When to Reschedule Your Facial: Protecting Your Glow and Your Skin’s Health

Because real skin goals don’t come from a filter, they come from formulas that work.

At Shoreline Glow, every facial treatment is designed with intention, to renew, support, and elevate your skin’s vitality while offering you 90 minutes of pure bliss. But sometimes, the most caring thing we can do for your skin is to pause and reschedule.

Understanding when it’s best to delay a facial isn’t just about protocol, it’s about prioritizing your skin’s health, safety, and long-term results. Certain conditions and skin concerns can make a facial counterproductive or even harmful if not fully addressed beforehand.

Let’s take a closer look at the top reasons why a facial might need to be postponed, and why waiting is truly a form of skin wisdom.

🔥 1. Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus)

If you are experiencing an active cold sore, especially around the mouth or face, it is essential to reschedule your appointment. Facial treatments can irritate the area further, potentially spread the virus to other parts of your face like nose and eyes, or trigger more outbreaks.

Even gentle exfoliation or steam can compromise the surrounding skin, and tools or massage techniques, though always sanitized, may carry microscopic traces that can cause transmission if unknowingly applied to other areas.

When to rebook: Wait until the cold sore is fully healed, with no open sores or scabbing.

☀️ 2. Sunburns or Fresh Tanning

If your skin is sunburned or recently overexposed to the sun, it is already in a state of inflammation. Performing a facial under these conditions can worsen redness, cause discomfort, and even lead to peeling, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.

Likewise, freshly tanned skin (whether from UV exposure from sun or tanning beds) is more photosensitive and reactive. Your skin barrier needs time to calm, cool, and repair before any professional treatment.

When to rebook: At least 5–7 days after a sunburn, or once your skin has fully recovered and there is no active redness, heat, or tenderness.

😷 3. Active Illness (Cold, Flu, or Contagious Virus)

Even if you feel okay-ish, your immune system is working hard behind the scenes. A facial involves stimulation through massage and lymphatic drainage, both of which can intensify symptoms or disrupt your body’s natural healing process.

Additionally, close face-to-face contact during treatments could put others at risk if your illness is contagious.

When to rebook: Once you’re fully recovered and symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

🧼 4. Open Wounds, Broken Skin, or Recent Extractions

If you've recently picked at your skin, or are recovering from dermatological treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or laser, your skin barrier needs time.

Performing a facial on open or compromised skin increases the risk of infection, irritation, or delayed healing.

When to rebook: Wait until all open areas are fully closed and any medical procedures have passed their recommended recovery window (usually 7–14 days or more depending on the treatment).

💉 5. Recent Injectables (Botox, Fillers, Threads)

Facial massage or manipulation after neuromodulator or filler injections can unintentionally displace product or affect results. While I don’t offer injectables, I fully respect and support your choice to receive them and your facial should complement, not conflict with, those treatments.

When to rebook: (The timelines I’ve outlined below are general guidelines, but your injector’s advice should take priority, they know your unique needs best based on the products they use.)

• Botox or Dysport: Wait at least 5–7 days

• Dermal Fillers: Wait at least 10–14 days

• PDO Threads: Wait 3–4 weeks, or as directed by your injector

🤰 6. First Trimester of Pregnancy or High-Risk Pregnancies

While many facial treatments are pregnancy-safe, your first trimester is a time of rapid hormonal change and increased sensitivity. Out of caution and care, I may recommend postponing certain types of treatments until your second trimester or tailoring the treatment to suit your evolving needs.

When to rebook: Please reach out to discuss what’s safe for you based on your stage and history.

Why This Matters

Your skin is not a canvas, it’s a living, intelligent organ, and it deserves to be treated with respect and timing. Knowing when to wait ensures that your results are optimal, your comfort is prioritized, and your investment in your skincare is protected.

At Shoreline Glow, I don’t believe in rushing treatments or pushing through for the sake of “just getting it done.” I believe in integrity, expertise, and personalized care. That’s what sets my studio apart, not just what I do, but how and when I do it.

A Gentle Note

If any of these apply to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out before your appointment. I’m here to guide you, not judge you. We can always reschedule with love and your skin will thank you for it.

Your glow is worth the wait.

With care, always,

Paty C.