Acne is a prevalent skin condition affecting millions worldwide, irrespective of age or gender. Characterized by pimples that appear on the face, back, and chest, acne arises when hair follicles or skin pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria, leading to breakouts. In response to this widespread concern, many individuals seek acne facials as a means to manage or prevent these flare-ups. But the question remains: do facials help acne? This article delves into the realm of acne facials, exploring their potential benefits, risks, and the types that may be most suitable for acne-prone skin.
What are Acne Facials?
Acne facials are a series of treatments designed to cleanse the skin and brighten its appearance. As a type of spa treatment specifically targeting acne-prone skin, they typically involve cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and the application of specialized masks and serums. The primary goal of acne facials is to remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities that can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts.
How Acne Facials Work
In normal skin, sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which moves from the bottom to the top of each hair follicle, taking with it sloughed-off skin cells. Acne facials aim to facilitate this natural process by removing blockages and promoting healthier skin.
Most acne facials usually involve the following steps:
- Cleansing: An aesthetician will use professional-grade skincare products to gently cleanse your skin and prepare it for treatment. After the first cleansing, they will clean the skin again to remove all traces of oil, dirt, and debris.
- Exfoliation: Dead cells and debris on the skin surface are peeled away with gentle chemical peels, which are less irritating to the skin than physical exfoliants. Chemical peels can help acne-prone skin by stripping away the upper layers and speeding up skin turnover, thus preventing pores from becoming clogged. People with acne-prone skin should avoid physical exfoliation with scrubs and microdermabrasion, as these can cause irritation. Estheticians gently exfoliate the skin with professional-grade exfoliating acids.
- Unclogging of pores: Manual extraction of whiteheads and blackheads (tiny, non-red, non-painful pimples) can help unclog pores and prevent them from becoming severe, inflamed pimples. An expert esthetician can quickly determine which bumps should be removed, which ones shouldn’t, and which require more time. The most effective extraction is on whiteheads and blackheads.
- LED light therapy: Exposure to non-laser red or blue light can help reduce inflammation, decrease oil production, and kill acne-causing bacteria in the skin. LED lights set off a biochemical reaction in the skin, encouraging cells to produce more oxygen and reinforcing the skin’s cellular structure.
- Hydration: The application of hydrating masks and/or products during an acne facial is relaxing and calms the skin. Adequate hydration soothes irritation and prevents excess oil production while keeping skin toned and rejuvenated.
Benefits of Acne Facials
Acne facials offer several potential benefits for people with acne-prone skin:
Read also: Types of Facials
- Unclogging pores: Acne facials work by removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities that can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts.
- Reducing inflammation: Certain acne facials, particularly those that incorporate LED light therapy or soothing masks, can help reduce inflammation associated with acne breakouts.
- Improving skin texture and appearance: By exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells, acne facials can improve the texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it smoother, more radiant, and with less redness.
Types of Acne Facials
There is an enormous selection of facials available at spas and salons. Some of these are sold specifically as acne facials and have intriguing and enticing names. But not all facials are good for acne-prone skin. The two main categories of facials that may benefit people with acne are:
- Classic acne facials: These facials use standard cleansing and rehydrating products and involve the steps outlined above. They are available at most spas and salons.
- Exotic acne facials: These facials use ingredients such as caviar, gold, or your own blood (PRP platelet-rich plasma facial). They are offered at limited places and can be fairly expensive.
Some popular types of acne facials include:
- Vitamin C Facial: This facial treatment aims to brighten the skin and fade dark spots and acne scars. It commences with a deep cleansing of the skin to remove impurities, followed by the application of a potent vitamin C serum.
- Deep Detox Acne Facial: This facial focuses on purifying the skin and unclogging pores to leave it looking clearer and healthier. It begins with a thorough cleansing to remove dirt and oil, followed by a deep-cleansing mask to draw out impurities.
- Collagen Glow Acne Facial: This treatment aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It begins with a gentle cleansing of the skin, followed by the application of a collagen-infused mask.
- Firming Acne Facial: This facial targets sagging skin, promoting improved skin elasticity and a firmer, more youthful appearance. It starts with a thorough cleansing, followed by a facial massage and the application of a firming serum.
Risks of Acne Facials
While acne facials can be beneficial, they also carry some potential risks:
- Irritation and dryness: Over-exfoliation can cause irritation and dryness.
- Scarring: Extractions can be painful for some and may cause scarring if not done correctly.
