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Pimples after facial cleansing

Medical expert of the article

Dermatologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

When going for a cosmetic facial cleansing, we expect to get rid of unnecessary elements and formations, including various types of rashes. As a rule, the result meets our expectations. But it can also be the other way around: pimples form in greater quantities after facial cleansing than before visiting the salon. Why does this happen and how to avoid an unpleasant fate?

Causes acne after facial cleansing

Competent specialists explain the formation of pimples after facial cleansing as a natural reaction of the skin, getting rid of toxins and impurities - a mixture of fat, sweat, makeup residue. As a result of manipulations, they seem to be pulled up from the depths, where they have accumulated for a long time. As a rule, such rashes disappear on their own, leaving no traces. But this takes some time.

  • Small pustules after cleaning, regardless of the method, are considered normal.

They form faster because peeling accelerates cell division and metabolism. And what should have appeared later, formed here and now. And all the advantages of the manipulation will be visible in a few days.

There are also other reasons for the formation of acne after cleansing procedures, namely:

  • activation of herpes;
  • stress;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • allergy to food or cosmetics;
  • lack of vitamins;
  • poor nutrition;
  • failure to observe hygiene and skin care rules;
  • decreased local immunity;
  • microtraumas of the skin;
  • the influence of antibiotics, oral contraceptives and some other medications;
  • endocrine pathologies;
  • hypervitaminosis B.

Perhaps your skin is prone to breakouts. In such cases, the likelihood of acne appearing after facial cleansing increases. Therefore, you should pay special attention to daily cleansing, carefully treating all problem areas each time.

After mechanical facial cleansing, pimples appeared

Mechanical cleaning is painful, but it is indispensable in cosmetology practice. Even with other methods, particularly dirty areas often have to be “pressed down” mechanically.

It happens that after mechanical cleaning of the face, pimples appear. They need to be differentiated from inflammations, which are inevitable with such manipulation. Thus, in the place of deep comedones, pronounced swelling is noticeable for several days, but it safely disappears on its own.

  • The main cause of acne is a violation of technology. The master could have injured the skin by pressing too hard when removing the plugs, or neglected high-quality preparation, or poorly sterilized the instruments.

The same is possible if contraindications are not taken into account, as well as improper care after the procedure. Thus, aggressive environmental factors, from which the skin is not yet protected, can provoke both inflammation and abundant rash. The same can be caused by premature application of makeup, as well as all decorative cosmetics in general.

Individual pimples will disappear without problems. If your face is so covered in pimples that it can't help but worry you, contact the salon where you received the service and ask for advice on eliminating the complication.

Acne appeared after ultrasonic facial cleansing

Ultrasound in cosmetology is prescribed only when there are no contraindications and intolerance to ultrasound waves. It is rare, but it does happen. If acne appears after ultrasonic facial cleansing, the cause should be urgently determined. This could be:

  • violation of sterility by the master;
  • reaction to steaming or applying a mask;
  • undetected subcutaneous impurities that grow under the influence of ultrasound;
  • If not all of the plug comes out, the remains become inflamed.

The professional performing the procedure must do everything to prevent acne after facial cleansing. In addition to examining the area of action, he must ask the patient about her overall health, possible contraindications, including infectious diseases. And also warn about possible complications so that they do not take you by surprise.

For your part, you should warn the specialist about the characteristics of your skin and unexpected reactions, if any. A competent specialist will take this into account when preparing for the procedure. For example, if the skin reacts to steaming or a clay mask in an undesirable way, the specialist will make a mask to narrow the pores not for the entire face, but only for the problem area. And the cheeks will be lubricated with a moisturizer.

Risk factors

In addition to the immediate causes, there are risk factors that predispose to the formation of acne after facial cleansing. Eliminating these factors serves as a preventative measure against acne.

One of the most important is the food factor, that is, poor nutrition. Caloric flour sweets with fatty creams have a negative effect on the skin. These same products are also "guilty" of other health problems, starting with excess weight.

  • Prevention includes a healthy, vitamin-rich diet; vitamins A, B, C, and E are especially important for the skin.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract also lead to deterioration of the skin condition. The reason is the imbalance of intestinal microflora and the entry of toxins into the bloodstream.

Poor facial care is another common risk factor. Oily skin types are especially at risk of acne, because the pores are clogged with excess sebum mixed with exfoliated epidermis, dirt, and makeup residue. Therefore, the emphasis in care is on cleansing and using cosmetics specifically for oily skin.

