Your First Facial in Chester What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first facial at Hough Green Clinic in Chester starts with a conversation about your skin and what you want help with. Our in-clinic skin consultation includes assessment and a skin treatment, with suitability confirmed during consultation. You do not need to arrive knowing which facial to choose – that’s our job!
Perhaps your skin feels tight, you keep changing products, or you want some guidance before spending more on skincare. This guide explains how to prepare, what to ask and how to make the appointment useful beyond the time you spend in the treatment room.
A 22-year-old client came to us after suffering with acne for a number of years. Like many of my clients, she had tried lots of different products over the years, with varying degrees of success. She was also becoming increasingly concerned about the scarring and redness.
Before coming to see us, she had done her own research online and had read that acid peels and microneedling were the best option for clearing her skin.
During our initial consultation, we talked through her main concerns, her lifestyle and, importantly, what she was hoping to achieve. We explained how I work with my clients and that my priority is always to get the skin healthy first. This isn’t something that happens overnight, it takes time.
We are always very honest with clients from the beginning. We don’t offer quick-fix treatments or promise overnight results. We want us both to understand where we are starting from and, most importantly, to have realistic expectations about the journey ahead.
Which appointment should I book?
If you are unsure where to begin, look at our facial treatments in Chester, which explains the in-clinic skin consultation and available options. Before confirming your booking, check the appointment description, total fee, duration and what is included. If you cannot identify the right option, contact the clinic or call 01244 680 414.
Skin Consultation (Reset) is your place to start. During the 30 minute appointment you will have the opportunity to ask questions and have your skin assessed and homecare recommendations. If appropriate and time allows, we may offer a mini treatment to assess your skin. The cost of the 30 minute skin consultation is £30 and we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The skin consultation is available with either Sam or Lynn.
What should I bring or tell you beforehand
Bring a list or photographs of the products you currently use, including cleansers, moisturisers, sunscreen and any prescribed or shop bought skincare. Product names are more useful than trying to remember every ingredient.
Make a note of when the concern started, what seems to change it and what you have already tried. Tell us about relevant medical conditions, medication, allergies and recent treatments. Mention pregnancy or breastfeeding so suitability can be assessed individually.
You do not need a perfectly organised skincare routine. A short, honest account is more useful than buying new products to prepare. Follow any specific preparation advice supplied for your appointment, and do not change prescribed treatment without speaking to its prescriber.
Clients often come to their appointments complaining of sensitive skin. Often making a small change, such as changing their cleanser, can make the biggest difference. Less can be more and using a huge range of skincare products can be driving a client’s skin sensitivity.
What happens during the consultation
Our consultation considers your skin, goals, current routine and relevant lifestyle or health factors. It is also your opportunity to explain what matters most: comfort, appearance, simplicity, confidence or understanding the options.
Try describing the experience in your own words. “My skin feels tight after cleansing” gives a different starting point from “I would like help with uneven texture.” You can say if previous appointments felt uncomfortable or if you are nervous about particular treatments. Useful questions include:
- What are we trying to address at this appointment?
- Why are you recommending this approach?
- What are its limitations and possible unwanted effects?
- What would make you adapt or postpone treatment?
You should understand the proposed plan before deciding to proceed.
Will everyone have the same facial?
No. We offer Dermaviduals, BYONIK, Venus Freeze and Radio Frequency Microneedling. Your consultation helps establish which approach is the most appropriate for you. The name of a treatment does not tell the whole story.
We had a client come to us requesting Radio Frequency microneedling as she had read that this was the most suitable treatment for her particular skin concern. After thoroughly going through her medical history, we established that she had taken medication that made her unsuitable for radio frequency microneedling. We decided to take a different approach, using Byonik and hands on facials. This is why a consultation is so important.
For personalised guidance, explore our facials in Chester and find out how we build a treatment plan around your skin.
What should I expect afterwards
You will be given aftercare that applies to the treatment you receive.We will advise you what to use at home and what to avoid, when to resume your usual routine and whom to contact if you have concerns.
We will advise you when another appointment is appropriate and what a review would assess. A suggested course will come with an explanation of its purpose, cost and review points.
When you book your appointment with us, you will receive comprehensive pre and post treatment information via email. After your appointment we will also verbally go through any post treatment care. This is also your time to ask any questions. We encourage you to contact us with any questions via whatsapp, email or telephone. If you are worried about any change in your skin we always recommend that you take a photograph and contact us immediately.
When should I speak to a GP
A facial does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. See a GP for acne that persists despite treatment. The NHS also advises seeing a GP if you have symptoms of rosacea. Read the NHS acne advice and NHS rosacea advice.
How do I arrange my first visit
Hough Green Clinic is at 32 Hough Green, Chester, CH4 8JQ. Check our directions and parking information before travelling. Explore our facial treatments, then book online or call 01244 680 414 for help choosing your first skincare appointment.