Ask Susie: Breaking Out from Facials

Question:

I’ve been blessed with great skin and hardly ever break out. With my 30th birthday approaching, I splurged on a rich anti-aging “caviar” facial. Two days later, I broke out big-time. Could the facial have caused this?”

-A.J.

 

Answer:

Dear A.J.

Facials can do marvelous things for your skin, but they can also cause problems.

I spoke with Jeanette Jacknin, a dermatologist and the author of Smart Medicine for Your Skin (Penguin), who said,

“Caviar-sturgeon or salmon eggs packed with oils for the growing fish is best for dry, more mature skin. Its richness could cause some skin to break out, and caviar or another ingredient in a facial might irritate skin or cause allergic contact dermatitis. Women in their 20s would probably benefit most from the renewal properties of lower-strength fruit acid, vitamin C, or antioxidant facials.”

I recommend discussing your skin’s condition with an esthetician before you choose a facial. Estheticians are usually able to suggest the best strategy once they’ve taken a good look.

Susie