Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a medical-grade facial, and how is it different from a spa facial?
A spa facial is like a treat, a moment of relaxation. A medical-grade facial is a treatment. It uses clinical-strength technology and products backed by science to correct, prevent, and maintain your skin health. Think of it like going to the gym instead of just taking a walk—you’ll see lasting results when it’s part of a routine.
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Do facials really work, or is it just pampering?
They work. Medical-grade facials treat deep into the skin using proven science—like lasers, microneedling, and clinical strength peels—that stimulate cell turnover and collagen production. You’ll get the results you see on the outside and the prevention your skin needs underneath. Bonus: they still feel pretty great.
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Are medical-grade facials safe?
Yes. All our facials are performed by trained skin therapists using Health Canada/FDA-approved devices and clinical skincare lines like ZO Skin Health and SkinCeuticals. We tailor everything to your skin type and tolerance—safe, effective, and never intimidating.
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What’s your philosophy at Plain Jane?
We keep skin health simple and accessible. No fluff, no intimidation—just science-backed treatments, real results, and a team that genuinely cares about your skin’s long-term health. If you look after things, they last.
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What’s the best facial for my skin type?
There isn’t one “best” facial—it depends on your goals. Dry? We’ll hydrate. Oily? We’ll clarify. Redness or rosacea? We’ll calm and strengthen. Acne? We’ll target inflammation and bacteria. Aging concerns? We’ll boost collagen and resurface. That’s why every treatment at Plain Jane starts with a consultation and skin analysis—we match you with the right technology and products for your skin’s needs.
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Which facial is best for sensitive skin?
The Laser Facial (Laser Genesis) and the Basic Facial (ZO Stimulator Peel) are both gentle enough for sensitive skin. Laser Genesis calms redness and strengthens capillaries, while the Stimulator Peel offers a brightening refresh without harsh peeling.
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Can facials help with acne?
Yes! Medical-grade facials can calm active breakouts, reduce inflammation, prevent new blemishes, and even improve the look of old acne scars.
Laser Genesis – the queen of all acne facials. She:
-Reduces redness from old breakouts
-Calms inflammation in new ones
-Stimulates collagen to speed healing
-Heats the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria
Pro Tip: Pair with a Hydrating Facial for a deeper pore clean + instant glow.Microneedling – boosts collagen and helps smooth uneven texture and scars left behind by acne.
Together, these treatments not only target acne but also improve skin health long-term, leaving your skin clearer, calmer, and more resilient.
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Which facial has the fastest results?
The Hydrating Facial (Hydrafacial) and the Basic Facial (ZO Stimulator Peel) both give an immediate glow. If you’re looking for a quick refresh before an event, these are your go-to. For longer-lasting results, The Laser Facial (Laser Genesis), Fractional Facial (Clear + Brilliant), or Microneedling build collagen and show best results over time.
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How soon will I see results?
Some treatments give instant glow (like Hydrafacial). Laser Genesis is a grower, not a shower - results build gradually through a series of sessions. Others, like microneedling or fractional, make you look a little worse before you look a lot better, building results over weeks as your skin repairs and produces new collagen. But consistency is key—routine facials = real transformation.
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How long do facial results last?
It depends on the treatment:
-Hydrating Facial (Hydrafacial): gives an instant glow, smoother texture, and deep hydration that lasts about about a week. With consistent medical-grade home care (think antioxidants, exfoliants, and SPF), you can extend and maintain those results even longer.
-Laser Genesis, Microneedling, Fractional Facial: results build gradually as collagen rebuilds, with improvements that can last for months when done in a series.
For lasting skin health, think of facials like workouts — one is great, but consistency is what creates real transformation.
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What’s the right age to start medical-grade facials?
Anytime! Prevention is always easier than correction. We see clients in their 20s for acne and sun damage prevention, in their 30’s when the skin has lost its sparkle, and clients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond for collagen support and rejuvenation. We customize for your skin, at your age.
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Can teenagers get facials?
Yes! Teen facials are a safe and effective way to manage common concerns like acne, blackheads, oiliness, or early sun damage. Treatments are always tailored to younger skin — gentle cleansing, light exfoliation, and education on healthy skincare habits.
We avoid aggressive treatments on teens and instead focus on building a strong foundation: clear skin, healthy barriers, and routines they can stick with. Think of it as skincare + confidence training.
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What’s the difference between laser, microneedling, and fractional treatments?
