choosing the right skin service
which facial should I book?
If you're new to LLA, book the 60 min. Meet-Cute facial! It's a time-based custom facial tailored to exactly what your skin needs in that moment, plus a thorough consultation and skin analysis. This lets me customize your treatment plan, create a home-care routine tailored to your skin goals, and get you started on your new skin journey right away.
how long until I see results? how many facial treatments will I need?
Most of my clients notice an immediate hydrated, smooth glow to their skin! The timeline for acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and other conditions will vary person to person. I'll be able to give you a personalized timeline and number of treatment estimates after your consultation and skin analysis.
before your facial appointment
should I come in with or without makeup?
Ideally, it's best if you're able to arrive with minimal to no makeup on if, but don't worry if that's not possible! I'll cleanse your skin thoroughly either way.
do I need to stop retinols, exfoliants, or acids before a facial?
Most of the time, yes. Pausing your actives two to three days before your appointment ensures that your skin is strong enough to receive a professional strength treatment. If you're unsure what counts as an active, feel free to send me a text at 512-920-3485 or DM me at loveletteraesthetics on Instagram!
should I avoid sun exposure or tanning beds before a facial?
Yes, please avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, or getting a sunburn before your appointment. If your skin is too sun-stressed, it really limits our options for safe treatments.
can I get a facial if my skin is irritated, flaky, or very sensitive?
Definitely! Please let me know if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. This can signal an impaired skin barrier, so I'll customize your treatment to focus on repair and hydration and avoid deep exfoliation or stimulating treatments.
can I still get a facial if I have an active or inflamed breakout?
Yes, of course! Breakouts are a super common skin concern for my clients. We'll avoid deep massage in any painful areas and focus your facial on reducing inflammation and healing.
do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
If you can, bring a list or photos of your current skincare products, haircare products, and medications or supplements you're taking. This helps me to identify any potential triggers for your skin concerns and to customize your treatment and aftercare!
should I remove my jewelry or piercings before my appointment?
This is not required at all, but it is helpful if you're able. Removing jewelry will make your treatment overall smoother and will protect your pieces from any product or water that may affect them.
medications and health concerns
can I get a facial if I'm currently using tretinoin
or other prescription acne treatments?
Yes, with certain modifications! These medications can make your skin more sensitive, so just be sure to tell me exactly what you're using and how often so I can keep you safe.
can I get a facial if I've used Accutane (isotretinoin)?
It depends. If you're currently on it, I would recommend against it to be safe, because your skin heals differently while on Accutane. If it's been more than six months since your last dose, you should be okay to start getting facials again.
can I get a facial if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes! I'll just be sure to modify the products and techniques I use to make sure the treatment is safe for you and baby.
can I get a facial if I have rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin?
Absolutely! I specialize in treating sensitive skin in a way that pushes it just enough to be corrective but not enough to cause harm or irritation. We'll make a plan to be sure that we take care of your skin in a way that keeps you comfortable.
can I still get a facial or other service if I have an active cold sore or open wound/sore?
If you have an open sore/wound or are experiencing an active cold sore outbreak, we'll need to reschedule your appointment. This is for the health and safety of both you and me, and to prevent the issue from worsening or spreading. Please let me know as soon as possible if you're experiencing this, and I'll happily get you rescheduled!
can I still get a facial or other service if I'm sick, have a cough, or am running a fever?
If you're suffering from any type of illness, I want you to stay home and rest! We'll get you rescheduled as soon as possible.
other treatments + timing
how long should I wait to schedule a facial after
Botox or filler injections?
In general, you'll need to wait about two weeks between getting injectables and receiving a facial.
how long should I wait to schedule a facial after
laser, microneedling, or a chemical peel?
That will depend on the treatment and how well your skin is healing from it. I would generally recommend waiting one to two weeks between them, but some treatments will require more time. If you're unsure, you can text me any questions at 512-920-3485!
can I still get a sonic dermaplane if I'm using retinoids or acne products?
You may still be able to! Sonic dermaplaning is gentler than traditional dermaplaning, but it still ultimately depends on the health of your skin barrier on the day you come in for your treatment. If your barrier isn't strong, I may recommend we skip the sonic dermaplane and switch to a barrier-repair focused treatment.
how long should I wait to schedule a facial after waxing, threading, or chemical hair removal?
Because we'll likely incorporate exfoliation into your facial, you'll want to stop facial hair removal methods at least two days before and after your facial to avoid any irritation.
what to expect during your facial
what happens during a customized facial?
We'll start with a little life check-in, consultation, and skin analysis. Based on that, we'll customize your treatment to what your skin needs in that moment! Most facials include a double cleanse, custom exfoliation (typically a gentle exfoliating enzyme), extractions if needed, relaxing massage, a targeted treatment step (nano infusion, sonic dermaplaning, or light chemical peel), mask therapy, and customized finishing products targeted to your skin type. We'll also go over your aftercare regimen and customize a homecare routine to preserve your results!
will there be extractions? are they always included?
