“I really want to get a facial, but I worry about how my skin will react,” shares Amy. She has had bad breakouts after using a product that her friends swore were amazing. “I think my skin is just picky!”

We get you, Amy! A lot of women have sensitive skin. And sometimes, even other skin types (normal, dry, oily or combination) can become extra sensitive. For example, you may be just getting over a sunburn, or you’re taking retinols or going through acne treatment.

But you can still get a facial – you just have to take a few extra precautions to avoid redness, irritation or breakouts.

Do a patch test

It’s perfectly okay to ask your facial therapist to test the ingredients on your neck or lower jawline. This is especially true if the facials use essential oils or plant extracts. Even if something is natural it doesn’t mean that it can’t irritate your skin. You may be sensitive or allergic to one of the ingredients – just like some people can’t eat peanuts or shellfish.

Get facials from a trusted Singapore salon

If you have sensitive skin, it’s hard to gamble on random salons and treatments. Once you find a credible and conveniently-located Singapore salon or facial center, just get your beauty treatments done there. Over time, they’ll get to know your skin type and understand what it needs. They’ll even be able to customize or recommend facials.

“My spa knows my skin gets rashes from tea tree oil and ylang ylang oil, so they remove them from all of the facials and massages. I don’t even have to tell them anymore, since it’s on my records,” says Sunshine.

Avoid getting facials before major sun exposure

Some facials and massages contain oils that will make you more sensitive to sun damage and sunburn. Take extra care to wear and reapply sunblock a week after your treatment. Don’t get anything done before going to the beach or any trip that will have you sitting in the sun.

Don’t introduce too many things to your skin at the same time

There’s such a thing as too much of a good thing.  Don’t have a facial the same week you’re testing a new skincare product. Space out treatments like facials, lasers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or LED therapy. While all of these are great (and we love them all!), you might inadvertedly stress your skin with too many ingredients or exposure. Besides, if you get a skin reaction, you won’t know what caused it. Pace yourself and your skincare routine!

Keep a skincare photo journal

You can find lots of free journaling apps that can help you write down the products, facials and treatments you get and then save photos of the effect on your skin. This can help you understand what ingredients cause reactions, and which ones gave you the most benefits.

“I also take pictures of the ingredients in the skincare bottles or the description of the facial treatment,” says Marie, who has very sensitive skin.  “It helps me keep track of what to avoid. Before I buy any new product or try a new facial, I check my phone to see if it has any ingredients that made my skin react before.”