  • At some times, acne appears on the face due to hormonal reasons.

This happens to many teenagers, in whom androgens, stimulating sebum secretion, prevail. To reduce the consequences, there are pharmaceutical preparations, in particular, based on salicylic acid. Intensive rashes in an adult woman should be a pretext for contacting an endocrinologist and a gynecologist.

Problem skin reacts to a person’s emotional state. It is no coincidence that pimples appear on the eve of an important moment, often in the most visible place. The reason is stress caused by worries about an important event or occasion. The stress hormone increases the secretion of sebum, and the result is reflected on the face. The same stress is lack of sleep, which eloquently affects the appearance.

  • Acne is promoted by elevated ambient temperatures, which is why the problem is more acute in hot weather than in other seasons. The production of sebum and sweat increases, and if they mix with makeup, inflammation is just one step away.

A separate factor is subcutaneous mites. It is believed that they parasitize all people, but they become active only in the presence of health problems, decreased immunity or allergies to the waste products of mites.

Pathogenesis

Several links are distinguished in the pathogenesis. The problem begins with hypersecretion of lipids, which occurs under the influence of endo- and ectogenic factors. The quantity and qualitative composition of the product changes. In particular, it loses some unsaturated fatty acids, and this reduces the protective function of the skin.

The next stage of acne formation after facial cleansing is hyperkeratosis at the mouth of the follicles. Due to the excess of cells, the lumen of the mouth narrows and blocks the exit of the fatty secretion. A blockage is formed, where the nutritious content accumulates, and anaerobic microbes feel great in it. These are organisms that do not need oxygen, on the contrary, it is fatal to them. At the third stage, microorganisms begin to multiply rapidly, preparing an environment for the inflammatory process.

And it does not take long to appear. The final stage is marked by active inflammation inside and "in the vicinity" of the sebaceous glands. Depending on the depth of the process, acne develops in various forms.

To treat it, it is necessary to influence each link of the multi-stage pathological process, as well as to follow additional rules.

Symptoms acne after facial cleansing

Most often, acne after facial cleansing appears in areas with an abundance of sebaceous glands: T-zone, forehead. This is due to the start of the process of cleansing the dermis. Symptoms look different, depending on the type of acne. Harmless rashes usually disappear on their own.

Comedones, that is, non-inflamed pimples, resemble small white balls without an outlet. As they fill, they are crowned with black tips. Inflamed ones look like swollen red bumps or purulent papules.

  • Typical localization is on the forehead and chin. These areas become red, itchy, swollen, and are accompanied by pain and discomfort.

Itchy multiple pustules and deep acne are of concern. It is not advisable to fight them on your own, so as not to infect and worsen the situation. Qualified treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Skin covered in pimples after facial cleansing looks untidy and unhealthy. The rash is especially intense in areas where sebaceous glands are concentrated.

The first signs are the formation of black and white acne of open and closed type. In the absence of hygiene and proper treatment, they become infected, spread and merge under the skin. These are secondary inflammatory elements that form in place of comedones. Clinically, they look like small papules (nodules).

The progression of the disease is manifested by the formation of cone-shaped abscesses filled with exudate. After some time, they open up or dry up to a crust. After opening inflammatory pimples, scars and spots remain. This is what a mild degree of the disease looks like.

  • In more severe cases, indurative acne forms, with deep skin lesions. Hyperpigmented scars from such acne are more difficult to treat, but possible.

In the most severe form of the disease, cystic cavities are formed - phlegmonous acne, fraught with multiple scars. Fortunately, this happens rarely, and is not associated with facial cleansing.

Complications and consequences

Cleansed skin is highly sensitive and therefore requires special care. After all, the protective epidermal layer has been removed - those cells that have become keratinized, as well as the lipid membrane; it is as if it is naked.

  • Unpleasant consequences and complications may include abscesses, hyperemia, and swelling.

Acne after facial cleansing in a salon occurs when sanitary and hygienic requirements are not met, contraindications are ignored, and other violations occur. Sometimes even old acne becomes inflamed.

In case of severe inflammation, you cannot do without antibiotics, which should be prescribed by a doctor. You can wipe your face with salicylic acid or chamomile decoction on your own.

An unpleasant surprise are the marks, light or dark spots that may disappear or may remain, and scars that are almost impossible to remove.