Extractions will never be an extra charge, but will only be performed as needed, and provided you are comfortable with the process. Extractions can be uncomfortable for some clients, so if you're apprehensive, we can chat before your facial to see if they are something you'd want to opt out of.
will my skin be red afterwards? is there downtime?
Most clients will leave with calm, hydrated, and glowing skin. Mild, temporary redness can sometimes occur (especially if you have sensitive skin and/or a fair complexion), but usually calms down quickly. This is because facials naturally increase blood flow to the skin. Keep this in mind if you have plans after your appointment. As long as the redness isn't accompanied by pain, swelling, or other symptoms and goes away by the next morning, there's nothing to worry about.
are your facial treatments safe for all skin tones?
Yes! My approach is barrier-first and results-driven, and I always tailor my techniques and ingredients to be safe and appropriate for your skin tone.
aftercare and planning ahead
can I wear makeup after a facial?
It's best to avoid makeup for the rest of the day after your treatment, but if you have to wear makeup, choose lightweight formulas.
can I work out the same day after my facial?
I always recommend waiting until the next day to work out when possible. Heat and sweating right after a treatment can increase redness or irritation, so if you do work out, keep it light impact.
when can I restart actives and exfoliants after a facial?
Typically 2-5 days, depending on which treatments you received and how your skin is doing. We'll talk about your exact restart timeline before you leave!
will my skin purge after a facial? how long will it last?
If we incorporate exfoliation in your first facial, you may experience a mild purge. Purging will usually pop up in areas that you usually get breakouts, as the skin's renewal process speeds up and pushes existing debris up to the surface. Thankfully, this purge usually resolves itself within one to two weeks as your skin regulates itself, and shouldn't happen again with your next treatment if you're consistant with homecare.
when should I book a facial if I have a wedding, event, or photoshoot coming up?
For the best results, you should book 7–14 days before your event. That gives your skin time to settle and look its best! If you’re acne-prone or trying something new, earlier is always better. Depending on your skin goals, you may even want to book 6-12 months before your event.
how often should I get facials? should I rebook before I leave?
When actively working on correcting a skin concern, I always recommend clients book their next appointments in advance and come in every 2-4 weeks until the issue is resolved. Once in the maintenance phase, we can go a bit longer between treatments.
lash lift and tints
what happens during a lash lift and tint?
We'll do a quick consultation where I'll assess your lashes and fit you for a lifting shield based on your lash type. We'll do a quick lash cleanse, attach the shields to your eyelids, and gently comb your lashes up onto it for processing. I'll apply the perm solution to process the lashes, rinse, and apply a setting solution to lock in the new lash shape. Then we'll apply the tint, do another quick cleanse, and brush through a nourishing serum to seal the freshly processed lashes. After that, we'll remove the shields and get to see your newly lifted lashes!
how long will a lash lift and tint typically last?
Typically, last lifts will last between 4-6 weeks. The longevity of the lift will depend on a combination of how fast your personal hair growth cycle is and following proper aftercare. The tint typically only lasts about 4 weeks, so you may want to schedule a retinting appointment to keep your lashes looking fresh!
how do I take care of my lashes after a lash lift and tint?
For best results, avoid getting lashes wet until the next day to allow the nourishing serum ample time to penetrate and to give the lashes a chance to re-coat themselves with their natural protective oils.
Avoid sleeping on your face or side if possible, and brush your lashes into place each morning.
If lashes do get flattened or misshapen, apply a little bit of Aquaphor to them and brush through with a clean spoolie to reshape and style.
Avoid rubbing your eyes to minimize lash fallout, and do not use mechanical lash curlers.
will a lash lift and tint be painful?
Lash lifts should not cause you any pain! Most of my first-time clients tell me that, while it feels a little new and strange, it's not painful at all. If you do experience any discomfort during the treatment, don't hesitate to speak up, and I'll do my best to correct the issue!
will my lashes be damaged after getting a lash lift and tint?
No, while your lashes will be freshly processed, the perming solution used is gentle enough that it should not cause chemical damage to the lashes in most cases.
getting to the studio
where are you located? what's your studio address?
Love Letter Aesthetics is located inside Bene Skin and Laser at 5555 N Lamar Blvd, Suite C121, Building C, Austin, TX 78751.
We’re tucked just behind and to the left of the Goodwill building, next to Expo Salon.
When you arrive, you'll enter through the Bene Skin and Laser door into the waiting room and make yourself comfortable in any available seat. Please text me at (512) 920-3485 to let me know you’ve arrived — I'll be right out to greet you!
how do I find which building you're in?
It will be the first building you see on your right side when driving to the left of the Goodwill building, directly facing the Atlas North Lamar apartment complex, with 'Building C' written on the side.
where can I park when I get there? is there a parking fee?
You can park in the lot right outside the studio in any open spot! Parking is always free.
what will the outside of your studio look like?
This is the outside of the studio! Feel free to sit in one of the chairs on the right whenever you arrive.