All three are collagen-boosting treatments, but they work in different ways and are matched to different goals:
-Laser Facial (Laser Genesis):
Think of it like Pilates for your skin — gentle but effective over time. It’s non-invasive, zero downtime, and great for redness, uneven tone, and texture.-Microneedling (eDermastamp):
More like weight training — tiny, controlled micro-injuries with sterile needles kickstart collagen production. Best for acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture.-Fractional Facial (Clear + Brilliant):
Another weight training style treatment, but using laser instead of needles. It creates microthermal zones to target sun damage, pigmentation, and deeper lines, with a few days of mild downtime.Each treatment has its place — our therapists will guide you to the right one based on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
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What is a Laser Facial (Laser Genesis)?
Our Laser Facial uses Laser Genesis technology—a non-invasive laser that gently heats the skin to stimulate collagen, improve tone, and diffuse redness. It’s safe for all skin types and feels like a warm fireplace on your face. No downtime, just clearer, calmer skin that strengthens over time.
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What is a Fractional Facial (Clear + Brilliant)?
Our Fractional Facial uses Clear + Brilliant® technology, a gentle resurfacing laser. It creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones in your skin, stimulating collagen and replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. It’s amazing for sun damage, early aging, and uneven tone. Think of it as hitting “refresh” on your skin.
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What is Microneedling, and what device do you use?
Our Microneedling Facial uses a medical-grade device called eDermastamp, made by Dermaroller™ — the original inventor of microneedling technology. It’s Health Canada–approved and designed with sterile, non-traumatic needles for precision and safety.
The treatment creates tiny microchannels in the skin, kickstarting your body’s natural healing response and boosting collagen + elastin production.
Microneedling with eDermastamp is especially effective for acne scars, uneven texture, fine lines, and overall firmness. It’s safe, precise, and clinically proven to deliver real results with minimal downtime.
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What is a Hydrating Facial (Hydrafacial)?
Our Hydrating Facial is powered by Hydrafacial® technology—a vortex suction and infusion device that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates all in one. It flushes out impurities and infuses your skin with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The result? Instant glow, plumpness, and hydration with zero downtime.
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What is the Basic Facial (ZO Skin Health Stimulator Peel)?
Our Basic Facial uses the ZO Skin Health Stimulator Peel, sometimes called the “Red Carpet Peel.” It’s a mild chemical peel with glycolic, lactic, and citric acids that exfoliate dead skin and brighten tone—without downtime or peeling. It’s quick, effective, and perfect for a skin pick-me-up. loose a layer, gain some glow
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Do any of your facials require downtime?
-No downtime: Laser Facial (Laser Genesis), Hydrating Facial (Hydrafacial), Basic Facial (Zo Skin Health Stimulator Peel)
-Mild downtime (a day or two of redness): Microneedling.
-Moderate downtime (a few days of pinkness/roughness): Fractional Facial (Clear + Brilliant)
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What’s the downtime after a medical-grade facial?
Most facials (like Hydrafacial, Basic, or Laser Genesis) have zero downtime—you can go right back to work. Treatments like microneedling or fractional may leave you a little pink for a couple of days, like a mild sunburn. We’ll walk you through post-care so you look fresh, not frazzled.
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Can I have facials if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes — but with a few modifications. We’ll skip stronger actives and technologies (like high-strength peels or lasers) and focus on pregnancy-safe facials that keep your skin healthy and glowing. Our Basic Facial is always safe, and our Hydrating Facial can be tailored to be pregnancy- or breastfeeding-friendly.
If you’re breastfeeding, we recommend following the same guidelines you’d use for alcohol or medication — always check with your doctor first. Be sure to let us know if you’re pregnant or nursing so we can customize your treatment plan.
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Are facials safe for sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea?
Yes — facials can be safe and effective for sensitive or reactive skin when they’re done the right way. At Plain Jane, we always prioritize your skin barrier health. Our trained skin therapists will evaluate your skin, choose the safest treatment, and make modifications if needed to keep irritation low and results high.
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How should I prepare for my facial?
For the best results, press pause on retinol and active exfoliants (like AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs) for 48 hours before your appointment.
Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 7 days prior — this keeps your skin calm, protects your barrier, and prevents over-exfoliation during treatment.If you’re prone to cold sores, please start an antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) 24 hours before and for three days following any laser, microneedling, or fractional treatment to help prevent an outbreak.
✨ A little prep goes a long way — your skin will thank you for it.