Diagnostics acne after facial cleansing

Is it normal when, instead of cleansing, new pimples form after cleansing your face? And if so, why does this happen and what to do about it?

The clinical picture of acne after facial cleansing is quite eloquent and typical, so it is not difficult to diagnose them. Diagnostics is carried out by questioning, examination, if necessary, a scraping of the epidermis and blood are examined in the laboratory. An important role is played by establishing in the anamnesis the fact of facial cleansing, carried out recently. Possible additional tests include blood biochemistry, hormonal panel, ultrasound of female or male organs.

Acne, especially moderate and severe, cannot be treated on your own. Incorrect methods and medications can lead to progression of the process.

Differential diagnosis

When prescribing therapy, the doctor must conduct differential diagnostics of the pathology. In particular, to distinguish acne after facial cleansing from chemical damage, allergic reaction, deep comedones, rosacea, demodicosis, acne. In any of these cases, a specialist consultation is required, since the clinical picture of these pathologies is similar, but the nature and therapy are different.

  • Chemical burns cause intense redness that resembles a massive rash.
  • Allergies are typically characterized by small, itchy pustules that occur when allergens are ingested or applied to the skin.
  • Acne affects the sebaceous hair follicles.
  • Demodicosis is caused by mites that live on the skin.

Not only the intensity of symptoms, but also the time of appearance of the rash can help in differentiation. If isolated inflammations come out on the 2-3 day, this is a side effect caused by microtrauma of the skin. They are easier to treat with standard drugs - antiseptic ointments.

If the rash develops after a week or a week and a half, this indicates inflammation that requires professional therapy. In case of extensive lesions involving deep layers, the process is aggravated by infection, for the elimination of which you will have to take antibiotics or antiviral medications. Vishnevsky ointment relieves pain and draws out pus.

When differentiating the diagnosis, localization, seasonality, age, influence of external factors, concomitant diseases, and skin phototype are taken into account.

Who to contact?

Treatment acne after facial cleansing

If there are profuse inflammations or purulent pimples after cleaning the face, you should not delay treatment. First of all, you should not squeeze out the contents, so as not to infect the entire area and not lead to subsequent scars.

A consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetologist is necessary, and if the visit is postponed for some reason, the following procedures are allowed:

  • Wash the skin with an infusion of one of the herbs: sage, chamomile, calendula.
  • Wipe with pharmacy salicylic acid.
  • Make a clay mask.
  • Do not try to squeeze out pimples yourself.
  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and physical activity.

In the future, until the skin is completely restored, it is useful to wash with boiled or still mineral water.

If the expected result does not occur, you need to see a doctor and follow his recommendations. Perhaps he will prescribe not only external, but also drugs for internal use. Everything depends on the severity of the lesion.

If everything was done correctly in the salon, there should be no such problems. What does it mean correctly? In this case, first of all – sterile. A professional never ignores hygiene rules and preparation, takes into account the individual condition of the epidermis, possible consequences.

Without imposing products on the client, he gives recommendations for care after cleaning, because open pores are not protected from the penetration of microbes and the recurrence of the problem. Compliance with all conditions ensures the restoration of the skin, improving its appearance and health. And if you were not warned about this, next time look for a more responsible specialist.

If the number of pimples is insignificant, they are spot-lubricated with ointment (Baziron, Zinerit, retinoic ointment). Such a picture should not cause concern and the desire to smear the entire face. After several repetitions, the rash should disappear.

Medicines

To eliminate acne after facial cleansing, targeted drugs are used. Regardless of the name and composition, the drugs perform the following tasks:

  • kill germs;
  • tighten pores;
  • dry out inflamed areas;
  • reduce the secretion of glands.

Popular products:

  1. Skinoren. Prevents the reproduction and spread of inflammatory agents, reduces salivation. Treats acne and its consequences - pigmentation, scars, spots. The ointment or gel is applied pointwise, avoiding contact with mucous membranes. The effect occurs after 4 weeks. Side effects - itching, peeling - are mild and go away on their own. Skinoren is not contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
  2. Roaccutane. An effective but dangerous drug in capsules is available by prescription. It is used internally to reduce inflammation and suppress the sebaceous glands. Due to the many side effects, it is prescribed only for severe forms of the disease, when other drugs have not helped, and under the supervision of a doctor. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, children under 12 years of age.
  3. Proactiv. This is a series of medical and cosmetic products to prevent rashes and cell sloughing. Contains softening components. Irritation and itching are rare phenomena, restrictions apply to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age.
  4. Zinerit is a very popular antibiotic for external use against acne. The active substance blocks the formation of protein in pathogenic microorganisms, thereby stopping their reproduction. It has an astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect. It is addictive, so Zinerit should be alternated with other drugs or used only once a day.
  5. Baziron AC. Has an antibacterial effect, enriches tissues with oxygen. Apply starting with a lower concentration. The effect is visible after a month. Does not cause addiction, but with prolonged use the effect weakens. Baziron dries the skin, so it is prescribed together with moisturizing creams.

