A facial before an event, timed right

Key takeaways

• A week to a few days before: deep cleansing, dermaplaning, brightening or retinol facials, so any pinkness settles.
• The day before or the morning of: Hydra Glow, Hyaluronic Hydration, the eye treatment or a Kobido facial massage.
• Do not try a facial for the first time right before a big event.
• Retinol is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dermaplaning is not for active acne, broken or sunburnt skin.
• Facials are for one person, so a bride and her friends each make their own booking.

A simple timeline

The rule behind every pre-event plan is the same: the stronger the facial, the earlier it goes. Cleansing and exfoliating work can leave skin pink for a few hours and occasionally bring out a small spot as it settles. Gentle hydrating work usually does not. A typical plan looks like this:

• Four to six weeks before a wedding or major event: a first facial, if you have not had one with us, so you know how your skin responds.
• About a week before: a deep cleansing facial, or a brightening facial after a summer outdoors.
• Two or three days before at the latest: dermaplaning, if your skin suits it.
• The day before or the morning of: a gentle hydrating facial, the eye treatment or a Kobido facial massage.
• The day itself: sunscreen, light make-up and nothing new on your skin.

A week ahead: the deeper work

The Deep Cleansing Facial (AED 390) is the classic choice for the week before. It clears the build-up of sunscreen, make-up and sweat that Dubai heat brings, and leaves time for any pinkness or small spots to settle. Many people find make-up sits more smoothly on freshly cleansed skin a few days later.

If your skin looks dull or uneven after time in the sun, a brightening facial works on the same timeline. The Vitamin C Brightening Facial (AED 455) and the Brightening Corrective Facial (AED 455) are best booked a few days ahead so skin has time to settle before photos.

For a bride or groom with a long run-up, a series of facials over the months before often works better than one big session the week of. Your aesthetician can suggest a rhythm.

Dermaplaning and retinol: timing cautions

The Dermaplaning & Jelly Mask (45 minutes, AED 390) gently clears fine surface hair and dead cells with a blade, which many people like before make-up. Book it two or three days before the event at the latest, never the night before, so any short-lived redness has gone. It is not for active acne, broken or sunburnt skin, or skin that has just had a peel or injectables.

The Retinol Renewal Facial (AED 455) is a facial to plan well ahead, not to try the week of a wedding. Retinol can leave skin feeling sensitive for a few days, so many people book it on a quiet day with nothing planned afterwards. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

For both, the same advice applies: if you have a skin condition, use prescription skincare or are unsure, check with your doctor first, and tell your aesthetician at the start of the session.

The day before: gentle and hydrating

For the last day or two, choose facials that add comfort without redness. The Hydra Glow Facial (AED 390) layers hydrating serums and a soothing mask, and many people book it the day before or on the morning of an evening event. The Hyaluronic Hydration Facial (AED 455) is similar, with more focus on skin that feels tight.

If late nights or flights show around your eyes, the Hyaluronic Eye Treatment (45 minutes) is a short, focused option. Book it earlier in the day and keep concealer light afterwards.

Add the Red-light LED face mask add-on (AED 90) for a calm finish, or the Neck & Décolleté add-on (AED 235) if you are wearing an open neckline.

Kobido for a calm hour

Sometimes the best thing before a big day is simply to switch off. The Kobido Facial Massage is a hands-only facial massage with rhythmic work along the face, jaw and neck. It takes 60 minutes for AED 365 or 90 minutes for AED 430, with longer work on the neck, shoulders and scalp in the longer session.

Because there is no exfoliation, many people find Kobido a relaxing choice the evening before a wedding or the day of a party. Many say their face feels fresh and their jaw less tense afterwards, and it is a good way to spend a quiet hour at home or in a hotel room while the rest of the household gets ready.

Planning around Dubai life

Event season in Dubai usually runs through the cooler months, and many weddings and parties fall on a Saturday or Sunday. Weekend slots go first, so book your facial a few days ahead rather than on the morning itself. If the event is outdoors, wear sunscreen under make-up and reapply when you can, as freshly treated skin is more sensitive to the sun.

If you are flying in for a wedding, give your skin a day after landing before anything stronger than a hydrating facial. During Ramadan, many people book facials in the evening after breaking their fast, ahead of Eid gatherings.

Facials are for one person, so if a bride and her friends or family want facials, each person makes a booking, with times next to each other if you like. See every option on the facials page, compare costs on the prices page, and book a facial once your date is set.