Whether it’s your very first facial or the 100th, it never hurts to get to know your esthetician and ask them some intelligent questions that can make the entire process more enjoyable, educational and satisfying.

Here are seven must-ask questions for your esthetician that will ensure you have a great experience. 

1. What is your training or experience?

While licensed estheticians are all required to fulfill certain educational and hands-on experience, they all haven’t necessarily had the same training or experience—and it will behoove you to know exactly why or how your particular esthetician is qualified to treat you. Some might have taken some additional courses on top of their basic training or have been mentored under more seasoned professionals. Plus, you’ll get a better sense if they have more know-how and savvy to get your facial regimen correctly the first time around, and if their skin philosophy suits your specific needs.

2. How will my skin look today, tomorrow and next week?

You want to know how your skin will look after the treatment session! Some treatments may cause excessive redness and irritation as your skin works to heal itself, and you may have to be homebound for up to a week. With gentler treatments, you may be perfectly fine to go about your regular activities right away. Meanwhile, treatments, particularly the use of acidic exfoliants, may require you to avoid the sun altogether. A good esthetician will let you know this regardless, but it’s good to ask this question in any case.

3. How do you determine what facial and procedures are best for my skin?

An experienced esthetician will take account your unique skin and ask you a few questions to determine what type of treatment is best. It’s best to be honest with them about your skin type and how you take care of it at home. Also letting them know of any allergies and medications can be especially helpful. Having this knowledge will help your esthetician give you the most customized and best treatment.

4. What is your extraction method?

Not all estheticians use the same extraction method. Some will use a tool to extract blackheads; others will use gloves and their own fingers. Depending on your skin type, it’s important to know the type of extraction method your esthetician will use in order to give you the most benefit. Some extraction methods are more aggressive than others, and if you have sensitive skin, they can lead to irritation that may make your skin worse or cause damage like scarring, broken capillaries or discoloration.

5. How can I make extractions more pleasant?

If you’re afraid of the extraction process (because honestly, it can be painful sometimes), this question will help you know how to prepare your skin for the process in order to make it a little bit easier for you. If you know that a facial appointment is coming up, make sure to stay hydrated inside and out. This means drinking lots of water and moisturizing often at least a few days before your appointment. Your esthetician may recommend even more options.

6. Why didn’t you extract every blackhead?

You may notice that not all of your blackheads have necessarily been extracted, and this may give you pause. The truth is that it may be impossible to remove every single blackhead, especially if there are a lot. Your esthetician may have determined that removing all of them may take too much time or be too hard on your skin, causing irritation. Meanwhile, some blackheads are very stubborn and may be too difficult to remove without causing scarring or infection.

7. What are your product or care recommendations for my particular skin type?

After your session, you can ask your esthetician if they have any particular product recommendations so that you can continue treating your skin after the facial. Your esthetician may recommend different types of moisturizers, serums, exfoliants and masks that will keep your skin in prime condition until your next appointment. They can also advise you on how to care for your skin between appointments to make sure you’re always looking your best.