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Can I wear makeup after my treatment?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours. Your skin is in healing-and-renewal mode, and makeup can clog freshly exfoliated pores. Bonus: you probably won’t even want to cover up the glow.
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Can I workout or go to the gym after my facial?
We recommend skipping the gym, hot yoga, saunas, or anything that makes you sweat for 24 hours after your facial. Heat and sweat can irritate freshly treated skin, clog open pores, and slow down recovery. After a day, you can get back to your regular workouts without worry.
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How often should I get a facial?
For healthy, glowing, resilient skin, we recommend every 4–6 weeks. Just like workouts, one session is great, but routine is where the real change happens.
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What’s included in a skin consultation?
A Cleanse+Consult at Plain Jane Skinbar is a 30 minute consult that includes a professional skin analysis, discussion of your goals, and a custom treatment plan. It’s your roadmap to healthier skin—simple, accessible, and designed around your life. This appointment requires a $50 deposit that you can put towards starting your skin health journey.
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Do men need facials?
100%. Skin doesn’t care about gender. Men deal with acne, razor bumps, sun damage, and aging just like anyone else. Medical-grade facials are for everyone who wants healthier skin.
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Is it worth the cost?
Yes—because you’re not paying for fluff, you’re paying for results. Our treatments and products are proven to work, and when you commit to a routine, you’ll save money (and time) compared to constantly trying “miracle” creams that don’t deliver. Think investment, not expense.
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How much are facials?
We aim to keep our facials as accessible as possible while delivering the highest level of care and results. Our Skin Health Membership is only $189 per month. Our full priced facials range between $225 - $400.
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Do facials cause breakouts?
Sometimes, yes. A facial can bring congestion that’s been brewing under the surface up and out. We call it a “purge,” and it usually clears quickly, leaving your skin smoother and clearer in the long run.
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Do you offer packages or memberships?
Yes! Skin health is a commitment, not a one-night stand. Our memberships and series packages are designed to keep your glow consistent while saving you a little $$ along the way. Think of it like a gym membership for your skin — the more consistent you are, the better your results.
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What kind of memberships do you offer?
Our mission is to make skin health simple and accessible through our membership programs.
For the accessible price of $189 per month, The Skin Health Membership allows you to choose between one Basic, Hydrating, or Laser Facial monthly. Upgrade to a restorative facial (Fractional or MicroNeedling) for $95.
Receive an additional 40% off any additional medical-grade facial you book during your membership. -
Can I cancel or freeze my membership?
We consider freezes and cancellations of memberships on a case-to-case basis. To inquire, please call or visit us.
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What products do you use, and why?
We offer ZO Skin Health and SkinCeuticals—two medical-grade lines backed by years of clinical research. They’re designed to correct and prevent damage from aging, pollution, and UV—things drugstore skincare can’t touch.
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Can I combine facials with Botox, fillers, or other treatments?
Totally — but timing matters. Some treatments pair beautifully on the same day, while others need a little space in between. Give us a call and we'll map out the perfect schedule so your facials and injectables play nicely together (and give you max results).
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Do I need to tip after a medical-grade facial?
Gratuities are never expected, but always appreciated. Leave what feels comfortable for you — big or small, it’s the thought that counts.
If you’d like to leave something, just let us know at checkout and we’ll add it for you. The best tip of all? Rebooking your next visit and loving your results. Never let the pressure of leaving a tip be the reason you don’t come for a facial.
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What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we ask that you give us 24 hours notice or a $50 fee will be charged.
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Are your spaces accessible?
We believe everyone should have access to healthy skin, regardless of physical barriers. Our Main St and North Vancouver locations are wheelchair accessible and do not have stairs. Our Kits Loft location is on the second floor and has 20 stairs without an elevator. Please contact us directly if you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility in any of our spaces.
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Who performs the facials?
Our medical facials are performed by well trained, certified technicians. We ensure that our technicians have on-going training to ensure you are always getting the best treatment possible.
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I'm running late! What happens?
We get it! Life happens. We offer a 10 minute buffer window for all appointments to allow space for the everyday chaos. In order to stay consistent across treatments and stay on schedule, appointments missed by more than 10 minutes will be considered no-shows and as such, will incur a charge of $50.
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Do you have parking?
Yes!
-Kits Loft: private parking lot in the back (grab any open spot).
-LoLo: parking lot accessible when driving eastbound on 3rd Street. Or plenty of easy street parking available.
-Main St.: easy street parking nearby.
All locations are easy to access — we’ll make sure getting here is as stress-free as your facial.

