What to do, Why it happens, and why better skin is on the way.
There are many reasons that could lead to breakouts, but the one that surprises most maybe a facial!
Yes, you heard that right! (before we scare you anymore, it happens rarely)
Facials include steam, exfoliation, extractions, custom-tailored treatments, masks, and massage. All of which is to help achieve a healthier, brighter, smoother, and clearer appearance.
Unfortunately, some may experience post-facial breakouts, and it's a perfectly normal process for certain skin types! We know this can be upsetting and frustrating for clients already experiencing acne and problematic skin, but we’re here to help you understand the why of which this may happen, what to do if this happens to you, and also provide some tips on how to reduce the chances of this happening.
The most common skin type that may experience a post-facial breakout is sensitive/acne-prone skin or if you have not had a facial in a long time (or ever at all). 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.
When you get a facial you are cleaning out pores that need to be cleaned out in order for you to stop getting the repeated breakouts/congestion that you've been experiencing. After you clean out the pores, deeper oil and debris can still be lodged beneath the skin's surface. Once we exfoliate and unplug the whiteheads, blackheads, and acne, oxygen will then naturally pull up the rest of that deeper congestion, and it comes to the surface, temporarily. This is a very natural process of how the skin starts to clean itself out and regain balance for some skin types experiencing acne or congestion. This is what you may be experiencing.
If you do experience any type of purge here is what you should do!
First, breath, stressing out will only make matters worse! The best thing you could do is go for a less is more approach!
Do not use anything new or harsh on your skin to try and clear it. Also, do not touch anything that has surfaced or you will spread bacteria and it will not be able to heal correctly, and it will also increase the chances of scarring.
For as long as this purge lasts, we recommend that you only use a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer that you know your skin likes and that’s it! Unless you’re Dr. has you on anything else that you have been on (keep using that). Less is absolutely more until your skin starts to normalize.
Here are some tips to help minimize the risks of post-facial breakouts. The best thing you can do before a facial would be to strengthen your skin's natural barrier. You can do so by simplifying your routine.
We suggest stopping the use of all acids, exfoliants, waxing, face shaving, and any other products that stimulate your skin for at least a week before your facial.
Using just a gentle cleanser and moisturizer both morning and night will help strengthen your skin barrier and help reduce the risk of over-stimulation and irritation during your treatment.
Post facial we recommend that you avoid putting on makeup for a day or two after your facial, avoid going in direct sun and using SPF 30+, avoid exfoliation for one week, and if you feel anything surfacing just spot treat those areas to help jump-start the healing process.
Facials are a wonderful way to help you achieve a beautiful complexion! To achieve great skin, however, is a process and sometimes things may get a bit worse before they get better. Especially if you haven't had a facial in a long time, don't get facials regularly, and have sensitive/acne-prone skin, but this will definitely normalize. With consistent facials and the correct at-home care routine, for your specific skin type, you will start seeing those beautiful results you hoped for!