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Even if you have a solid skincare routine, it's always nice to treat yourself to a professional facial every once in a while. Whether you're looking for extractions, oxygen delivery, microcurrent, or bone structure definition, facials can deliver. However, every now and then, it's possible to experience redness, breakouts, irritation, and scabbing post-facial, especially if you get extractions.
"Generally, if someone gets scabs, it could be because of heavy-duty extractions," notes celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau. "For closed comedones (aka clogged pores) to get removed, they have to come up and out through the skin, which means that through the extraction process, the skin can get broken."
Furthermore, aggressive skincare ingredients, allergic reactions, and over-exfoliation can cause the skin to react post-facial. So, if you ever find yourself worrying about the condition of your skin after getting a professional facial, know you're not alone and that there are solutions to help speed up healing. To know what to do post-treatment, we board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD, and NYC-based facialist Christine Chin, in addition to Rouleau, to ask them what steps we should take to get glowing, clear skin.
From applying hydrocolloid patches to trying LED light therapy, keep scrolling for all their skincare tips.
Meet the Expert
- Anna Guanche, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and celebrity skincare expert. She is the founder of Bella Skin Institute.
- Renée Rouleau is a celebrity esthetician based in Austin, TX. She is also the founder and creator of her eponymous skincare line.
- Christine Chin is an NYC-based veteran facialist. Her celebrity clientele includes Gisele Bündchen and Jennifer Lopez.
Don't Pick at Your Skin
Repeat after us, "I will leave the skin alone." "No picking," warns Rouleau. "Scabs need to run their course, so let the skin's natural healing process do its thing. Always work with Mother Nature; never work against her." Instead, give your skin some extra TLC with a spot treatment such as hydrocolloid pimple patches, which will help speed up healing while also providing a protective physical barrier.
Avoid Wearing Makeup
Although it may be tempting to mask any scabs or red spots, avoid putting makeup on and around any imperfections so your skin can heal. "It is best to avoid applying makeup to scabs. Makeup can lead to harmful bacteria getting under your skin, leading to infection, and prolonging the healing process," explains Guanche. Apart from giving them space to breathe, you could also further irritate the area when removing your makeup at the end of the day.
Plan Around Healing Time
"The reason someone can get post-facial breakouts can be due to manually extracting closed comedones (whiteheads/bumps) that are deep in the skin," explains Rouleau. She furthers that openings are often created to remove build-up inside the pores easily, but that once that opening and pathway have been created, it invites whatever is deep inside the skin to purge out in the following days. As such, tell your esthetician if you have an event in the first few days after your facial so they can postpone those deep-set extractions for another time.
Speed Up Healing With Tools and Skincare
Rouleau suggests asking your esthetician if they have any special tools that help heal and prevent breakouts. "A device known as high frequency uses ozone to disinfect and heal active blemishes to make them go down quickly," she suggests. Furthermore, Guanche says to use SPF every day to avoid developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
After a facial, use Rouleau's Rapid Response Detox Masque. Its potent yet gentle antibacterial ingredients penetrate into the pores, discourage visible breakout activity, and soothe the skin.
Treat Inflammation and Irritation
Over-exfoliation, allergic reactions, and certain skincare ingredients can make skin act out, but inflammation and irritation should naturally subside post-facial. Guanche says to use soothing hydrogel masks, LED light treatments, and over-the-counter one percent hydrocortisone cream can be used to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Cool the Skin
"Any and all gel masks can be put in the fridge for 30 mins prior to using for an extra cooling and calming experience," adds Rouleau. You can even use an ice pack or a cube of ice to calm inflammation as well. "The cold temperature will greatly reduce the skin’s internal temperature to reduce redness, irritation, and puffiness," she adds.
