A facial goes better when you arrive already a little bored, not braced. Drink water in the hour before. Leave the new serum at home.

If you can, skip retinoids for a few days and come with a clean face. Tell us what stung last time. That sentence is more useful than a printed routine.

The point of arriving calm is not a mood. It is so the skin can be read, and so you can feel the difference between pressure and fuss.