Facials in Ottawa: Skincare That Is Built Around You
Your skin has been through a lot this year. Ottawa winters, dry indoor heat, summer sun, stress, late nights, and a routine that gets skipped more often than you would like. A professional facial is the reset button.
What Is a Facial, and Why Does Your Skin Need One?
A facial is a professional skin treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, hydrates, and nourishes your skin in one session. Your esthetician works through a series of steps, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions where appropriate, a targeted mask or serum, massage, and protection, using professional grade products chosen for your skin type.
Here is what a good facial does that your home routine cannot:
- Deeper cleansing. Professional exfoliation lifts away buildup that daily cleansing leaves behind, so your skin looks brighter and feels smoother.
- Better product results. Clear, prepped skin absorbs what you put on it. Your serums and moisturizers work harder afterward.
- Congestion care. Careful extractions help clear blackheads and congestion without the damage that comes from picking at home.
- Circulation and calm. Facial massage stimulates circulation and eases tension you hold in your jaw, brow, and neck.
- Expert eyes on your skin. Your esthetician can spot dryness, sensitivity, congestion, and texture changes early, and adjust your routine before small issues become stubborn ones.
- A pause that is only yours. Skincare is self care. An hour with your phone down is part of the treatment.
Most skin types benefit from a facial every four to six weeks, which follows your skin's natural renewal cycle. If you are dealing with dullness, congestion, dryness, or uneven texture, a series of appointments usually does more than a single visit.
Popular Facials at QST Esthetics
These are the treatments booked most often, both here and across the industry. Every one of them is customized after your skin is assessed.
Hydrating Facial
The go to for tight, flaky, dehydrated skin, and a favourite through Ottawa winters. Layers of moisture rich actives leave your skin plump, comfortable, and soft to the touch.
Instant Glow Facial
Booked before weddings, events, and photos for a reason. A brightening treatment designed to wake up dull skin and leave you looking rested and radiant.
Microdermabrasion
Deep physical exfoliation that smooths rough texture, softens the look of congestion, and helps your skincare absorb better. A strong choice if your skin looks tired and feels uneven.
LED Facial
Light therapy is one of the most requested add ons in skincare right now. Gentle, comfortable, and easy to layer onto another treatment for a boost with no downtime.
Retinol Facial
A professional strength approach to fine lines, uneven tone, and texture. Best booked as part of a plan, since your esthetician will guide you on timing and home care around it.
Dermaplaning
Removes soft facial hair and dulling surface buildup in one pass. Your skin feels remarkably smooth, and makeup sits beautifully afterward.
Lymphatic Facial
A light, rhythmic technique focused on puffiness and fluid retention. Calming, gentle, and a good fit if your face feels swollen or heavy.
Not Sure Which One? Start With a Skin Care Consultation
Your consultation is free. Book one and we will map out what your skin needs first, then build a treatment plan from there. No guessing, no upselling.
We also offer back treatments and foot treatments for skin that gets ignored, plus facial and massage packages when you want the full reset.
What to Expect Before Your Facial Appointment
A little preparation makes a real difference in your results.
- Book ahead. QST Esthetics is appointment only, so there are no walk ins. This is how we protect your privacy and keep every appointment unhurried.
- Pause strong actives. Stop retinol, prescription topicals, and at home exfoliating acids for three to five days before your visit, unless your esthetician tells you otherwise.
- Skip facial hair removal. No waxing, threading, or laser on the face for at least five days beforehand.
- Stay out of the sun. Avoid sunburn and tanning beds in the week before your appointment.
- Come as you are. You do not need to arrive with a bare face. Your esthetician will cleanse thoroughly before anything else.
- Fill out your intake form. Share your medications, allergies, recent treatments, pregnancy, and any skin sensitivities. It shapes the products we choose for you.
- Arrive a few minutes early. Five to ten minutes lets you settle in, use the washroom, and start the appointment relaxed.
- Plan your timing around events. If it is your first facial, book two weeks before a wedding or big occasion rather than the day before, so your skin has time to settle.
What to Expect During and After Your Facial
During. Your esthetician begins with a consultation and a look at your skin under proper lighting. From there: cleansing, exfoliation suited to your skin, extractions if your skin needs them, a targeted mask or serum, facial massage, and a finish of moisturizer and sun protection. Most facials run between forty five and sixty minutes. Tell your esthetician at any point if the pressure, temperature, or product feels uncomfortable. This is your appointment.
Right after. Expect skin that feels clean, soft, and hydrated. Mild redness or warmth is normal and usually settles within a few hours, especially after exfoliation or extractions. Your skin may look a little pink before it looks glowing.
In the days after. Some skin goes through a short adjustment as congestion clears. If you notice a small breakout in the first few days, it typically settles quickly. Hydration and glow are usually most visible on day two or three, and results build with regular appointments rather than arriving all at once.
Facial Aftercare: How to Keep the Results
In the first 24 hours
- Leave makeup off for the rest of the day if you can, so your skin can breathe.
- Skip the sauna, steam room, hot yoga, hot tubs, and very hot showers.
- Avoid intense workouts and heavy sweating.
- Keep your hands off your face, and do not pick or squeeze anything.
- Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser only.
The next three to five days
- Hold off on retinol, exfoliating acids, and scrubs until your esthetician says you are clear.
- No waxing, threading, or laser on the treated area.
- Wear sunscreen every single day, including cloudy days and indoor days. Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV.
- Drink water and keep your routine simple. Cleanse, moisturize, protect.
Ongoing
- Book every four to six weeks to keep results building.
- Use the home care your esthetician recommends. What you do between appointments matters more than the appointment itself.
- Tell us what changed at your next visit. Your treatment gets adjusted from there.
The QST Advantage
A women only space. QST Esthetics is women owned and for women only. Every treatment room, every appointment, every time. For many of our clients that privacy is not a preference, it is the reason they can book at all.
Customized, never templated. Your skin in February is not your skin in July. We assess before we treat, and adjust the products and steps to what is in front of us that day.
All ages, all stages, all communities. Teens figuring out their skin, working women grabbing an hour back, expecting moms, brides, and clients well into their retirement years. You are welcome here, and you will be treated with care.
Appointment only, so you are never rushed. No walk ins means no double booking, no waiting room shuffle, and no esthetician watching the clock.
Aftercare that comes with you. You leave with clear instructions and a simple plan, not a bag of guesswork.
Facial FAQs
How often should I get a facial?
Every four to six weeks for most skin types, which matches your skin's natural renewal cycle. If you are working on a specific concern, your esthetician may suggest a shorter series to start.
How long does a facial take?
Most treatments run forty five to sixty minutes. Add ons and packages take longer, so check your service details when you book.
Can I get a facial while pregnant?
Yes, and it is one of our most requested treatments for expecting moms. Let us know on your intake form so we can select pregnancy appropriate products and positioning.
Will I break out after a facial?
Some skin goes through a short purge as congestion clears, usually in the first few days, and it settles quickly. Let your esthetician know if it lingers so your next treatment can be adjusted.
Can I wear makeup after my facial?
We recommend leaving it off for the rest of the day so your skin can settle. The next morning is fine.
What if I do not know which facial to book?
Book a skin care consultation. We will assess your skin and recommend a treatment plan from there.
See everything we offer on the full services menu, or read more in our FAQs.
Book Your Facial in Orléans
Skincare is self care, and it does not have to wait for a free weekend. Book your facial at QST Esthetics in Orléans, Ottawa, and give your skin an hour of proper attention.