Vitamins

Lack of some vitamins and minerals can be the cause of acne, including after facial cleansing. To treat diseased skin, take tablets or capsules of vitamins A, C, E orally, in some cases, doctors recommend vitamin B for injections. What are the benefits of important organic compounds for skin health?

  • Vitamin C: eliminates rashes on the face and back; heals damage and irritation; improves complexion and the protective abilities of the dermis. Fresh fruits, berries, vegetables are a storehouse of this substance. For intensive enrichment of the body, it is recommended to take pharmacy complexes.
  • Vitamin E: maintains youth; renews and protects the epidermis from aggressive factors; normalizes blood circulation in the smallest capillaries. To replenish it, include nuts, vegetable oils, and salmon in your diet.
  • Vitamin A: prevents acne; accelerates the regeneration of keratinized skin. Contained in fatty fish, butter, carrot juice.
  • Group B: eliminates skin defects; activates blood flow; reduces acne scars. Cereals, legumes, liver, chicken – these are the products that contain enough of these components.
  • Vitamins PP: inhibits the formation of acne; prevents microbes from spreading; reduces sebum secretion. If your menu includes tuna or pike, goose or chicken, nuts or grain products, then you are not at risk of vitamin PP deficiency.

When saturating the body with vitamins, it is important not to overdo it. After all, an overdose is no better than hypovitaminosis, sometimes even worse.

Physiotherapy treatment

Medicines work better if supplemented with physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is aimed at cleansing from comedones, stimulating blood flow and trophism of the dermis, so that inflammatory infiltrates of acne after facial cleansing are absorbed faster. In salons, such procedures are also practiced to remove unwanted consequences. There are many methods, let's consider them briefly.

  • Darsonval: activates blood circulation, normalizes sebum secretion, prevents scarring.
  • Ozone therapy: destroys microbes, accelerates microcirculation and cell renewal.
  • Magnetic therapy: reduces the intensity of inflammation, stimulates blood circulation.
  • Laser: kills pathogenic microflora, relieves inflammation.
  • Ultraphonophoresis of lidase: dissolves scar tissue.
  • Paraffin and ozokerite: applications of these materials promote recovery, warm up the dermis, as a result of which blood flow is activated.
  • Vaporization: cleanses the skin with warm steam.
  • UV rays: have a bactericidal effect.
  • Thalassotherapy: activates defense, metabolism, blood flow, strengthens nerves.

If acne is associated with hormonal imbalance, UHF and electroanalgesia can be used. Physiotherapists also have other procedures in their arsenal that help cure acne: electrosleep, electrophoresis, franklinization.

Folk remedies

It is easy to remove acne after facial cleansing with home remedies. In addition, folk treatment will cost much less for the wallet. The recipes include herbs, juices, honey, cinnamon, aloe - popular ingredients actively used in industrial cosmetology.

  • A preliminary test will eliminate allergens, of which there are many among natural raw materials: to check, it is enough to apply a few drops of a potential allergen to a delicate area behind the ear and wait a day. If there is no reaction, the drug is suitable for treating acne after facial cleansing.
  1. The juice of any citrus relieves inflammation. Apply a slightly moistened swab to problem areas, and improvement will not take long to appear.
  2. Apply a transparent mass from an aloe leaf to the affected area. Repeat twice a day. If you don’t have the plant, you can buy aloe gel with the same properties at the pharmacy.
  3. Honey with cinnamon disinfects, eliminates inflammation, enriches the skin with antioxidants. For one mask, take a tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, apply the mixture for 15 minutes and wash off.
  4. Keep a steamed green tea bag at a safe temperature on your face for several minutes.

Further care is recommended to be agreed with a cosmetologist in order to use preparations according to the type and age of the skin. Resume cleaning after the inflammation has healed.

