Let’s talk about facials — not the fluffy, vague kind where someone rubs a cream on your face and sends you on your way, but the real kind. The kind that clears congestion, calms irritation, hydrates dry skin, and gets you glowing.

If you’ve never had a professional facial — or if you’ve had one and didn’t notice a difference — this guide is for you. At Art Works Salon & Day Spa in Ellijay, we do facials with purpose. We believe skin care should be relaxing, yes, but also effective.

Here’s what to expect, what to ask, and how to prep for your best facial experience.

First: What Is a Facial, Really?

A facial is a customized skincare treatment designed to:

• Cleanse and exfoliate the skin
• Remove buildup, dead skin, and congestion
• Rehydrate and rebalance your skin’s moisture barrier
• Stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage
• Treat skin concerns like acne, dullness, aging, and irritation

Think of it as both a reset and a treatment. You walk out refreshed — but also with a clearer, healthier, more radiant face.

What to Expect During a Facial at Art Works

At our Ellijay spa, each facial begins with a consultation. We ask about:

• Skin type and concerns
• Current routine (don’t worry, no judgment)
• Sensitivities or allergies
• Lifestyle and stress factors (yes, those show up on your face)

From there, your esthetician will customize the facial using professional Rejuvi skincare — known for its gentle yet clinical-grade formulations.

A typical facial includes:

1. Double cleanse (to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities)
2. Gentle exfoliation (manual or enzyme, depending on your skin)
3. Steam and/or extractions (if needed and approved by you)
4. Customized mask to hydrate, clarify, or soothe
5. Targeted serums and moisturizers
6. Neck, shoulder, and facial massage (yes, it’s amazing)
7. SPF application and aftercare discussion

Most facials last about 60–75 minutes, and many clients say it’s the most relaxed they’ve felt in months.

What You Should Tell Your Esthetician (Don’t Be Shy)

The more we know, the better we can treat your skin. Be upfront about:

• Any breakouts or conditions you’re managing (rosacea, eczema, etc.)
• Recent peels, lasers, or sunburns
• Products you’re using at home (especially retinol or acids)
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• How your skin’s been behaving lately — dry? oily? both?

You don’t need to know the right words. Just describe what you feel and see. That’s enough for a trained pro to know what to do.

How to Prep for Your Facial

• Avoid retinoids or exfoliants for 48 hours before your appointment
• Don’t schedule right after a major sun exposure (like a beach trip or hiking day)
• Come with a clean face, if possible (but we’ll cleanse either way)
• Skip the heavy makeup on the day of your appointment
• Avoid shaving or waxing the day before — give your skin a break

We also recommend arriving 10 minutes early to breathe, decompress, and start relaxing before we even touch your skin.

What Facials Can Help With

We design our spa facials around:

• Dry or dehydrated skin
• Acne-prone or congested skin
• Redness or irritation
• Signs of aging (fine lines, loss of firmness)
• Post-travel or post-sun exposure recovery
• Skin that just needs some love

If you’re unsure what to book, our Signature Facial is a great starting point. From there, we can evolve your plan based on what we learn.

What to Ask During or After Your Facial

• “What’s my skin type, really?”
• “Which part of my routine might be hurting more than helping?”
• “What products do you actually recommend?”
• “How often should I get facials for my skin?”
• “What should I avoid in the next 24–48 hours?”

We love these questions — because they tell us you’re invested in your own skin health.

How Your Skin May React After

Post-facial glow is real, but so is post-facial detox:

• You may feel extra hydrated, plump, and smooth (yes, please)
• You might experience light purging or pinkness, especially after extractions
• Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun for a few days — wear SPF!

We’ll guide you through what to expect and what to avoid based on the treatment you received.

Ready to Treat Your Skin Like It Deserves?

A facial isn’t fluff — it’s functional care for the most visible part of you.

If you’re tired of guessing what your skin needs, or you just want to look in the mirror and see a difference, we’re ready when you are.

Book your facial at Art Works in Ellijay and let us show you what customized, professional skincare really feels like.