A facial (also called a facial treatment or facial cleansing) is an aesthetic procedure focused on deep cleansing, removing impurities, improving texture, and prepping the skin to absorb products like serums and creams more effectively. Although each spa or clinic adapts the protocol to your skin type, most facials follow a very similar structure.
Below you’ll see what is done in a facial, step by step, what each stage feels like, and what a professional facial cleansing typically includes.
What is done in a facial: the typical protocol (start to finish)
1) Quick assessment of your skin type
Before touching your face, it’s normal to do a brief evaluation to identify whether your skin is oily, combination, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone, and to check for clogged pores, blackheads, dehydrated areas, or redness. This helps decide whether extractions will be intense, whether a soothing approach is better, or whether certain devices should be avoided.
2) Cleansing and makeup removal
A facial begins with a surface cleanse to remove:
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Sweat and pollution
- Excess oil (sebum)
Cleansers, lotions, or micellar water are used depending on your skin type. The goal is to remove the outer layer so the next steps work better.
3) Exfoliation (physical, chemical, or both)
Next comes exfoliation, which helps remove dead skin cells and improve the look and feel of the skin.
It can be done with:
- A scrub with micro-granules (physical exfoliation)
- Chemical exfoliation (depending on the spa/clinic protocol)
- Or a combination, depending on sensitivity and needs
This step is usually done with circular motions and removed with water or gauze. It often feels like a gentle “polishing.”
4) Pore softening/opening (steam, ozone, or warm compresses)
To make deep cleansing easier, the goal is to soften the skin and open the pores. In a treatment room, the most common methods are:
- Steam
- Steam with ozone
- In some cases, warm towels
This step helps extractions be more effective and less aggressive.
5) Comedone extraction (blackheads, whiteheads, and “bumps”)
This is the stage many people associate with “deep cleansing.”
What’s mainly extracted:
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- In some cases, milia (small white bumps) if the professional considers it appropriate
It’s usually done manually, with gauze and technique to reduce irritation. Many protocols work by zones (nose, chin, forehead, cheeks) because that’s where congestion often concentrates.
Important: not every facial includes intense extractions. If the skin is very reactive, inflamed, or in an active breakout, extractions may be reduced or avoided.
6) Optional devices (depending on the spa and the facial goal)
Many facials include tools or machines to enhance results. The most common in deep cleansing facials are:
- High frequency: often used after extractions to help calm the skin, provide superficial “disinfection,” and support pore recovery.
- Ultrasound (in some treatments): used to help work on impurities and support deeper cleansing, depending on the protocol.
It’s not mandatory—this depends on the type of facial (basic vs deep) and what the place offers.
7) Mask (soothing, hydrating, or purifying)
Then a mask is applied based on your skin type:
- Soothing (to reduce redness after extractions)
- Hydrating (for dry or dehydrated skin)
- Purifying (for oily/combination skin)
- Or a combination by zones
It typically sits for 10 to 20 minutes and is removed with water and gauze.
8) Toner and “pore closing”
After cleansing and removing the mask, a toner is usually applied to:
- Remove any minimal residue
- Balance the skin
- Give a feeling of “closing” and comfort
Many protocols treat this as the step that leaves the skin “ready” to seal in hydration.
9) Hydration with serum and moisturizer
A facial almost always ends with hydration. Typically:
- Serum (based on needs: hydrating, soothing, etc.)
- Moisturizer to seal it in
For some skin types, clinics may use products focused on radiance, firmness, or anti-aging, always adapted to the assessment.
10) Sunscreen (final step)
The usual finishing step is sunscreen (especially if there were extractions, exfoliation, or devices), because the skin can be more sensitive afterward.
What a facial normally includes (quick summary)
In most places, a complete facial usually includes:
- Cleansing + makeup removal
- Exfoliation
- Pore softening/opening (steam/ozone)
- Extractions (if needed)
- Mask
- Toner
- Serum + moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- (Optional) High frequency, ultrasound, or other devices
Difference between a basic facial cleansing and a deep cleansing
They’re similar, but what changes is usually intensity, time, and devices:
Basic facial cleansing
- Less device use
- Softer or minimal extractions
- More focus on cleansing, products, and comfort
Deep facial cleansing
- More treatment time
- Greater focus on comedone extraction
- May include a peel (depending on protocol) and high frequency
- More emphasis on clogged pores and oil control
Benefits of a facial (what you usually notice)
Depending on your skin type and the protocol, the most common results are:
- Skin that looks cleaner and more radiant
- Less “clogged pore” feeling
- More even texture
- Better absorption of products (serums/creams)
- Skin that feels fresher and more hydrated
Frequently asked questions
How long does a facial take?
Most commonly around 1 hour, though it varies depending on deep extractions, devices, and specialized masks.
Does a facial hurt?
Generally no. The part that can feel uncomfortable is extraction, especially if there are many blackheads/comedones. A good protocol aims to keep it controlled and tolerable.
How often is a facial cleansing recommended?
It depends on skin type and condition. In general, protocols range from monthly (oily/combination skin with blackheads) to every 2–3 months, or even less often if the skin is stable.
Can you do a facial at home?
You can do a simpler version at home (cleanse, gentle exfoliation, toner, hydration). The main difference is that deep extractions and certain tools/techniques are usually best left to professionals to reduce the risk of irritation or marks.
What if I have active acne or very sensitive skin?
In those cases the protocol is usually adjusted. There are scenarios where a professional cleansing isn’t recommended if there’s significant inflammation, an active breakout, or strong sensitivity, because extraction can worsen irritation.
What areas are treated in a facial?
Primarily the face, but many treatments also include the neck and sometimes the décolletage, since these areas are exposed and have similar needs.