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"__An Interview With Tina S. Alster__\\n\\n\\n\\n*Alster is a clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center.*\\n\\nA facial can make or break your skin. In my practice, I've seen many women who have had great results\u2014and others who experienced breakouts and even infections. Keep a few rules in mind and your skin will glow.\\n\\n\\n\\n\u2022\u00A0 __ Choose wisely.__ It's important to go to a spa that takes skin care seriously. Be wary of nail-salon menus that say \\\"We also offer facials.\\\" And always make sure that the aesthetician is licensed\u2014ask specifically as you book the appointment. When you arrive, take a few minutes to scope things out. It's crucial that the equipment and space are pristine. To be extra safe, ask the aesthetician not to use tools. People break out after facials because of bacteria on lancets or steam machines that weren't sterilized.\\n\\n\\n\\n\u2022\u00A0 __ Talk it out.__ If you have cystic acne or rosacea, you should avoid facials altogether. Before you let anyone touch your face, make sure you've had a thorough conversation. Your aesthetician should ask if you're using anything that might irritate your skin, such as retinol, vitamin C, or prescription drugs such as Accutane. If you are, your facialist will know to choose products that won't be too harsh.\\n\\n\\n\\n\u2022\u00A0 __ Protect yourself. __ Your aesthetician should always wear gloves to do extractions. And a facial should not hurt. If it does, ask her to ease up.\\n\\n\\n\\n\u2022\u00A0 __ Stick to the basics.__ A mild peel during a facial is fine, but I always tell my patients to head to the dermatologist for treatments like microdermabrasion and lasers. Add-ons that increase the cost of the basic facial are often not worth it. Oxygen treatments, for example, are a waste; and collagen masks may provide some extra hydration, but you can do them at home.\\n\\n\\n\\n\u2022\u00A0 __ Be gentle. __ After a facial, be careful with your skin for a week: Avoid harsh scrubs, alpha hydroxy acids, and retinoids, and wash with a mild cleanser.\\n\\n#### See Also\\n\\n- [*Allure's Salon &amp; Spa Directory*](http://www.allure.com/salon-spa-reviews)\\n\\n\\n- [The Best (And Worst) Facials For Winter](http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2010/01/the-best-and-worst-facials-for-winter.html)\\n\\n\\n- [Skin Secrets from Sonya Dakar](http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2009/02/skin-secrets-from-sonya-dakar.html)"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.allure.com/story/how-to-get-a-great-facial>