Is It Normal to Break Out After a Facial? An Oxnard Esthetician Explains
You booked a facial expecting glowing skin, and a day later you notice a few new blemishes. Before you panic, take a breath. A little breakout after a facial can be completely normal, especially if you have sensitive skin.
I’m Molly of Skincare by Molly in Oxnard. I’ve been an esthetician for 25 years, trained under Dermalogica, and I specialize in acne and anti-aging skin. Here is what I tell my clients about breakouts after a facial.
Is It Normal to Break Out After a Facial?
Yes, it can be normal to have a small breakout after a facial, particularly if your skin is sensitive.
During a facial, we deep cleanse, exfoliate, and clear out congestion. That process can bring impurities that were already sitting under the surface up and out faster than usual. Sensitive skin can also react a little to all that stimulation. Either way, a mild breakout is usually temporary.
How Long Does a Breakout After a Facial Last?
In most cases, a post-facial breakout lasts one to two days at most. After that, your skin should settle down and you’ll start to see the clearer, smoother results you came in for.
When a Breakout Is Not Normal
A few small blemishes that fade quickly are one thing. But if the redness doesn’t go away, or your skin becomes painful, that isn’t a typical post-facial breakout.
In that case, I recommend seeing a dermatologist. Your skin may be having an allergic reaction to a product, and a doctor can diagnose what is going on and treat it properly. Please also let me know, so we can avoid that product in future treatments.
What to Do After a Facial to Prevent Breakouts
How you care for yourself in the day or two after your facial makes a real difference. Here is what I recommend:
- Keep exercise to a minimum. Heavy sweating right after a facial can irritate freshly treated skin.
- Skip the alcohol. Give your skin a chance to recover without extra inflammation.
- Manage your stress. Stress shows up in your skin, so give yourself some downtime.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated supports your skin from the inside out.
How I Adjust Facials for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, your facial shouldn’t look the same as everyone else’s. I customize the treatment to keep your skin calm:
- Less is more. I take a gentler approach overall so your skin isn’t overworked.
- Fewer extractions. I keep extractions light and gentle to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
- Less steam. Too much heat can aggravate sensitive skin, so I dial it back.
- Products made for sensitive skin. I choose gentle, professional products formulated for sensitive skin types.
Always let me know if your skin is sensitive, if you’ve reacted to products before, or if you’re using anything new at home. The more I know, the better I can tailor your facial.
Book a Facial for Sensitive Skin in Oxnard
A breakout after a facial is usually a short, normal part of the process, and with the right approach, it can be kept to a minimum. If you have sensitive skin and have been nervous about getting a facial, I’d love to help you find a treatment that works for you.
Skincare by Molly is located at 237 West 7th Street in Oxnard, across from Heritage Square. Book your facial today and let’s care for your skin the gentle way.