Adult & Teen Acne Facial Aftercare | Très Belle Spa Brooklyn

At Très Belle Spa, we see a lot of acne—not just teenage acne, but adult acne as well. In this post, we want to shed light on what to expect after an acne facial, how to care for your skin during recovery, and why cold therapy—not heat—is essential for healing.

Acne is a condition in which the sebaceous (oil) glands become clogged, inflamed, and sometimes infected. For many, acne is a stubborn condition that affects confidence and quality of life. Often, those who seek help from dermatologists are prescribed harsh topical creams that dry and irritate the skin barrier.

Dermatologists and estheticians approach acne very differently. Physicians tend to treat acne as a medical condition with topical or oral prescriptions that address symptoms at the surface. An esthetician works within the skin, focusing on extractions, calming inflammation, disinfecting the pores, and supporting long-term skin health.

We’ve been thrilled to see more dermatologists referring patients to us for facials before prescribing “one-size-fits-all” medications. Proper extractions allow acne to heal faster by removing congestion from within the skin rather than trapping it beneath the surface.

Genetics play a role—if one or both parents had acne, you may be more prone to it. Lifestyle habits, stress, diet, and grooming routines can also contribute.

What to Expect After an Acne Facial

After treatment, it is normal to experience:

• Mild redness

• Hyperpigmentation

• Slight sensitivity

• Localized inflammation where extractions were performed

This is temporary and part of the healing process.

The Importance of Cold Therapy

Cold therapy is your best friend after an acne facial. At Très Belle Spa, we strongly recommend cool or cold applications only during recovery.

Benefits of icing or cold therapy include:

• ❄️ Reduces inflammation and redness

• ❄️ Calms irritated skin

• ❄️ Minimizes swelling after extractions

• ❄️ Helps tighten pores temporarily

• ❄️ Supports faster healing and less discomfort

You may gently apply a clean cold compress or wrapped ice for short intervals if recommended by your esthetician.

What NOT to Do After an Acne Facial

To protect your skin and avoid setbacks, avoid the following:

• 🚫 Hot water
  Do not use hot or warm-hot water on your face. Heat increases inflammation, spreads bacteria, and slows healing. Cold or cool water only.

• 🚫 Steam, saunas, or heat treatments
  Avoid steam rooms, hot showers on the face, and heated devices for at least 48 hours.

• 🚫 Picking or squeezing
  Picking reintroduces bacteria and increases the risk of scarring.

• 🚫 Over-exfoliating
  Avoid scrubs, acids, retinoids, and exfoliating tools for 5–7 days unless advised otherwise.

• 🚫 Heavy makeup or pore-clogging products
  Keep products light, non-comedogenic, and minimal.

Supporting the Healing Process

• Keep your routine simple and gentle

• Hydrate and moisturize as directed

• Follow your customized home-care plan

• Avoid dairy temporarily, as it can trigger inflammation for some acne-prone skin

• Change your pillowcase regularly to reduce bacteria and oil contact with your skin

• Stay consistent—acne correction takes time and expert care

  At Très Belle Spa in Brooklyn, NYC, healing acne is our specialty. With rare techniques, master-level extractions, and a results-driven approach, we help guide your skin toward clarity—safely and effectively. Want clearer, calmer skin? Schedule a consultation for our Acne Facial services in Brooklyn NYC and start your transformation.