Why is my skin worse after a facial?

Author: Danika Durgan  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

If you're someone with a lot of clogged pores or breakouts, it's not unusual to have a little purging after a facial. This is because facials are very stimulating and can bring breakouts that were already brewing to the surface a little quicker.

How long does your skin purge after a facial?

When you come in for a facial and your skin is sensitive, congested/acne, your skin may purge for a couple of weeks after. This is NOT your new forever skin and it will start to clear in about 2 weeks after your facial.

Is it normal for your skin to look worse after a facial?

Besides breakouts and inflammation, “It is not uncommon for people to develop dry or rough skin after a facial as well,” Dr.

How long does it take for skin to calm down after facial?

A 24- to 48-hour recovery time post-facial is a good idea, Croff says, but this timeframe can vary from person to person. As a rule of thumb: You should lean on the side of 48 hours if you leave your facial with any redness, flushing, or irritation--this is a dead giveaway that your skin barrier needs some extra TLC.

How do you know if you got a bad facial?

Irritation that lasts more than a day or two

However, if you're still experiencing extreme irritation for more than a day or two after your treatment, it's likely a sign that you are dealing with a facial gone wrong. In some instances, skin care ingredients can burn your skin, leaving scarring or welts behind.

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

What does unhealthy face skin look like?

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Skin

Watch for dry, flaky skin, which may be an indication of a serious condition, such as psoriasis or even thyroid disease. Red or inflamed skin may point to a burn, allergy or infection. Chapped lips may be a sign of dehydration. Moles are colored, raised areas.

Can a facial be bad for your skin?

Skin is exfoliated during the facial, and over-exfoliating can lead to inflammation, irritation, and irreversible damage.

What are the disadvantages of facial?

5 Side Effects of Facials You Can Help Clients Avoid
  • Irritation and Redness. The most typical side effects of a facial are redness and blotchy skin. ...
  • Breakouts. Bacteria that get into the skin during a facial typically cause post-facial outbreaks. ...
  • Scarring. ...
  • Dryness.

How long do your pores stay open after a facial?

But how long will the pores stay clean after a facial? Generally, if the skin was properly softened up and the pores were properly cleaned out by an experienced esthetician, the pores should should stay clear for about four weeks.

How long does it take an irritated facial nerve to heal?

o Most patients should have some recovery within the first 2-4 weeks, however, complete recovery may take up to 6 months. If you have facial paralysis without recovery for more than 6 months you should see a physician immediately.

Why can't you wash your face after facial?

It is best not to wash your face immediately after a facial. Washing too soon can remove serums, masks, and oils before they fully absorb, wasting product and irritating sensitive skin.

How often should you get a facial?

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.

Why does my skin look dull after facial?

Avoiding skincare routine

CTM - cleansing, toning, and moisturising are the three pillars of any skincare routine. These basic steps have the ultimate power to breathe new life into your dull skin. Hence, the moment you get inconsistent with the CTM routine, you pave the way for dull skin.

Why do I get more acne after a facial?

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.

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.

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.

How long does skin purge after a facial?

How long does skin purging last? Purging follows our skin's natural cell renewal so the full benefits of purging won't reveal themselves for between four to six weeks after adopting a new skin care regime, depending on your skin type.

What do clogged pores look like?

Clogged pores can look enlarged, bumpy, or, in the case of blackheads, dark in color. The more oil that a person's skin produces, the more likely it is that their pores will become blocked. A person can use skin care techniques and products to manage or clear clogged pores.

Why do my pores look bigger after a facial?

I think your question is interesting because my own patients have asked this also. I don't have a scientific answer for you on this; but, in my opinion, it's because the oil and clogging in some people's pores acts as a sort of “spackle” visually. It makes the pores look more level and not as deep.

What is the best age for a facial?

Everyone's different, so there's no one best age to start getting facial rejuvenation treatment. If you've taken good care of your body, and your skin isn't prone to wrinkling, you might not have to come to the clinic until your 40s or 50s. However, many people get preventative treatment in their 20s and 30s.

Who should not get a facial?

Contraindications that PREVENT a facial treatment: Viruses such as colds, cold sores, warts, Bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, styes, Fungal infections such as ringworm, blepharitis, Undiagnosed lumps or swelling, Broken bones, known sensitivity or allergy to products.

Can you have a bad reaction to a facial?

Irritation or itching, and redness that lasts more than a day or two, is not normal. Itching especially is a sign of your skin reacting poorly to something. If you feel it during your treatment, be sure to say something.

Why is my skin dry and flaky after a facial?

Make sure that in your skin care routine at home that you are regularly exfoliating the skin so that the dead skin cells do not build up. If you normally get dry a couple days post a facial, make sure that you exfoliate about day three. That process will help you remove any of the light flaking that you are seeing.

How many times should a facial be done?

Skin care specialists recommend that people have a professional facial about every three to four weeks. That's how long it takes your skin to move through the full life cycle of skin cell growth and exfoliation. A facial helps that process along. The treatment will keep your skin clean, clear, and toned.

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