Yes, threading can potentially cause breakouts and contribute to acne.
Threading is a popular hair removal technique, especially for eyebrows, but the process itself can sometimes lead to skin reactions, including acne or acne-like breakouts. This occurs primarily due to the physical stress on the skin and the potential introduction of bacteria.
How Threading Can Lead to Breakouts
According to insights from skincare experts, when you get your eyebrows threaded, you're pulling hairs from their follicles. This action can irritate the skin in the treated area. This irritation is a key factor in why threading might cause issues:
- Inflammation of Existing Acne: Pulling hairs can cause any existing acne or underlying skin inflammation to become more pronounced underneath your skin, directly contributing to breakouts.
- Follicle Irritation: The repetitive motion and tension on the skin can irritate the hair follicles themselves, leading to folliculitis, which appears as small bumps or pimples.
- Bacterial Contamination: Threading breakouts can also happen if there is bacteria on your face before the treatment, or if the thread or the aesthetician's hands are not clean. Bacteria can easily enter the open follicles after the hair is removed.
Essentially, the skin is left vulnerable and slightly traumatized after threading, making it more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
Factors Increasing the Risk
Several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing breakouts after threading:
- Sensitive Skin: Individuals with naturally sensitive skin are more prone to irritation and inflammation from the threading process.
- Active Breakouts: Threading over an area with existing acne can worsen inflammation and spread bacteria.
- Poor Hygiene: If the skin is not cleaned properly before the treatment, or if the tools/environment are not sterile, the risk of bacterial infection leading to breakouts increases significantly.
- Harsh Aftercare: Using strong or irritating products on the skin immediately after threading can exacerbate sensitivity and trigger breakouts.
Preventing Threading-Related Breakouts
While threading carries a risk of breakouts, several steps can be taken to minimize this risk:
- Clean Skin: Ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup and dirt before the threading session.
- Choose a Reputable Salon: Opt for salons known for their hygiene practices. Observe if the aesthetician uses a new thread and cleans the area before starting.
- Post-Threading Care:
- Apply a soothing, anti-inflammatory product immediately after threading (like aloe vera or a gentle serum).
- Avoid touching the treated area with unwashed hands.
- Refrain from applying heavy makeup or harsh skincare products for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid intense workouts, saunas, or steam rooms immediately after, as sweat can irritate the open follicles.
- Cold Compress: A cold compress can help reduce redness and soothe the skin immediately after the procedure.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing breakouts after getting threaded. If you consistently experience severe breakouts, it might be worth consulting a dermatologist or considering alternative hair removal methods.
