Most facial reactions settle in a few days. What you do in the next twelve hours decides how few.
Short answer: stop everything, cool the skin, and use nothing but a plain moisturiser. Most reactions to a facial settle in three to five days if you leave them alone.
Rinse with cool water. Not ice, not hot. Pat dry. Do not rub. Plain moisturiser only. Nothing with fragrance, acid, retinol or 'brightening' on the label. No makeup tonight. Skin that is broken or weeping needs air, not cover. Take a photo. If it changes, you will want a record — and so will the salon.
The face is swelling, especially around the eyes or lips. There are blisters, or the skin is weeping. You have a fever, or you feel breathless. The burning is getting worse rather than easing.
That list is not us being careful. Those are the signs that need medical help the same day.
Day 1 to 2: Cool water, plain moisturiser, sunscreen if you go out. Nothing else touches your face. Day 3: Most reactions are visibly calmer. If yours is not, see a doctor. Day 4 to 5: Some peeling is normal as it settles. Do not pick it and do not scrub it. Before the function: Tell your makeup artist honestly. She will change the products she uses on you.
Another facial to 'fix' it. This is the most common and most damaging response. Ice directly on the skin. Cool water is right. Ice on already-inflamed skin can make it worse. Home remedies — lemon, toothpaste, besan scrub. All three are irritants. Angry skin does not need more. Heavy makeup over broken skin. It traps everything in and can cause an infection.
Stop every product except a plain moisturiser. Cool water, no ice, no scrubbing. See a doctor today if there is swelling, blisters or fever.
Most settle in three to five days if you stop all products and use only a plain moisturiser. Swelling, blisters or fever need a doctor the same day.
Usually yes once the skin is calm and unbroken, but tell your artist exactly what happened so she can change the products she uses.