Now That Spas Have Reopened, Is It Safe to Get a Facial? A Celebrity Aesthetician Explains
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Even though states have reopened amid the coronavirus, things aren't completely back to normal yet. Places like beauty salons and spas may be accepting customers again, but there's still a little bit of a learning curve for both customers and industry professionals to get used to.
Along with other new restrictions to help keep everyone safe, beauty service appointments will require wearing a face mask for the foreseeable future. This isn't debatable for manicure or pedicure appointments, but what about appointments that physically don't allow for keeping your face covered? Like facials. Los Angeles-based celebrity aesthetician Candace Marino explained what the future looks like for salons and how to go for your facial appointments safely.
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Will It Be Safe to Get a Facial Again?
After your state announces that spas and salons are allowed to reopen their doors, you can expect the facilities near you to up their already-strict and lengthy safety protocols. "Facial rooms at quality skin-care clinics have always been a safe space," Marino told POPSUGAR. "Estheticians are required by law to adhere to medical grade sanitizing protocols. We use hospital-strength disinfecting solutions that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses." Because of the nature of the job, this is not only important for customers, but also the skin specialists. "Generally speaking, facialists are hyper-sensitive to cleanliness," said Marino. "Not only do we want to protect our clients from all pathogens, but when you work in close proximity to clients all day, you really need to be protecting yourself to ensure your own health and safety."
In addition to upping their sanitation measures, many spas are required to limit the number of clients allowed in the office at a given time and encourage people to regularly sanitize their hands. At Marino's office, they've gotten creative with new disinfectant measures. "My office has invested in UV lamps that disinfect and kill viruses on all surfaces, so this is one thing we're implementing to take extra care in the rooms between clients and overnight for the entire office," she said.
Should You Wear a Mask to Your Facial?
Much like dermatology appointments concerning your face, wearing a face covering for the full duration of a facial would be impossible, but that doesn't mean you should leave your mask at home. "[Employees] are required to wear masks, and then obviously, the client unmasks during the facial, while the facialist remains masked," said Marino.
But clients will only be able to unmask after they've undergone a health check. This will most likely involve getting your temperature checked before you walk in the door. "And masks are required up until [clients] are in the bed for their facial," said Marino. After your appointment has concluded, the mask must go back on and you'll be on your way. (A small inconvenience for your health.)
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.