- Excessive oiliness or dryness of the skin: Products that make the skin oilier can trigger a breakout by clogging the pores. Anything that increases skin dryness can make it look rough and aged instead of brighter and more radiant.
- Less common risks: Less common risks of acne facials include infection, bruising, burns, discoloration, and allergic reactions.
The greatest risk with an acne facial is physical irritation of the skin, which is a known cause of worsening acne. Therefore, it’s important to choose procedures that treat the skin gently without irritating it (for example, exfoliation with chemical peels as opposed to microdermabrasion).
Choosing the Right Acne Facial
Choosing the right acne facial depends on several factors, including the severity of your acne, your skin type, and any sensitivities or allergies you may have. People with mild, non-inflammatory acne can benefit from a gentle facial. However, for more severe acne, facials alone are not sufficient.
Read also: Types of facials available in Tallahassee
When you go to your aesthetician, be sure that you’re signing up for a facial that is aimed at targeting blemishes. Facials aimed at treating acne work best for people with the occasional breakout, otherwise known as mild inflammatory acne. If you’re suffering from moderate to severe acne, a facial might not be the smartest choice of treatment.
It’s also important to inform your esthetician about any prescription acne treatments you’re using.
Home Facials vs. Professional Facials
A DIY facial at home has two big advantages - it’s quick and inexpensive. But for people with acne-prone skin, an at-home facial could spell trouble. Some of the products you use could cause an acne flare. You could end up irritating your skin with harsh scrubs or exfoliants. Improper facial massaging techniques could potentially spread acne bacteria and worsen your condition.
If you have mild, non-inflammatory acne, a home facial is probably safe to do, although you are unlikely to get the same results as a professional facial. If you have moderate to severe acne, it is highly recommended that you consult a trained medical aesthetician for proper skincare guidance.
What to Expect During an Acne Facial
Before your acne facial:
Read also: Radiant skin with VA facials
- Make a note of any medication you’re currently taking and your usual skin care routine.
- When you arrive, you should be asked to fill out a consultation form with questions relating to your skin, general health, and current medication.
- Make sure you answer everything as fully and honestly as you can, and don’t forget to tell your dermatologist or aesthetician of any particular concerns.
During your acne facial:
- You’ll then be taken to the treatment room. Certain facials may require you to remove your top and bra if you wear one.
- The specialist will leave the room while you’re undressing.
- All that’s left to do is make yourself comfortable on the bed by laying under the sheet or towel provided. Then your facial will begin.
- The process will depend on the procedure that you’ve chosen. But any type will start with a good cleanse to remove makeup and dirt.
- No part of the facial should feel painful. If you do experience discomfort, tell the specialist immediately.
After your acne facial:
- Before you leave, you’ll be given aftercare instructions and advised on how to keep your skin looking the way it now is.
- Some clinics may give you the chance to buy the products that were used.
- Your dermatologist or aesthetician will also advise you when it would be best to book another appointment.
Maintaining Results After an Acne Facial
Maintaining results at home will involve incorporating certain products into your daily skin care routine. Don’t be aggressive in your at-home approach. A gentle cleanse using products that contain little to no alcohol can help keep acne at bay. Exfoliation can be carried out once a week. More complex procedures, such as microdermabrasion, may require you to apply sun protection afterwards.
If you experience another breakout, resist the temptation to squeeze. Instead, book another appointment and let the experts do their thing. It’s usually sensible to have a treatment every two weeks or every month, depending on the severity of your acne.
The Role of Estheticians and Dermatologists
When seeking acne facial treatments, you have two options: a dermatologist or aesthetician. A general dermatologist can deal with straightforward acne issues, while a cosmetic dermatologist specializes in more complex problems like discoloration or scarring. Aestheticians are qualified to carry out regular facials, peels, and microdermabrasion.
A good dermatologist will be board-certified by the American Academy of Dermatology. The majority of states require aestheticians to be licensed too.
Whichever specialist you’re looking for, remember to ask them the following:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- How often do you carry out the procedure you’re interested in?
- Can you show me before and after photos of previous clients?
Acne Facials: Part of a Multi-Faceted Approach
While acne facials can be a beneficial treatment option for people with acne-prone skin, they are not a cure for acne. For more severe acne, facials alone are not sufficient. Acne medications can help if your acne is widespread, inflamed, or deep. Facials can be a valuable piece of a comprehensive skincare routine for teens and adults struggling with hormonal acne. They can help reduce flare-ups and minimize the risk of scarring.