Medically reviewed by Aloysius Fobi, MD, Medical Director | Reviewed by Lily Gazaryan, Founder and Aesthetics Specialist | 15+ Years Medical Industry | Last Updated: May 2026
Quick answer: A standard facial takes 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish. Express facials run about 30 minutes (cleanse plus mask, no extractions). Advanced facials with add-ons like LED therapy, dermaplaning, or chemical peel exfoliation extend to 90 to 120 minutes. The exact length depends on skin type, congestion level, extraction needs, and add-on services.
Facial duration by type
Most facial appointments fall into one of four duration brackets, each built around a different goal. The table below shows what to expect for each type.
| Facial type | Typical duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Express facial | 30 minutes | Maintenance between regular sessions, lunch-break refresh |
| Classic / standard facial | 60 minutes | Routine cleanse, exfoliate, mask, hydrate |
| Advanced / specialty facial | 75 to 90 minutes | Acne, pigmentation, anti-aging, texture concerns |
| Add-on stack (LED, dermaplaning, peel) | 90 to 120 minutes | Multi-goal sessions, pre-event prep, deep restoration |
What happens during each phase of a facial
A 60-minute classic facial follows a predictable phase structure. Knowing the breakdown helps you plan your appointment and your day around it.
- Consultation and skin analysis (5 minutes): your esthetician reviews your skin type, concerns, and any medications or recent treatments that affect product choice.
- Double cleanse (5 to 10 minutes): first pass removes makeup and SPF, second pass cleans the skin itself.
- Exfoliation (5 to 10 minutes): chemical (enzymes, AHAs, BHAs) or physical exfoliation to lift dead surface cells.
- Steam and extractions (10 to 15 minutes): warm steam softens pores, extractions clear blackheads and congested follicles. This phase varies most by skin condition.
- Mask and treatment serums (10 to 15 minutes): targeted mask applied based on your skin’s needs that day, plus serums for hydration, brightening, or calming.
- Massage and finish (5 to 10 minutes): facial massage promotes lymphatic drainage, followed by moisturizer, eye cream, and SPF.
Add-ons that extend facial time
Most facials are customizable. Each add-on extends the appointment by a predictable amount of time:
- LED light therapy: adds 10 to 20 minutes (red light for collagen, blue light for acne).
- Dermaplaning: adds 15 to 20 minutes for a manual blade exfoliation that removes vellus hair and dead skin.
- Chemical peel: adds 15 to 30 minutes depending on peel depth (superficial, medium, or deeper).
- High-frequency or galvanic current: adds 5 to 10 minutes for spot acne treatment or product penetration.
- Lymphatic drainage massage: adds 15 to 20 minutes for de-puffing and circulation.
- Extended extractions for congested skin: adds 10 to 15 minutes when there is heavy comedone or blackhead build-up.
First facial vs. follow-up appointments
Your first facial typically runs 15 to 20 minutes longer than follow-ups because the consultation phase is more thorough. Your esthetician needs time to map your skin, understand your routine, and identify which products work for you. Follow-up facials skip much of this analysis and go straight into treatment.
“At ALGM Beauty Bar, our 60-minute classic facial is structured around a 28-day skin cycle. We never rush the cleanse or extraction phases, even on busy days. If a client books a 30-minute express, we focus the time on a deep cleanse and a hydrating mask rather than trying to fit a full classic into half the time. The fastest way to disappoint a client is to compress the wrong phase.”
Lily Gazaryan, Founder and Aesthetics Specialist, ALGM Beauty Bar (15+ years in the medical industry, certified in Morpheus8, microneedling, Candela laser, and CO2 laser)
How to choose the right facial for you
Short on time
Choose an express facial when you have under 45 minutes available. The express format keeps the cleanse, exfoliation, and mask phases but trims extractions and massage. It is ideal for skin maintenance between full-length sessions, not for resolving an active concern.
Looking for a deep refresh
A 60-minute classic facial is the right pick for routine skincare. It includes every phase: consultation, double cleanse, exfoliation, steam, extractions, mask, serums, massage, and finish. This is the most-booked option and works for most skin types.
Tackling specific skin concerns
For acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or congested skin, an advanced or specialty facial (75 to 90 minutes) gives your esthetician room to combine targeted techniques. Add-ons like a chemical peel, LED therapy, or extended extractions are added based on the concern your skin shows that day.
How often should you book facials?
For most skin types, monthly facials align with the skin’s roughly 28-day renewal cycle. If you are managing active acne, a more frequent schedule (every 2 to 3 weeks) supports faster clearing. For maintenance after acne is controlled, or for general skin health, monthly works well. Aging-skin protocols often combine facials with microneedling on alternating months.
What to expect after a facial
Most clients leave with smoother, softer, more hydrated skin and a healthy flush from increased circulation. Mild redness in extraction areas is normal for a few hours. To extend the benefit, apply broad-spectrum SPF the next day, skip retinol or strong actives for 24 to 48 hours, and avoid intense workouts on the day of treatment. Drink water and skip alcohol that evening to maximize the hydration boost.
Visit ALGM Beauty Bar for a facial in Van Nuys
ALGM Beauty Bar offers express, classic, and advanced facials at our Van Nuys location, serving clients across Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Burbank, and Encino. Our facials are customized to your skin’s needs that day rather than following a one-size template. Pair a facial with our microneedling protocol for collagen rebuilding, or our Botox and Dysport services for line softening, all under the medical direction of Dr. Aloysius Fobi.
Address: 7400 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 112, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Phone: (747) 755-5333
Book a facial: Explore our facial services and book online.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an express facial?
An express facial typically takes 30 minutes. It includes a cleanse, light exfoliation, and a hydrating mask, but skips deep extractions and extended massage. Express facials are best used for maintenance between longer appointments.
Do facials take longer if I have acne?
Yes, in most cases. Active acne or congested skin requires extended steam and extractions, which can add 10 to 15 minutes to a standard 60-minute facial. Your esthetician may also add a calming mask or LED blue light, extending the appointment to 75 or 90 minutes total.
How long should a first facial last?
Plan for 75 to 90 minutes for your first facial, even if you book a classic 60-minute service. The extra time covers a more thorough skin analysis, product patch tests if needed, and a longer conversation about your routine. Follow-up facials run on the booked time.
Can I get a facial if I have sensitive skin?
Yes. Sensitive skin facials use gentler exfoliants (often enzyme-based instead of acids), shorter steam exposure, and calming masks. Tell your esthetician at booking, and the facial is adjusted at every phase.
Is there downtime after a facial?
Standard facials require no downtime. You can return to work or daily activities immediately. Advanced facials that include a chemical peel or aggressive extractions may cause mild redness or flaking for 24 to 48 hours, with specific aftercare instructions provided.
Can men get facials?
Facials work for any skin. Men’s facials at ALGM follow the same phase structure but often emphasize deep cleansing and beard-area extractions to address ingrown hairs and razor irritation.
What is included in a facial?
A standard facial includes consultation, double cleanse, exfoliation, steam, extractions, treatment mask, serums, massage, and a moisturizer-plus-SPF finish. Advanced facials add LED therapy, peels, dermaplaning, or other targeted techniques based on your skin care goals.
Sources and references: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) facial care guidance; American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) extraction safety standards; clinical phase-structure standards used in licensed esthetics training in California.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual skin needs.
