Does getting a facial make you break out?

Author: Dr. Jody Hammes I  |  Last update: Sunday, September 21, 2025

It's also normal to have a breakout in the form of pimples or rashes after a facial treatment. It's the skin's external way to detoxify, ridding itself of toxins and impurities to reveal a more luminous skin.

Is it normal to have a breakout after a facial?

It is not uncommon to experience breakouts after a facial due to the deep cleansing process. This can be a temporary reaction as impurities are brought to the surface. If breakouts persist, consult the aesthetician or a dermatologist. For more insights on post-facial breakouts, check out my Quora Profile!

How long does purging after a facial last?

How long does it last? Spots that are caused by purging will appear and disappear faster than a 'normal' pimple. If a breakout is lasting for longer than four to six weeks then it may be a sign your skin is reacting badly to the ingredient.

Will facial aggravate acne?

``Facials stimulate the skin and 'turn it on,' '' she says. ``The skin's response is to function, and that's healthy. It can result in breakouts, but it should be rare.'' In most cases, these breakouts will calm down in a day or two.

How do you not break out after a facial?

``Drink plenty of water and try to avoid touching or rubbing your face,'' she says. ``Depending on your skin type, you may also prefer to use lighter, non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturisers,'' which are less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts.

PURGING OR IRRITATION? | Esthetician Explains How to Identify and Treat Both Conditions

How long is skin bad after facial?

After: What to Do After a Facial. Some facials, such as laser treatments or chemical peels, require downtime afterward. This can be anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks. During this time, your skin will be red and possibly peeling, so it's a good idea to clear your calendar of any social events for that time period.

What does skin purging look like?

In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.

Do they pop pimples during a facial?

Acne extraction is the process of clearing a clogged or compacted pore with the help of special, sterile tools. They are often performed as part of a facial and can help you get rid of problem pimples. They help to clear out all of the unwanted gunk inside of your pores, including dirt, makeup, sweat, and excess sebum.

Why am I suddenly breaking out on my cheeks?

Cheeks are more prone to this type of acne because of the pressure and friction often placed on this area when lying down or using mobile phones. Touching the skin with our hands frequently is also another common cause of things like cheek acne.

How often should you get facials?

Pavitt says six to eight weeks is an ideal timeframe in between appointments. Medina-Cleghorn is a fan of getting a facial every four weeks so it aligns with the lifecycle of skin cells and allows your facialist to continue working on your skin health as old cells turn over and new skin cells emerge.

What shouldn't you do after a facial?

The Do's & Don'ts After Getting a Facial
  • Drink PLENTY of water. ...
  • Avoid the sun. ...
  • Avoid using active ingredients for 48 hours. ...
  • No hot water on your face. ...
  • Schedule hair removal wisely. ...
  • Always avoid touching your face, but especially post-facial. ...
  • While pores are open and freshly clean, go makeup free.

Do hydrafacials break you out?

It's completely normal to experience breakouts after your hydra facial treatment. The reason simply is that hydra facial uses salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a decongestant which draws bacteria, build up and blockages to the surface of your skin.

How much time does it take to glow after a facial?

Dry skin: Absorbs moisture instantly, showing results within 1 day. Oily Skin: May take 1-3 days. Sensitive Skin: Might initially experience redness or irritation, but glow gets visible in 2-3 days. Acne-Prone Skin: Minor breakouts due to exfoliation may delay the glow by 3-5 days.

How many hours should you not wash your face after a facial?

Don't wash your face right away after a facial. Give your skin 24 hours to absorb all the goodness from the products. Washing it with your regular cleanser straight away will strip you out of all the product goodness. Therapists who suggest take-home products do this because it helps build upon your facial results.

What's the difference between purging and breaking out?

Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin. Purging usually appears where acne is common, like the forehead, cheeks, and chin.

Does your skin look good after a facial?

“A facial is like a big drink of water for your skin,” Kanaan says. “After a treatment, your skin will look healthy, hydrated and radiant.”

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

How do you get rid of cheek acne asap?

Things you can try if you have acne
  1. Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. ...
  2. Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. ...
  3. Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. ...
  4. Avoid make-up, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled “comedogenic”).

Can a facial trigger acne?

“For acne-prone skin, a facial can be over-stimulating, which can increase sebum production and cause post-facial breakouts.” She recommends avoiding any oils or heavy creams during treatments if you have acne-prone skin, as well.

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.

How long does it take for the face to heal after a facial?

While most facials with minimal exfoliation or extractions heal within a day or two (with just some minor redness or dryness), extractions require a few extra days (3-4) for the extraction sites to fully close up.

How many days does skin purging last?

Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.

How to treat sudden face breakout?

You can try to avoid or control mild or moderate acne with nonprescription products, good basic skin care and other self-care techniques:
  1. Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser. ...
  2. Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote peeling. ...
  3. Avoid irritants. ...
  4. Protect your skin from the sun.

How to stop skin purging immediately?

If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.

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