Facials are a popular way to achieve a refreshed and radiant complexion. However, some individuals may experience undesirable side effects such as face peeling and breakouts following a facial treatment. Understanding the causes of these issues and how to address them can help ensure a positive outcome from your skincare regimen.
Introduction
Many people seek facials to relax, rejuvenate, and address specific skin concerns. While facials are intended to improve the skin's appearance, adverse reactions can occur. This article explores the reasons behind face peeling and breakouts after a facial, offering guidance on managing and preventing these issues to maintain healthy and radiant skin.
Why Face Peeling and Breakouts Occur After a Facial
Experiencing skin peeling and breakouts after a facial can be concerning, but it is often a normal part of the skin's response to deep cleansing and exfoliation. There are several reasons why these issues might arise:
Skin Purging
Purging is a process where the skin eliminates impurities. When treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or enzyme masks are applied, they accelerate skin cell turnover. This process pushes out trapped oils, dead skin cells, and other debris from the pores, leading to temporary breakouts. Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness explains that purging is simply the body's way of ridding itself of leftover impurities in the skin.
Product Sensitivity
Certain ingredients in skincare products can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Strong exfoliants, fragrances, and other chemicals may trigger pimples, redness, itching, or other adverse effects.
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Extractions
Extractions, a common part of facials, involve removing blackheads and whiteheads from pores. While this can clear the skin, it may also cause temporary inflammation. The skin opening that is created by extractions is part of the healing process. This inflammation can sometimes resemble breakouts but typically subsides within a few days.
Increased Oil Production
After a deep cleansing facial, the skin may temporarily overproduce oil to compensate for the removal of natural oils. This is more common in individuals with naturally oily or acne-prone skin.
Post-Facial Handling
Touching the face with unclean hands or makeup brushes can transfer bacteria to freshly exfoliated skin, leading to breakouts.
Distinguishing Between Skin Purging and Product Reaction
It is important to differentiate between skin purging and adverse reactions to products. Purging occurs where breakouts typically happen, lasts approximately 4-6 weeks, and improves over time. In contrast, product reactions can cause sudden acne-like bumps, redness, and itchiness in new areas and do not clear up unless the product is discontinued.
Red Flags to Watch Out For During a Facial
To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, there are several red flags to watch out for during a facial:
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- Bad Communication: The esthetician should clearly explain the steps of the facial and what to expect during and after the treatment.
- Lack of Consultation: A thorough consultation is essential to discuss your skin concerns, sensitivities, and goals.
- Pain or Discomfort: While some treatments may cause mild sensations, excessive pain or discomfort should be addressed immediately.
- Distracted Esthetician: The esthetician should be fully focused on the treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Aggressive Extractions: Overly aggressive extractions can damage the skin, leading to hyperpigmentation or scarring. An esthetician should employ the "three strikes and you’re out" rule, trying only three times to extract a clogged pore before moving on to avoid skin damage.
Managing Adverse Reactions After a Facial
If you experience negative effects after a facial, the following steps can help soothe your skin and prevent further irritation:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and support the skin's healing process.
- Avoid Touching or Picking Skin: Refrain from picking at peeling skin or acne to prevent bacteria from entering and causing further issues such as scarring.
- Use Gentle Skincare Products: Stick to a simple skincare routine with a mild cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, and SPF to protect the skin.
- Skip Harsh Exfoliants: Avoid using scrubs, retinoids, or strong acids for a few days after the facial.
- Keep Pillowcases and Towels Clean: Change your pillowcase and use a clean towel to prevent bacteria from worsening breakouts.
- Consult Your Esthetician: If your breakouts or peeling are severe or last longer than expected, consult your skincare professional.
Addressing Specific Post-Facial Issues
Different post-facial issues require specific management strategies to restore skin health:
Scabbing
What’s Normal: Minimal scabbing may occur around extraction points and should heal within a few days. Light scabbing can also result from deeper treatments like microneedling or laser procedures.What’s Not: Large patches of scabbing or oozing scabs are not normal. Frosting, a white-ish discoloration of the skin from peels that are too strong, is also a sign of concern.How to Get Your Skin Back on Track: Treat scabs like blemishes by keeping the area hydrated and avoiding harsh products. Once healed, use a gentle physical scrub to smooth the skin.
