Facial SOS: Why is my face breaking out after my facial?

Facials pamper your skin and give it a fresh glow. But what happens when your face breaks out after a facial? It can be frustrating and discouraging, especially when you were hoping for clear, smooth skin. Read on for why your face might break out after a facial and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

First, it's important to understand why your facial might cause temporary irritation to the skin. This is because the process involves deep cleansing, exfoliation, and sometimes extractions, which can cause the skin to become sensitive and inflamed. Additionally, some facials use products that are not well-suited to your skin type, which can lead to breakouts and other adverse reactions.

Clogged pores before the facial

One reason your face might break out after a facial is because of clogged pores. During a facial, your facial therapist may perform extractions to remove blackheads and whiteheads. While extractions can be an effective way to clear out clogged pores, they can also cause some inflammation and irritation. If the pores are not properly cleansed or if the products used during the facial are too harsh, reactive skin may be aggravated or bacteria can become trapped in your pores, leading to breakouts.

Read more: Facial FAQs: How Often Should You Go For A Facial? 

Allergies

Another reason for post-facial breakouts is an allergic reaction to one or more of the products used during the facial. If you have sensitive skin, it's essential to inform your facial therapist beforehand and avoid using any products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. If you have any known allergies, it's important to inform your facial therapist of these as well.

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How do you prevent breakouts post-facial? 

It's important to choose a reputable facial therapist who is experienced in providing facials. Ask for recommendations from friends or read online reviews to ensure you're choosing someone who has a track record of providing quality services.

Communicate with your facial therapist about your skin type and concerns. This will help them select products that are tailored to your skin's needs, which can reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Type of extraction

If you're concerned about extractions causing breakouts, ask your facial therapist to use a gentler approach or skip them altogether. While extractions can be effective, they're not always necessary, and some people's skin can't handle them. Your esthetician can use other methods to help unclog pores and improve skin texture without using extractions.

Read more: 6 Signs of a Good Facial (It’s All in the Details)

Post-facial Aftercare

Avoid makeup, strenous workouts or perfumed products right after your facial. Keep up our recommended daily beauty ritual (double-cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sunblock application), and don't forget to change your pillowcases and wash your makeup brushes and sponges weekly.

 

While it's frustrating to experience breakouts after a facial, it's not uncommon. There are several reasons why this might happen, including clogged pores and allergic reactions. To prevent breakouts from happening again, it's important to choose a reputable esthetician, communicate with them about your skin type and sensitivities, and consider opting for a facial that's designed for acne-prone skin. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a facial without the frustration of post-facial breakouts.

Try out The First Refresh facials here