How long does purging last after a HydraFacial?

Author: Kelvin Hintz  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

And because the Hydrafacial in general is a deep cleansing treatment, it's completely normal to have breakouts afterwards. And like you said, it'll probably take a couple of days. They'll dry out and the skin will go back to normal.

How long does your skin purge after a HydraFacial?

Carol: Not everyone experiences skin purging when they get a HydraFacial, but it can happen. The salicylic acid used is a decongestant which draws out bacteria that builds up in the pores. So, if you have a lot of congestion then you may experience skin purging. It can last a few days and clears up on its own.

How long does it take for skin to heal after a HydraFacial?

Understanding HydraFacial Recovery Time

The first 24 hours after the treatment are crucial to watch how your skin reacts and to note any small changes or immediate effects. In the next 72 hours, you'll start to see signs of recovery, and this is when the real benefits of HydraFacial begin to show.

How long does a facial purge 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.

Can you have a bad reaction to HydraFacial?

Your skin may experience temporary irritation, tightness or redness after a HydraFacial. These are all normal reactions that typically resolve within 72 hours, depending on skin sensitivity.

Is Your Skin Purging or Just Breaking Out? Dermatologist Explains | Dr. Sam Ellis

Does skin get worse after HydraFacial?

You may be tempted to consider minor breakouts after a HydraFacial to be an adverse reaction, but actually, it's totally normal. If you're treating congested skin you could have slight breakouts after most treatments, but once you deal with them and continue your treatment plan this should happen less and less.

What are the side effects of HydraFacial for acne?

Common Side Effects:
  • Redness and irritation: The exfoliation and extraction processes can cause temporary inflammation and sensitivity.
  • Dryness and flakiness: Deep cleansing and exfoliation can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness.

What does facial purging look like?

Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots. 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.

How do you deal with purging after facial?

5 Steps to Manage Your Purge After Facial Treatment
  1. Keep your skincare gentle and lightweight for the duration of your purge.
  2. Limit Sun Exposure and use SPF 30 or higher daily!
  3. Do not pick at any peeling skin or acne. ...
  4. Slowly reintroduce active such retinols, AHA, and BHAs back into your routine as purge subsides.

Does purging mean your skin is getting better?

In the long run, skin purging helps us shed dead skin cells more effectively which reduces pore-clogging build-up and breakouts, and it does settle down after a few weeks. But you do have to buckle in and ride out a few weeks of discomfort to see the best results.

Do and don'ts after HydraFacial?

HydraFacial Post-Care Instructions:

Avoid any exfoliation to the area for 48 hours post-treatment. To keep the area clean, avoid heat sources, including hot showers, saunas, and cardio workouts that may produce sweat for 24 hours.

Do HydraFacials have lasting effects?

How long do the results last? One HydraFacial is all you need to give your skin a reboot. But like all good things, the results from HydraFacial eventually fade away — typically, after about 4-6 weeks. Fortunately, you can keep coming back to get more HydraFacial treatments every month.

What are the stages of a HydraFacial?

The six steps of HydraFacial
  • Step 1 – Detox. ...
  • Step 2 – Cleansing and exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3 – Brightening. ...
  • Step 4 – Extraction. ...
  • Step 5 – Hydration. ...
  • Step 6 – Rejuvenation. ...
  • Dull skin – Often skin can look tired and dull, which can be revived with HydraFacial.

What are the negatives of HydraFacial?

Furthermore, potential long-term effects of HydraFacials include skin thinning, uneven skin pigmentation and age spots. Sensitive skin types, as well as those who have acne-prone skin should certainly avoid the treatment due to its potentially irritating nature.

How long is HydraFacial recovery?

After the treatment is complete, there is no time needed to heal; you can get on with your day right after the treatment is finished. A single treatment will leave your skin feeling smoother and looking healthier, and regular treatments can improve aging signs and restore your skin.

What is the gunk after HydraFacial?

First, your skin is cleansed and exfoliated with a gentle glycolic peel, which removes dead skin cells and loosens up the gunk in your pores. Then, the impurities are literally sucked out with that lil hoover, and your skin is treated to a big dose of hydrating hyaluronic acid.

What is purging after HydraFacial?

Skin purging is when your skin reacts to new treatments by bringing underlying impurities to the surface. This often happens after a HydraFacial, especially if your skin is used to less intensive care.

What not to do when skin is purging?

“It is important not to be aggressive when you see purging, and understand it can be part and parcel of getting the best results for your skin. When it occurs treat the skin gently – don't try and pick or exfoliate away the papules because that could actually make things worse.

How do you fix a purging face?

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.

Does hyaluronic acid cause purging?

It doesn't typically trigger the skin purging process, as it primarily focuses on hydration, not exfoliation. Purging usually occurs with ingredients that speed up cell turnover, like retinoids or AHAs. Since hyaluronic acid's role is to attract and hold moisture, it generally stays out of the purging business.

Does snail mucin cause purging?

Here's the scoop: While snail mucin, for the most part, won't cause purging like a hardcore retinoid, ingredients in certain other products — COSRX chief among them — have been known to cause cystic acne breakouts, so choose your essence wisely. Your best bet is to listen to your skin and make adjustments as needed.

When to avoid HydraFacial?

If you have irritated skin, avoiding HydraFacial treatment is best until the skin has fully healed. The suction and exfoliation involved in the treatment can further irritate the skin and delay the healing process. It's like trying to go for a run with a sprained ankle; you may end up making it worse instead of better.

Are Hydrafacials worth it for acne?

Conclusion. The results presented here suggest that a series of six HydraFacial Clarifying Treatments improves overall skin appearance in patients with active acne.

What not to do after a HydraFacial?

Avoid going to the beach, sauna, or gym for 48 hours after your treatment. Sweating can irritate sensitive skin. If possible, try to schedule these activities before your HydraFacial appointment.

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