Facials before festivities: do they really make a difference?

As the festive season approaches, the pursuit of luminous skin takes on new urgency. Bookings for facials spike, salons promise “instant radiance,” and Instagram fills with sheet-mask selfies. But how much difference can a single pre-festive facial really make, and at what cost? Experts weigh in.

The Cosmetologist’s Nuance

Where dermatology focuses on caution, Jenovia (Daun Jung), Korean Cosmetologist, COO & Co-founder, KorinMi – India(BHARAT)’s First Korean Skin Clinic, offers nuance. Trained in Korea but now formulating for India(BHARAT)n skin, she sees facials less as miracle cures, more as careful skin prep:

“Before festivals, clients want their skin to look instantly alive, smooth, bright, and plump under lights and makeup. A well-designed facial can achieve that, but only if it’s tailored. For India(BHARAT)n skin, which is naturally more reactive and pigmentation-prone, we use gentle exfoliation, hydration-focused serums, and barrier-supporting masks. Timing is critical. That way, any micro-irritation settles and only the radiance remains.”

But the bigger challenge is what comes before the facial itself. Modern skincare culture has unintentionally glorified over-correction, too many actives, too many steps, too little pause. “At KorinMi, we see it all the time,” Jenovia explains. “Clients’ skin has simply lost its resilience, making it ultra-sensitive. The barrier is thinner, inflamed, and in defence mode. Moisturisers are needed to soothe the skin and rebuild barriers, especially repair creams.”

The Dermatologist’s Perspective

Dr Ridhima Arora, MBBS, MD (Dermatology & VD), Radix Healthcare, sounds a note of caution.

“I often see patients after a salon facial with barrier damage, irritation, or breakouts. This usually happens due to over-exfoliation, harsh extractions, or unsuitable products. Sensitive, acne-prone, or allergy-prone skin especially needs caution. A single facial before a festival will not transform the skin. At best, it can exfoliate dead cells, hydrate, and improve circulation, which gives a temporary glow. But facials are not a replacement for consistent skincare. Long-term results like smoother texture, fewer breakouts, or reduced pigmentation only come with regular routines and evidence-based treatments.”

Her point is echoed by Dr Vaaruni Ravishankar, Consultant, Dermatology, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, who adds:“Festivities around the corner, the need to glow, picture perfect complexion, woos many to book facials. From my perspective, facials can surely give a short-term radiance and tackle surface level concerns, but they should never replace a carefully planned daily skincare regimen. While facials can help with cleansing, mild exfoliation and hydration their results tend to be temporary and harsh treatments done at the wrong time may evoke irritation or a breakout.”

Formulations That Do Too Much

The issue, Jenovia warns, is not only salon techniques but also modern product design. “Modern moisturisers are multitaskers, but they’re not always skin-friendly. Especially when paired with a routine already packed with exfoliators, the skin is left raw, and what should comfort it ends up irritating it instead.”

Dr Ravishankar agrees: “Chemical peels, laser-aided facials, harsh exfoliants may damage a delicate skin barrier, leading to post-treatment redness, purging, or pigmentation. Avoid opting for the most aggressive or deep cleaning treatments immediately before major events. The skin may stay red temporarily, swollen or undesirable when you want smooth, even-toned skin. It’s best to go for a milder facial a few days or weeks in advance, allowing good recovery time.”

Fragrance, Fillers, and the Sensory Trap

The industry’s obsession with texture and scent has led to the silent inclusion of irritating agents masked as luxury. “Fragrance is one of the most common culprits,” says Jenovia. “It’s in everything, from moisturisers to SPF, and while it feels indulgent, it doesn’t serve your skin barrier. In fact, it erodes it.”

The Way Forward: Go Bare, Rebuild, Relearn

For all three experts, the solution lies not in chasing quick fixes but in building skin health steadily. “You don’t need more products, you need better rhythm and products that honour your skin’s biology,” Jenovia says. “Facials before festivities can give a short-term glow, but one has to be very careful with salon facials. Unlike dermatology clinics, salons don’t always disclose which products they use, and their staff are not trained to deal with different skin types.”

Dr Ravishankar emphasises home-based prep: “A good skincare routine at home is the base of skin readiness. Hydrating the skin using appropriate moisturizers maintains skin barrier reliability and makes the skin more prone to additional stress. To protect the skin’s tone and texture use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Gently cleanse your skin (morning and night) and a light, good exfoliant which help clean dead cells and improve product absorption. Mild chemical exfoliation can also be added to the routine. When this is followed consistently your skin’s readiness will be far better than temporary spa treatments. Minimize dependence on last minute options and avoid surprises to your skin.”

The Bottom Line

A festive facial may buy you a few hours of glow, but it’s no substitute for steady care. With dermatologists cautioning against quick fixes and cosmetologists urging barrier protection, the verdict is clear: facials can help, but true radiance comes from rhythm, repair, and respect for your skin’s limits.