Herbal treatment

One way to solve the problem is herbal treatment. And it is not as difficult as it seems to people who prefer to treat acne after facial cleansing with pharmaceutical drugs or pharmacy cosmetics.

  • Herbs are an accessible and grateful material, undeservedly ignored in our time, completely saturated with chemicals and artificial products. Medicinal plants are able not only to cure, but also to prevent inflammation and other troubles on the face.
  1. Regular mint mixed with homemade yogurt and crushed oatmeal can cleanse pores and prevent inflammation. For 1 procedure, take 2 tbsp. of the named ingredients, leave for 10 minutes.
  2. Brew 10 g of the herb with the tasty name lungwort and let it sit in a glass of boiling water. Apply the soaked sponges to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
  3. Chamomile compresses: soak a soft piece of natural fabric in the decoction and apply to the face for 15 minutes.

Affected skin, under the influence of the healing components of herbal decoctions, quickly recovers, becomes clean and healthy, minimizing unwanted manifestations.

To speed up positive processes, you should normalize your water balance by drinking enough quality water. At the same time, give up alcohol, do not abuse coffee and cocoa.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is usually used when standard methods of getting rid of acne after facial cleansing do not work. Homeopathy specialists practice individual selection of drugs depending on the cause, development and past experience of treating the process.

  • In accessible language, the basic principle of homeopathy can be expressed by the popular saying "A wedge is driven out by a wedge." That is, like is treated with like.

Several remedies are used to treat pimples and acne. First, take Traumeel C, which contains 14 homeopathic components. Dosage: one tablet under the tongue up to 3 times a day. Keep until completely dissolved. The course is from 3 to 5 days. The question of using the remedy for pregnant women is decided individually by a specialist, and allergies have occasionally been recorded as side effects.

Further treatment is carried out using one of the following combination drugs:

  1. Echinacea compositum. The injection is made subcutaneously or intramuscularly, 1-3 times a week, a total of 5-10 injections. The drug is not used during pregnancy and lactation. With long-term treatment, it is necessary to monitor liver function. Side effects include skin reactions, digestive disorders, and decreased blood pressure.
  2. Nervohel. Take 1 tablet, three times a day, under the tongue. Time - 20 minutes before or an hour after meals. Individual reactions to individual components are possible.

The next stage is rehabilitation, for which Cutis compositum injections are used. The frequency and course are the same as for treatment with Echinacea.

  • Homeopathic preparations have a positive effect on digestion, improve immunity. In combination with pharmaceuticals, they reduce the risk of side effects.

After a week, skin inflammation noticeably decreases, acne disappears, and new ones form much less frequently. Gradually, the pathological process disappears.

Prevention

The formation of pimples after facial cleansing can be caused by diseases that are hidden for the time being. If they are excluded, then for prevention it is necessary to make changes in daily care. To eliminate not only visible manifestations, but also the causes of rashes.

  • Don't neglect hygiene: remove makeup at night, let your skin rest at least on weekends, or occasionally have work "days without makeup."

Make sure that your daily skin care products are appropriate for your skin type and age, and are non-comedogenic. Don't overuse decorative cosmetics.

  • Don't get carried away with sunbathing, protect your skin with creams with UV filters. Sunbathe on the beach only in the morning or after lunch.

Watch your diet: skin "loves" healthy plant foods. Avoid fatty, sweet, allergenic foods, fast food, soda, alcohol, smoking. Drink plenty of quality water.

  • Change your bedding regularly, especially pillowcases, which have the ability to accumulate dirt and allergens.

Don't be nervous about anything, including your appearance. Stress is bad for your face.

  • Get plenty of sleep, at least on weekends, rest and move around a lot. This is useful not only for acne prevention, but also for your overall health.

Use the advice of a specialist to correctly apply masks, creams, tonics and other facial products.

Forecast

It can be quite difficult to cure acne after facial cleansing, but the prognosis is always favorable. Small pustules heal without a trace, large ones leave scars.

Sometimes stubborn acne can signal health problems that are not directly related to the skin and procedures performed. Listen to these signals!

Exacerbations after cleaning are possible and natural, with proper care they will soon pass. If the situation goes beyond the normal range, a visit to a specialist is necessary to choose a treatment for acne after facial cleansing together with him. In mild cases, home remedies will help, supplemented by complex care, in complex cases, medications will be required, including antimicrobials.


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