Why Your Skin Still Breaks Out After Facials and How to Prevent It

You just treated yourself to a facial. You walked out of the spa expecting glowing, clear skin. But a few days later, you notice breakouts popping up. You might be wondering if the facial did more harm than good or if your skin is reacting poorly to something. Before you swear off facials altogether, let’s talk about what is actually happening to your skin, why post-facial breakouts can occur, and what you can do to prevent them.

At Lulu Beauty Spa in Chicago, we see this concern often, and the good news is it’s completely normal in many cases. Understanding the why behind post-facial breakouts can not only ease your worries but help you get the best results from your skin treatments.

What Causes Breakouts After a Facial?

There are a few different reasons your skin might break out after a facial, and not all of them are bad. In fact, some breakouts are a sign that the facial is working exactly as it should.

1. Skin Purging When your skin goes through a deep cleansing facial, it can start to purge. This means the facial has triggered your skin to bring underlying congestion to the surface faster than usual. Think of it like speeding up the life cycle of breakouts that were already forming below the surface.

Purging typically looks like small whiteheads or tiny pimples in areas where you commonly break out. It usually starts within a few days after the facial and clears up within a week or two. While it might feel frustrating in the moment, it’s often a positive sign that your skin is clearing out.

2. Inflammation from Extractions If your facial included extractions, you might experience a bit of redness or inflammation around those areas. While professional estheticians are trained to extract gently and hygienically, skin can still react with minor irritation. These spots can look like pimples at first glance but usually resolve quickly.

3. Sensitivity to Products Every facial uses a combination of products customized to your skin type, but some people may still react to a new ingredient. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, always communicate that to your esthetician before your treatment so they can avoid anything potentially irritating.

4. Poor Aftercare This one is important. What you do after your facial can make or break your results. Touching your face, skipping sunscreen, applying heavy makeup, or using strong exfoliants right after your treatment can all trigger breakouts or irritation.

How to Tell the Difference Between Purging and a Reaction

If you are breaking out in areas where you usually get acne and the blemishes are small and short-lived, you are probably experiencing purging. If the breakouts are in new areas, very red or painful, or include rash-like bumps, it may be a reaction to a product or ingredient. When in doubt, always reach out to your esthetician.

How to Prevent Breakouts After a Facial

While some purging can be a normal part of the process, there are definitely steps you can take to reduce the chances of breakouts and help your skin heal beautifully.

1. Follow the Aftercare Instructions Exactly Your esthetician will give you aftercare guidance for a reason. This usually includes avoiding makeup for at least 24 hours, skipping workouts or sweating, staying out of the sun, and keeping your skincare routine simple and gentle.

2. Skip Harsh Products for a Few Days Avoid anything that exfoliates or has active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, or BHAs for at least 3 to 5 days unless your esthetician says otherwise. Your skin is in a delicate state after a facial and needs time to rebalance.

3. Hands Off Do not pick at your skin. This can lead to scarring, inflammation, and infection. Trust that your skin is doing what it needs to do, even if it purges a little along the way.

4. Keep Your Skin Hydrated Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to support your skin barrier. Dehydrated skin can become more irritated and prone to breakouts.

5. Protect with SPF Your skin is more sensitive to the sun after a facial, especially if exfoliation or extractions were involved. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning to protect your results.

6. Be Consistent with Your Facials One facial is not a magic cure. Just like going to the gym once won’t give you long-term results, skincare requires consistency. Regular facials with the right esthetician will improve your skin over time and reduce the chances of breakouts after each session.

When to Be Concerned

If your breakouts last more than two weeks, become painful or cystic, or seem to be spreading, it may be time to check in with your esthetician or a dermatologist. A good facial should not cause long-term breakouts or discomfort.

Why Your Choice of Spa Matters

Not all facials are created equal. At Lulu Beauty Spa, every treatment is tailored to your unique skin type and goals. We take the time to listen, assess, and guide you with the right combination of professional products and techniques. Our licensed estheticians are experienced in handling sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin types. That means you are not just getting a relaxing experience. You are getting results.

We also support you after your appointment. If you have any questions, concerns, or unexpected reactions, you are welcome to call or text us directly at 773-870-2816. We want to make sure you feel taken care of even after you walk out the door.

Ready to Give Your Skin the Love It Deserves?

Book your next facial online or reach out to us with any questions. Whether you are dealing with acne, dryness, sensitivity, or just want that healthy glow, we are here to help you feel confident in your skin.

Facials are not just about pampering. They are about long-term skin health, and you deserve an expert who understands that. At Lulu Beauty Spa, we are more than just a spa. We are your skin partner.