What to Expect at Your First Facial in San Francisco

By Mariia Korolkova, Licensed Esthetician  |  AVES Beauty San Francisco

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If you have never had a professional facial before, not knowing what to expect is usually what stops people from booking. This guide covers exactly what happens at a first facial at AVES Beauty in San Francisco — from the moment you arrive to after-care at home — so you can walk in prepared.

Finding AVES Beauty

AVES Beauty is at 870 Market Street, Suite 1218, in the Phelan Building, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102. The studio is on the 12th floor. Powell Street BART and Muni station is one block away. Street and garage parking are available nearby. It is a private, one-room studio — no reception area, no other clients waiting.

Step 1: The Skin Consultation (10–15 Minutes)

Every first appointment begins with a one-on-one consultation. I will ask about your skin history, current concerns, what products you use at home, any medications that affect your skin, and what you are hoping to achieve. I will also examine your skin under magnification to assess pore size, congestion, hydration, and any sensitivity or barrier damage.

This is not a sales conversation. The goal is to understand your skin well enough to select the right treatment for that specific session.

Step 2: Cleansing and Prep

Once we have talked, you will lie back on the treatment bed. I will double-cleanse your face to remove all makeup, sunscreen, and surface debris. A thorough cleanse determines how well everything that follows works — it matters more than people realize.

Step 3: The Treatment

For most first-time clients, treatment involves exfoliation, extractions if needed, and a targeted mask or serum application. I use Dermalogica professional products throughout. The First Time Facial is thorough but gentle — it is not a deep corrective peel or aggressive extraction session. The goal is to understand how your skin responds and establish a baseline for future visits.

What You Will Feel

• Steam: Warm steam opens pores. It should feel comfortable, not hot.
• Extractions: Mild pressure or pinching. Normal. I will not force extractions on skin that is not ready.
• Massage: Face, neck, and shoulder massage is included. Most clients say this is their favorite part.
• Mask: Depending on your skin, it may feel cooling, tightening, or warming.

Step 4: Finishing and SPF

After the mask, I apply a moisturizer and SPF suited to your skin type. You should not leave any professional facial without SPF — freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. This is true even on foggy San Francisco days.

What Your Skin Looks Like After

Most clients leave with a visible glow and noticeably smoother texture. If you had extractions, there may be slight redness around those areas for a few hours. This is normal and typically resolves the same day. Avoid heavy makeup immediately after — a light tinted SPF is fine. Avoid aggressive home exfoliation for 48 hours.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

• Come without makeup if possible, or arrive a few minutes early to remove it
• Pause retinoids 48 hours before your appointment
• Let me know if you are using any prescription skin treatments or medications
• No spray tan or waxing the day before
• Come hydrated — well-hydrated skin responds better to treatment

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