Ever wonder what to tip for a facial or what to do after a facial? The answer to those questions depends on what kind of facial you received, and what your biggest skin concerns are. In the final part of the Facial Encyclopedia series, we're giving you easy-to-remember guidelines to follow after receiving a professional facial.

How much should I tip my esthetician?

Should you tip an esthetician? The answer is absolutely yes. Remember that your esthetician is providing you with a service, so you should always tip. What to tip for a facial is much like tipping a server at a restaurant. A 20% tip is good, but base it off the esthetician's performance.

What to do after a facial

A facial's results are only as good as how you maintain them – or how you take care of your skin at-home. And that's completely in your hands:

1) Follow your esthetician's recommendations

Regardless of what type of facial you received, your esthetician should put together a specific at-home care agenda for you – so make sure you follow it. These directions are based on your skin concerns, your skin type, and any special instructions needed with the specific type of facial you've received. They will help continue and maximize the results you achieved during your facial.

For example, if you received the Bioelements Calming Facial your esthetician will probably recommend you start a sensitive skin routine to keep the skin calm and comfortable.

To ensure you get the best care possible, make sure to give your esthetician as much information as you can about your skin, lifestyle, and expectations. A good esthetician will work with you to help you achieve the skin you've always wanted.

2) Wear broad spectrum SPF

Since any pro facial is stimulating and detoxifying, you want to make sure to use sunscreen to protect the fresh skin revealed after the facial. If you spend time in the sun without a good sunscreen you'll get sun damage, which can negate the positive effects of the facial.

3) Skip the gym

Heading out to exercise after a facial? You should avoid hitting the gym after your facial for about 24 hours, because you might over stimulate the skin due to sweating and increased circulation.

4) Wait to exfoliate

You'll also want to give your skin a break from exfoliation for 48 hours. This is because your skin experiences a professional level of exfoliation during your spa facial and you don't want to over exfoliate.

5) Use a light touch

When you do exfoliate or even cleanse the skin next, make sure to not scrub too hard. Always be gentle to your skin, especially after a facial. You can wear makeup after a facial, but your skin will be more sensitive so stick to makeup that isn't perfumed and doesn't have ingredients that would clog pores or lead to breakouts.

Why is she trying to sell me products?

It's an esthetician's responsibility to professionally recommend the products you need to give you the results you want. Your esthetician is a licensed skin professional with expert knowledge in what is best for your skin. When you listen to her recommendations, you're doing your skin a huge favor. Good estheticians aren't just trying to sell you products; they're trying to help you get the skin you want! Still wary? Read this list of 5 traits to look for in a good esthetician and the red flags you should avoid.

Want to learn more about facials?

Check out the rest of our blog series "The Facial Encyclopedia" that covers everything you need to know:

Part 1: Types of facials, what to tell your esthetician

Part 2: What to wear to a facial and how to prepare

Part 3: What happens during a facial

Want to experience a Bioelements professional facial?

Discover the visible results of a customized Bioelements facial – from "no downtime" chemical peels and clinical strength acne treatments, to powerful skin firming and targeted pollution-neutralization. Experience a Bioelements treatment designed just for you: Find a Bioelements Partnership Spa here.

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