“Allergic Reaction to a Facial – What to Do Immediately”

“Allergic Reaction to a Facial – What to Do Immediately”

By Dr. Mohd Rizwan Khan

Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic – Shahjahanpur

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So, you just got a facial — hoping for glowing, fresh skin.

But instead, your face feels itchy… maybe red, swollen, burning?

It could be an allergic reaction.

And what you do in the next few hours matters a lot.

Let’s break it down in simple, real-life language. No fear, no drama. Just clear steps.

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🤔 Why Do Allergic Reactions Happen After a Facial?

Facials use multiple products – creams, serums, peels, scrubs, essential oils, masks.

Any of them can cause a reaction, especially if:

🔹 Your skin is sensitive

🔹 You have an existing allergy

🔹 The product was too strong

🔹 A new brand or ingredient was used

🔹 The therapist didn’t do a patch test

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🚨 Signs of a Facial Allergy (Can Start Within Minutes or Few Hours)

• Redness (patchy or full face)

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Swelling (eyelids, cheeks, lips)

• Itchy rashes or bumps

• Dry, scaly, or peeling skin

• Tightness or hot feeling on skin

If you feel faint, short of breath, or your eyes/lips swell a lot — it could be serious allergy (anaphylaxis). That needs emergency care.

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✅ What to Do Immediately (First 24 Hours)

1. Stop everything.

No washing face. No applying anything. No makeup. No sunscreen. Nothing.

2. Cold compress.

Use a clean cotton cloth soaked in cold water. Press gently on the face.

Do this 2-3 times a day for 10 minutes.

3. Don’t scratch.

Even if it itches, don’t rub or scratch. It will worsen the reaction.

4. Use a calming product – only if skin is tolerating.

Sometimes, applying a gentle calamine lotion or plain aloe vera gel (no perfume) may soothe the skin. But if even that burns – skip it.

5. Antihistamine tablet (anti-allergy).

If there’s swelling or itchiness, you can take a tablet like Levocetirizine or Cetirizine at bedtime.

But still – call your dermatologist.

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❌ What NOT to Do

🚫 Don’t apply any essential oils

🚫 Don’t use scrubs, toners, or sheet masks

🚫 Don’t try “home remedies” like curd, lemon, besan

🚫 Don’t go under the sun (reaction can worsen)

🚫 Don’t try to “wash off” the facial product with harsh cleansers

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🧑‍⚕️ When to See a Dermatologist?

If you notice any of these:

• Swelling that’s spreading

• Reaction not settling even after 24 hours

• Skin starts peeling in patches

• Pus or blisters appear

• You have a history of sensitive skin or allergies

At Dr. Rizwan’s Clinic, we see many patients with post-facial allergies — mostly caused by over-the-counter facials, home kits, or parlor facials done without skin matching.

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📌 Our Dermatologist’s Advice

“Not every skin can handle every facial.

Before any facial, ask: What’s in it? Is it safe for your skin type?

When in doubt, patch test first — or consult your skin doctor.”

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🧴 What Can Be Done Later (After Skin Calms Down)

Once your skin settles (usually after 3–7 days), we might:

🔹 Start a mild repair cream or barrier-repair moisturizer

🔹 Avoid any actives like retinol, vitamin C, or acids for 2 weeks

🔹 Suggest a soothing facial done at our clinic (if needed in future)

🔹 Help you figure out which ingredient caused the reaction (for future prevention)

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🛑 Allergic Once? Always Inform Later

If you’ve had one allergic reaction from a facial — tell your salon, your doctor, and keep a list of what not to use again.

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Final Word:

Facials are meant to relax and glow your skin – not trouble it.

But when things go wrong, act smart, not scared.

Early care = faster healing + fewer marks.

And next time?

Ask your dermatologist what facial is safe for YOUR skin.

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📍 Visit us at Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

💬 For any skin reaction, don’t wait. Message us. We’re here to help.

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