Do I Have To Take Off My Clothes For A Facial?

While this often varies from Spa- to- Spa or Esthetician- to- Esthetician and of course depends on your comfort level,  I would recommend, for the most relaxing experience: Get your kit off! 

Do feel free to ask what you should take off and leave on, as Spas can vary in their policies. Generally if they provide a Robe, it’s safe to say they expect you to disrobe. So why get naked (or nearly naked) for a Facial? Mainly it’s to increase your own comfort level and therefore your enjoyment of the Facial. And it also to allows the therapist to do their job properly.

How will it increase your enjoyment? Often the treatment table has a heated pad, and sheets or blankets on top. If you decide to keep your clothes on, you may get overheated. The Steam from the facial can add to the heat in the room. 

Additionally the Esthetician usually needs access to your decollate aka your neck/ chest area for the massage portion. Clothing and bra straps can interfere with their work and if they are worried about getting lotions and oils on your clothes, they may try to avoid that area, thus detracting from your experience. 

So how much should you take off? When we lead the client to the changing area we usually say something like ‘We recommend taking everything off except your Bottom underwear, you’ll be covered on the table at all times’ ( New York city actually has ‘draping guidelines’ that massage therapists and estheticians follow, to ensure your private parts are covered  at all times). That being said, it should always be to your comfort level. If you don’t feel comfortable, simply say so and the Spa should be happy to work with your comfort level. 

And finally, who doesn’t want to spend some extra time, in the relaxation area sipping herbal tea and feeling pampered? Take advantage of some me-time while getting your Facial!