Facials are the gateway treatment to skincare — easier than committing to injectables, less scary than peels, and genuinely useful even on healthy skin. If you're considering your first one, this guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and where to book in the UK.
What is a facial, exactly?
A facial is a multi-step skincare treatment delivered by a qualified aesthetician or dermatologist. Most facials include cleansing, exfoliation, extraction (the satisfying bit where blackheads come out), a mask, massage, and a finishing serum + SPF. The goal is healthier, brighter, smoother skin you can't quite achieve at home.
The differences between facials are mostly in the technology and the actives used. Some examples below.
Types of facials — and what they cost in the UK
| Type | Best for | Typical price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic / "European" | First-timers, general maintenance | £60–£120 | Every 4–6 weeks |
| HydraFacial | Dehydrated, dull, congested skin | £150–£250 | Every 4 weeks |
| Microdermabrasion | Dull skin, mild scarring, blackheads | £70–£150 | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Oxygen facial | Tired skin, pre-event glow | £100–£180 | One-off or monthly |
| Chemical peel | Pigmentation, acne, fine lines | £100–£300 | Course of 4–6, then quarterly |
| LED light therapy | Acne (blue), inflammation/anti-age (red) | £40–£80 add-on | Weekly course, then monthly |
| Microneedling | Acne scars, fine lines, texture | £200–£400 | Course of 3–4, then yearly |
| Profhilo / skin booster | Hydration, skin laxity | £300–£450 | 2 sessions, then yearly |
What happens during your first facial
A typical 60-minute facial follows this rough timeline:
- Consultation (5–10 min) — your aesthetician analyses your skin, asks about concerns, lifestyle, and any products you're using.
- Double cleanse (5 min) — first to remove makeup/SPF, second to actually clean the skin.
- Exfoliation (5–10 min) — either a gentle acid (lactic, mandelic) or a mechanical scrub depending on your skin.
- Steam + extractions (10–15 min) — pores soften, blackheads come out. Should never be painful.
- Massage (10 min) — facial lymphatic drainage, sometimes with a tool (gua sha, jade roller).
- Mask (10 min) — clay, hydrating gel, or sheet, picked for your skin's needs that day.
- Finishing serums + SPF (5 min) — vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, then a sunscreen.
How to prepare for your first facial
- 48 hours before: stop using retinol, AHAs/BHAs and any actives — they can sensitise skin to extraction and exfoliation.
- Morning of: arrive with a clean face if possible. Skip heavy makeup.
- Be honest about products and procedures. Botox, fillers, peels in the past 2 weeks all matter — your aesthetician needs to know.
- Don't book before a major event. Extractions can leave temporary redness. Allow 48 hours for your skin to settle.
How often should you get a facial?
Skin renews on a roughly 28-day cycle. Most aestheticians recommend a facial every 4–6 weeks if your skin needs maintenance, or 8–12 weeks if you just want a periodic refresh. After menopause, weekly massage-focused facials can be hugely beneficial for skin laxity.
Top London facial clinics 2026
1. Teresa Tarmey at The Cadogan — Chelsea
| Address | 75 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG |
|---|---|
| From | £180 / 60 min |
| Best for | Glow facials, lymphatic drainage, A-lister favourite |
Tarmey is the go-to for Suki Waterhouse, Sienna Miller and several Bridgerton cast members. Her "Performance Facial" combines lymphatic drainage with high-frequency current and LED — about as close as a facial gets to a face-lift in 60 minutes.
2. Cowshed — Primrose Hill
| Address | 119 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR |
|---|---|
| From | £95 / 60 min |
| Best for | Affordable luxury, Soho House crossover, monthly maintenance |
The original Cowshed is calmer and more affordable than the West End sites. The "Knackered Cow" facial (£95) is perfect for a first facial — gentle, restorative, and you'll come out looking like you've slept properly for a week.
3. Omorovicza Mayfair Institute — Mayfair
| Address | 1 Hinde Street, Mayfair, London W1U 2AY |
|---|---|
| From | £120 / 60 min |
| Best for | Mineral-water facials, dehydrated skin, bridal prep |
The Hungarian skincare brand's London flagship. Their signature Deep Cleansing facial uses Hungarian thermal mineral water and is genuinely transformative for congested skin. Expect a 90-minute appointment that feels much shorter.
4. VIVA Skin Clinics — Chelsea
| Address | 229 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EJ |
|---|---|
| From | £175 / 60 min |
| Best for | Results-driven, doctor-led, advanced concerns |
Doctor-led if you have specific skin concerns rather than just wanting a generic glow. They handle pigmentation, melasma, acne scarring and rosacea with proper in-house dermatology. Pricier than a classic facial but the consultation is worth it.
After your facial
- Avoid sun exposure and hot showers for 24 hours
- Skip the gym, sauna, swimming pool that day
- No retinol or acids for 3–5 days
- Drink plenty of water — your skin will be working through what's been brought to the surface
- SPF 30+ every morning regardless of weather
Frequently asked
Will my skin break out after a facial?
It's possible to have a "purge" 2–4 days post-facial as deep clogs work their way out. This is different from an allergic reaction or genuine breakout — it should clear within a week. If it doesn't, contact your aesthetician.
Can I have a facial if I'm pregnant?
Most facials are fine during pregnancy, but flag it before booking. You'll want to avoid retinol, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, and certain essential oils. Many spas have a dedicated pregnancy-safe facial menu.
Should I tip my facialist?
10–15% in the UK is appreciated but not expected at salons. Many salons add a service charge automatically.
Are at-home tools (LED masks, devices) a substitute?
Not really — they're a complement. A monthly professional facial gives you depth (extractions, professional-grade actives, technique) that home tools can't replicate.
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