Breakouts
What’s Normal: A little purging is normal if you have a lot of clogged pores or breakouts. Facials can bring underlying issues to the surface. Breakout activity should be minimal and occur only in areas where you already had clogged pores.What’s Not: New breakouts, especially if very red or inflamed, indicate that the facial was too stimulating.How to Get Your Skin Back on Track: Use an all-over hydrating mask with antibacterial properties. For individual blemishes, apply a spot treatment to dry up whiteheads. If blemishes are red and inflamed, use a non-drying spot treatment.
Excessive Dryness or Flakiness
What’s Normal: Some dryness or flaking can be normal after strong chemical peels, indicating the shedding of old skin cells.What’s Not: Dryness after a hydrating facial or excessive flakiness lasting more than two to three days suggests a compromised skin barrier.How to Get Your Skin Back on Track: Focus on repairing the skin barrier with hydrating moisturizers and serums.
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Redness, Irritation, or Itching
What’s Normal: Some redness for the rest of the day is normal, especially after extractions. Skin might be more sensitive than usual but should not veer into irritation territory.What’s Not: Irritation or itching, and redness lasting more than a day or two, are not normal.How to Get Your Skin Back on Track: Avoid active ingredients like retinol, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C. Stick to a basic routine of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to soothe irritated skin.
The Role of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers, promoting smoother skin growth. These peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, and scars. There are three main types of chemical peels:
- Light Chemical Peel: Removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis) to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness.
- Medium Chemical Peel: Removes skin cells from the epidermis and portions of the upper dermis to treat wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
- Deep Chemical Peel: Removes skin cells even deeper to treat deeper wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths.
Potential Complications of Chemical Peels
While chemical peels can improve skin texture and tone, they also carry potential risks:
- Redness, Scabbing, and Swelling: These are normal during the healing process.
- Scarring: Rare, but can occur, typically on the lower face.
- Changes in Skin Color: Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) can occur.
- Infection: Risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
- Heart, Kidney, or Liver Damage: Deep chemical peels using carbolic acid (phenol) can damage these organs.
Preparing for a Chemical Peel
Proper preparation is crucial to minimize risks and maximize results:
- Choose a Qualified Professional: Select a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon experienced in performing chemical peels.
- Review Medical History: Discuss any sensitivities, skin conditions, or medications you are taking.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
- Take Antiviral Medication: If prone to herpes outbreaks, take antiviral medication before the peel.
- Use Retinoid Cream and Bleaching Agent: These can help prepare the skin for the peel.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the skin from sun exposure before the procedure.
- Avoid Certain Cosmetic Treatments: Stop using hair removal techniques, hair dying treatments, facial masks, or facial scrubs in the week before the peel.
Post-Peel Care
After a chemical peel, follow your doctor's directions for sun protection, cleansing, moisturizing, and applying protective ointments. Avoid picking, rubbing, or scratching your skin.
Expert Advice on Preventing Post-Facial Problems
Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Ellie Rashid emphasizes that facials should be tailored to individual skin concerns and that a thorough dermatological history should be taken. Here are some tips to prevent your skin from looking worse after a facial:
- Consultation Beforehand: Schedule a consultation to discuss your skin type and concerns.
- Patch Test: Request a patch test to see how your skin responds to the products.
- Avoid Active Products: Stop using active products like vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliating acids at least five days before the facial.
- Ask Questions: Inquire about the ingredients and products used during the treatment.
- Speak Up: Inform your esthetician if something feels wrong, burns, or tingles during the facial.
Aftercare Plan
Following a specific aftercare plan is crucial for maintaining positive results and preventing adverse reactions:
- Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Use a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching or rubbing your face.
- Use Gentle Products: Opt for lighter, non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliation: Do not over-exfoliate, as it can strip your skin barrier.