How Often Should You Get a Facial? Esthetician-Approved Guidelines
Facials are one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy, glowing skin—but how often should you actually book one? While it’s easy to assume that more is always better, the ideal facial frequency depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and skincare goals.
To help you make the most of your treatments, here’s a complete guide based on expert, esthetician-approved recommendations.
Why Facial Frequency Matters
Your skin has a natural renewal cycle of about 28–40 days, meaning old skin cells shed and new ones surface roughly every month. Scheduling your facial around this cycle helps:
Deep clean pores
Remove buildup and dead skin
Improve tone and texture
Support collagen production
Maintain hydration and smoothness
This is why most skincare experts recommend booking facials on a regular schedule—not just when your skin feels dull.
So, How Often Should You Really Get a Facial?
1. For Normal or Combination Skin: Every 4–6 Weeks
This covers the average skin type. A facial once every four to six weeks:
Maintains a healthy glow
Keeps pores clear
Supports balanced oil production
Helps prevent future breakouts
It’s the perfect schedule for long-term skin maintenance.
2. For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Every 2–4 Weeks
If you frequently deal with breakouts, congestion, or excess oil, you may benefit from more frequent facials.
Regular treatments help:
Control sebum production
Minimize blackheads and whiteheads
Prevent clogged pores
Reduce inflammation
Speed up acne clearing
An esthetician may start you on a series of treatments every 2–3 weeks, then adjust based on progress.
3. For Dry, Sensitive, or Reactive Skin: Every 6–8 Weeks
Sensitive and dry skin types need more recovery time between treatments.
A longer interval helps avoid irritation while still improving the skin’s:
Moisture levels
Barrier strength
Smoothness
Redness and sensitivity
Gentle facials, hydrating treatments, and barrier-repair therapies work best.
4. For Aging or Mature Skin: Every 4–6 Weeks
As we age, our natural cell turnover slows down. Maintaining a steady facial routine can help:
Minimize fine lines
Improve elasticity
Boost circulation
Increase radiance
Support collagen
A monthly schedule is ideal for long-term anti-aging results.
Treatment Type Also Affects How Often You Should Book
Different facials require different schedules. Here’s a quick guide:
Classic or Deep-Cleansing Facial:
Every 4–6 weeks
Hydrafacial:
Every 3–6 weeks
Light Chemical Peels:
Every 4 weeks
Acne Clearing or Extractions-Focused Facial:
Every 2–4 weeks
Microneedling, IPL, ClearLift & Other Advanced Treatments:
Every 4–6 weeks, depending on provider recommendations
Your esthetician will adjust your schedule based on the strength or invasiveness of each treatment.
Other Factors That Influence Facial Frequency
Your Skin Goals
Whether you're targeting acne, anti-aging, hydration, or pigmentation, the frequency may shift to match your goals.
Your At-Home Routine
The more consistent your daily skincare is, the less often you may need facials.
Clients with minimal routines often benefit from monthly treatments.
Seasonal Changes
Summer: increased sweat and oil = you may need facials more often
Winter: dryness and flaking = hydrating facials are essential
Spring & Fall: ideal for corrective treatments and skin resets
New to Facials?
If it's your first time or you're beginning a new treatment plan, an esthetician may recommend a series of sessions closer together to get your skin on track.
How to Know If You’re Overdue for a Facial
You may need to book a session if you notice:
Dullness or rough texture
Frequent breakouts
Clogged pores or blackheads
Dehydrated or flaky skin
Makeup not sitting well
Increased oiliness
Fine lines appearing more visible
Your skin often tells you when it needs professional help.
The Bottom Line
While the standard recommendation is a facial every 4–6 weeks, your ideal schedule depends on your skin type, concerns, and skincare habits. The best approach? Let your esthetician assess your skin and create a personalized plan that maintains clarity, hydration, and long-term skin health.
