How Often Should You Get a Facial? (The Real Answer)
It’s a question we hear all the time:
“How often should I get a facial?”
And as much as I’d love to give a one-size-fits-all answer… I can’t.
The truth is, how often you should get a facial depends on your skin, your goals, your lifestyle, and yes — your budget. But if you’re looking for the real answer (not just what the big skincare brands say), let me walk you through what I recommend to my clients here at Art Works in Ellijay.
Spoiler: it’s not about having “perfect” skin. It’s about consistency, timing, and listening to what your skin is telling you.
The Industry Standard: Every 4–6 Weeks
This is the most common answer — and for good reason. Your skin cell turnover cycle is about 28 days (slower if you’re over 35), so a monthly facial helps:
- Remove dead skin and buildup
- Stimulate collagen production
- Prevent congestion and breakouts
- Maintain hydration and balance
- Support any skincare routine you’re doing at home
If you’re in your 20s or 30s and want to maintain healthy skin, once a month is a great rhythm.
But Here’s When That Changes:
If you’re dealing with:
- Acne or active breakouts
- Hyperpigmentation or melasma
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Rosacea or inflammation
- Signs of aging (loss of firmness, wrinkles)
…we may recommend every 2–3 weeks initially to get your skin into a healthier rhythm.
Just like working out — the more consistent you are early on, the better your results long-term.
Seasonal Facials Are a Smart Plan
Can’t commit to monthly facials? That’s okay. But at a minimum, we suggest booking a facial four times a year — once per season — to:
- Recalibrate your skincare with weather changes
- Repair sun damage (summer) or dryness (winter)
- Prep skin for upcoming holidays, weddings, or photo-heavy events
- Check in on what’s working (or not) in your routine
Think of it like a wellness check-up for your skin. It’s not about vanity. It’s about health.
Big Events Coming Up? Book Strategically.
If you’ve got a wedding, vacation, or important event on the calendar:
- Book a facial 2–3 weeks before — this gives your skin time to purge, heal, and glow naturally
- Avoid facials within 3 days of the event (especially if you’re prone to redness or breakouts)
- Let us know your timeline so we can plan your treatment accordingly
We want you glowing — not inflamed or purging — when it matters most.
What About Teens or Tweens?
Yes — we offer facials for teens!
For hormonal or congested skin, starting around age 12–14 is common, especially when paired with guidance on:
- Proper cleansing (without stripping)
- Ingredient awareness
- Safe extractions (please don’t DIY!)
- Building confidence with clean, healthy skin
Teen facials are usually shorter, gentler, and more focused on education than pampering.
Can You Get Facials Too Often?
Absolutely. Over-exfoliating, over-cleansing, or using strong peels too frequently can damage your moisture barrier and lead to:
- Redness and irritation
- Breakouts
- Sensitivity
- Flaky or tight skin
At Art Works, we always tailor your facial to your skin’s needs that day — we don’t just follow a checklist. And if your skin needs a break? We’ll tell you.
Listen to Your Skin — and Your Esthetician
The best facial schedule is the one that supports your skin’s natural rhythm and your real life. Some of our clients come monthly. Others come when life gets overwhelming and their skin shows it.
Neither approach is wrong — as long as you come to a spa that listens, evaluates, and treats your skin with respect.
At Art Works in Ellijay, we don’t upsell you on facials. We guide you toward skin that works with your life — and treatments that deliver results.
Let’s find your rhythm together.