrogen levels decrease in your 50s, skin often becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to sensitivity. Hydration and collagen-supporting treatments become especially important during this decade.

A facial every 4 weeks is usually recommended to maintain moisture levels, strengthen the skin barrier, and support overall skin comfort and resilience.

How Often Should You Get a Facial in Your 60s?

In your 60s, the goal shifts toward gentle maintenance rather than aggressive correction. Mature skin benefits most from treatments that nourish, soothe, and support the skin barrier without causing irritation.

For many people, facials every 4–6 weeks work best, depending on skin sensitivity and comfort level. The focus is on improving texture, hydration, and overall skin health. You can pair facials with treatments like Morpheus8 RF Microneedling to address firmness and texture.

How Often Should You Get a Facial in Your 70s?

By your 70s, skin is more delicate and slower to recover. At this stage, less is more—facials should be calming, deeply hydrating, and tailored to sensitive skin.

A facial every 6 weeks is often sufficient to maintain hydration, comfort, and healthy-looking skin without overstressing it.

How Often Should You Get Facials If You Have Acne?

If you have acne-prone skin, facials can help, but timing is important. Getting acne-focused facials about every 4 weeks is usually best. These treatments help reduce congestion and calm inflammation, but doing extractions or exfoliation too often can make breakouts worse. Facials work best when combined with a regular skincare routine.

How to Determine What Type of Facial to Get?

Not sure which facial is right for you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The right facial really depends on your skin type and what you want to achieve. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Classic Facial: If your skin just needs a little TLC, a classic facial is perfect. It cleans, exfoliates, and nourishes without being harsh.

• Chemical Peel: Want brighter, smoother skin? A chemical peel can help with uneven tone, dullness, or early signs of aging. It’s strong but controlled, so it gives noticeable results safely.

• Microneedling: If you want to tackle deeper lines, scars, or texture issues, microneedling stimulates collagen to firm and plump your skin over time.

• Microdermabrasion: If you’re dealing with rough texture, acne scars, or dark spots, microdermabrasion gently buffs away dead skin to reveal a fresher, smoother complexion.

• Microcurrent Facial: Looking for a natural lift? Microcurrent facials tone and firm your facial muscles, reduce fine lines, and help your skin look more youthful.

• HydraFacial: Need a quick glow? HydraFacial exfoliates, hydrates, and boosts nutrients into your skin, giving instant brightness and smoothness with no downtime.

• LED Light Therapy: For acne, dullness, or early signs of aging, LED light therapy can calm, heal, and rejuvenate your skin safely and gently.

What to Do After a Facial?

After a facial, be gentle with your skin. Keep it hydrated and follow any routine your esthetician recommends to get the best results. Try not to touch your face, sweat too much, or expose your skin to heat from hot showers or the sun. It’s also best to skip makeup for about 24 hours so your skin can fully absorb the products from your facial.

You usually don’t need to wash your face that night. Just moisturize well and use sunscreen if you’re going outside. Avoid strong skincare products unless your esthetician says it’s okay.

Simple steps like these help your skin stay healthy and make your facial results last longer.

The Final Takeaway

Healthy, glowing skin doesn’t happen by chance; it happens with the right care at the right time. Whether you’re preventing breakouts in your 20s, boosting hydration in your 50s, or maintaining radiance in your 70s, scheduling facials that match your skin’s needs makes all the difference.

Give your skin the care it truly deserves. At NUR Med Spa in Orlando, Lake Nona, and Altamonte Springs, our skilled estheticians design facials personalized for your unique skin needs. Schedule your appointment today and enjoy a healthy, radiant glow that lasts!

FAQs about Facial Treatment

How Often Should You Get a Facial Before a Wedding?

For special events like weddings:

• Start monthly facials about six months in advance if you’re addressing acne, pigmentation, or texture

• If your skin is already healthy, starting two to three months before is usually enough

• Avoid trying new or aggressive treatments within four weeks of the event

How do I know which facial is right for me?

It depends on your goals. Hydration, anti-aging, acne control, or brightening facials are all options. A consultation with an esthetician helps choose the best one.

Do facials hurt?

Most facials are relaxing and gentle. Some treatments, like microdermabrasion or chemical peels, may feel slightly tingling or prickly.

Can I get a facial if I have sensitive skin?

Yes! Estheticians can customize gentle treatments to avoid irritation while still nourishing your skin.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any treatment or procedure. Do not rely solely on this content for medical decisions. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Written By

Dr. Saima Rafiq, D.O.

Top Aesthetic Injector, Osteopathic Physician

Dr. Saima Rafiq, D.O., Co-Founder and Medical Director of NUR Med Spa, brings over a decade of medical expertise to the world of aesthetics and wellness. Board-certified in internal medicine and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University.

14+

Years in aesthetic

200+

Clinic clients served