Your First Aromatherapy Facial: What to Expect & How to Prepare
By Body by Lily | October 28, 2026
Quick reassurance: Your aromatherapy facial is a calm, paced appointment. We start with a short scent-selection and allergy check, then move through the familiar facial steps, like cleanse, steam, extractions only if needed, mask, and facial massage.
If you’re a little nervous for your first aromatherapy facial, that’s normal. Most people aren’t worried about the facial part. They’re worried about the unknown part, like scent choices, sensitivity, or looking red afterward. We keep this appointment straightforward and talk you through it as we go, so you never feel caught off guard. In this guide, we’ll cover how to prep (without overdoing it), how we choose essential oils, what the 60-minute session actually looks like, and what to do after so your skin stays calm and glowy.
Before your aromatherapy facial: 6 prep steps that prevent irritation
Prep is simple, but it matters. A lot of first-timers accidentally show up with skin that’s already stressed, then blame the facial. Here’s what we generally recommend so your aromatherapy facial feels soothing, not spicy.
- Come makeup-free if you can. If you can’t, no stress. We’ll cleanse thoroughly, but arriving bare-faced gives us a clean start.
- Pause strong exfoliants and retinoids for 48 to 72 hours. This includes scrubs, peels, and strong acids. It lowers your chances of tenderness and blotchy redness.
- Skip heavy caffeine right before. Too much can make you feel a little on-edge and can raise the “I’m jumpy on the table” factor.
- Tell us what your skin is doing lately. Dry patches, breakouts, sensitivity, recent waxing, new products, or any meds that make you more reactive. We’ll adjust based on that.
- If essential oils are new to you, ask for a patch test. We’re happy to go low and slow, especially if you’re sensitive.
- Plan for calm skin afterward. If you’ve got photos or a big event the same day, let us know. We’ll keep the session gentler.
Indianapolis weather plays a role here too. When humidity drops in fall and winter, skin tends to get tight and flaky fast. That’s a great time to keep prep gentle and lean into hydration-focused choices during your facial and at home.
A 60-minute Aromatherapy Facial at Body by Lily, step by step
Our Aromatherapy Facial is 60 minutes for $85. It’s a relaxing facial using aromatic essential oils we choose based on your skin type, plus how you want to feel when you leave. And yes, you can request low-scent or unscented options if fragrance makes you nervous.
1) When you arrive: quick check-in + scent selection
We’ll start with a few questions about sensitivity, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and anything you’ve been using on your skin. Then we talk scent. Some people want calming. Some want a little more “wake up.” If you’re not sure, that’s fine. We’ll keep it subtle.
Sensitive to scent? Tell us up front. We can use a low-strength blend, keep it away from the nose area, or skip aromatics and focus on a classic, calming facial feel.
2) Cleanse + gentle steam
We cleanse first, then use steam to soften everything up. This part should feel warm and comforting, not like you’re stuck in a sauna. If you ever feel too hot, too cold, or too exposed, say so. We want you comfortable the whole time.
3) Extractions only if you need them
Extractions are optional. If you’ve got congestion that makes sense to address, we’ll do it carefully. If your skin is sensitive or you’re here mainly for relaxation, we can keep extractions minimal or skip them.
4) Mask + facial massage (the part most people don’t want to end)
Next comes your mask, then massage. This is where aromatherapy really shines. The right essential-oil blend can make your shoulders drop and your breathing slow down. If you carry stress in your jaw or temples, let us know. We’ll focus there.
5) Finish + quick plan for the next few days
We’ll finish with moisturizing steps that match your skin type and talk through aftercare. We also note your scent preferences, so next time you’re not starting from scratch.
After your aromatherapy facial: glow now, protect it for 48 hours
Right after your facial, most people notice a soft glow and skin that feels more hydrated. Mild pinkness can happen, especially if we did any extractions. That usually settles pretty quickly. If you’re reactive by nature, plan on keeping the rest of your day low-key.
First 24 to 48 hours
- Skip hot baths and heavy workouts. Heat and sweat can stir up redness.
- Avoid direct sun. If you’re out, wear SPF and keep it simple.
- Hold off on perfume if your skin or nose feels sensitive after aromatherapy.
Next 3 to 5 days
- Use gentle, hydrating products. Think moisture, not “active ingredients.”
- Skip harsh exfoliation. No scrubs, strong acids, or at-home peels.
- If you’re dry, add an extra layer of moisturizer at night.
Rebooking depends on your skin goals. For simple maintenance, many people like a facial every 4 to 6 weeks. If Indianapolis fall and winter dryness hits you hard, coming in a little more consistently for hydration can keep your skin from swinging between tight and flaky.
Two things first-timers don’t think to ask for (but should)
We see this a lot with first-time aromatherapy facials. People try to be “easy” and stay quiet, even if something feels off. You don’t have to do that here.
Ask us to go lighter on scent
If you get headaches easily, you’re sensitive to fragrance, or you just don’t want your face smelling like anything, say it. We can keep the blend subtle or skip aromatics completely.
Ask for a “no-extractions” facial
Some people love extractions. Some people hate them. If you’re here for relaxation, or you’re anxious about that part, we’ll keep the focus on cleansing, hydration, mask, and massage.
We’re located in South Pike Township near the Lafayette Square and Lafayette Road commercial area, with convenient access from West 38th Street and Lafayette Road. If you’re coming from Eagle Creek, Clermont, Speedway, Brownsburg, or Zionsville, it’s an easy spot to work into your day without making it a whole production. If you want help picking a time that fits around your shift or family schedule, call or email us and we’ll help you sort it out.
Want to compare options first? Read Clinical Facials & Aromatherapy Skincare so you can choose the facial style that matches your skin and your comfort level.
Ready for your first Aromatherapy Facial in Indianapolis? Let’s keep it simple.
If you’ve been thinking about an aromatherapy facial but you’re unsure about scent, sensitivity, or aftercare, we’ll walk you through it in real time. You can start with low-scent, request a patch test, or choose a non-aromatic approach and still get a relaxing facial that leaves your skin feeling cared for.
To book your Aromatherapy Facial, reach out and tell us two things: your skin goal (calm breakouts, soothe dryness, general upkeep) and your scent comfort level (love it, light only, or none). We’ll take it from there.
Body by Lily
5100 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Call: +13179391026 | Email: bodybylily3@gmail.com