Treatments & the salon
How often should you have a facial?
Reviewed by Cassidy, aesthetic therapist · Updated · 3 min read
The short answer
For most people, a facial about once a month is a good rhythm, because it keeps congestion, dullness and dehydration in check without overworking the skin. If your goal is general maintenance and your home routine is strong, every six to eight weeks can be enough. Your therapist should adjust the timing to your skin rather than a fixed rule.
Key points
- Monthly facials suit most people who want steady, visible improvement.
- Congested or breakout-prone skin often benefits from a closer rhythm at the start, then less often once it settles.
- Facials work best alongside a consistent home routine and daily sunscreen.
- Plan facials around peels, microneedling and big events rather than booking them all together.
There is no single right answer to how often you should have a facial. What matters is matching the timing to what your skin is doing and what you want from it. Here is how we think about it at MAIÈ.
Why is monthly a common rhythm?
Professional skin treatments are usually planned around the skin's natural renewal, and many treatment programmes in aesthetic clinics are booked roughly monthly for that reason. A monthly facial clears the build-up of dead cells and congestion before it starts to show as dullness or breakouts, tops up hydration and gives your therapist a regular chance to see how your skin is changing.
It also keeps your homecare routine honest. When your therapist sees your skin every month, it is easy to adjust products as the season changes or a new concern appears.
When might you need facials more often?
Some people's skin needs closer attention at first:
- Congested or breakout-prone skin. Regular professional cleansing and extractions can help bring things under control. Once your skin is calmer, the gap between visits can grow.
- A specific short-term goal. If you are preparing for a wedding or a big event, a short series of facials in the months before gives better results than one appointment the week before.
- Starting a new routine. The first few visits help your therapist fine-tune your homecare.
More is not always better, though. Skin that is exfoliated too often can become sensitised, red and reactive. A good therapist will slow things down if your skin shows signs of stress. Our article on the skin barrier explains what to watch for.
When is every six to eight weeks enough?
If your skin is generally balanced, you use a consistent routine at home and you mainly want to maintain healthy, glowing skin, a facial every six to eight weeks is a reasonable choice. You will still get a professional deep cleanse, a boost of hydration and an expert check on your skin.
How do facials fit with peels and microneedling?
Facials, chemical peels and microneedling do different jobs. Facials maintain and refresh. Peels and microneedling are corrective treatments that target texture, pigmentation, fine lines or scarring, usually as a course.
If you are having a course of peels or microneedling, you generally do not need a separate facial in the same weeks. Your therapist will plan the calendar so each treatment has time to work and your skin is never overloaded. After a course ends, facials are a lovely way to maintain the results.
Does the season change how often you should book?
It can. Many people find their skin gets drier and more sensitive in the Highveld winter and oilier or more congested in summer heat. A facial at the change of each season is a good moment to adjust your routine, for example switching to a richer moisturiser in winter or a lighter one in summer.
How can you make each facial last longer?
What you do between appointments has a big effect on how long results last:
- Cleanse morning and night, gently. See building a simple skincare routine.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, all year round.
- Use the products your therapist recommends for your skin rather than switching constantly.
- Book your next appointment before you leave, so the rhythm sticks.
Questions we’re often asked
Can you have a facial every week?
It is rarely needed and can actually overwork the skin, especially if each facial includes exfoliation or extractions. A monthly facial suits most people as a maintenance treatment.
Is one facial a year worth it?
One facial will still leave your skin cleaner and more hydrated, but the benefits are short-lived. Regular treatments with a good homecare routine give far better results.
How long before an event should I book a facial?
A few days before is ideal. It gives any redness time to settle while your skin is still at its brightest.
Should my teenager have facials?
Facials can help teenagers with congestion and teach good skin care habits early. Book a consultation first so we can suggest a gentle approach.
How often should I have a facial if I have sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin often does well with a monthly calming facial, but the focus should be on soothing and strengthening the skin rather than strong exfoliation.
This article is general information to help you understand your skin and your options. It isn’t a diagnosis or medical advice. If you are pregnant, on medication or have a skin condition, speak to your doctor, and always tell your therapist about your health history before a treatment.
