What Happens During an Acne Treatment Facial?

What Happens During an Acne Treatment Facial?

Have you ever wondered what happens during an acne treatment facial? Well, for those who have never done it, the whole stuff may look somewhat mysterious.

A facial may not be a mandatory aspect of acne treatment, but it can relieve the condition to some extent. The effectiveness of an acne treatment facial depends on several factors including:

• The kind of products used during the facial
• How skillful your esthetician is?
• How regularly you have your acne treatment facial

Every esthetician works differently. Each has his/her style, but generally, acne treatment facial follows the same procedure. An experienced esthetician will understand your skin type and know how to work with it.
This article explains what you should expect during an acne facial.

Before the facial: First, you will be required to fill out the consultation form

The first thing you will do once you arrive at your esthetician’s office is to fill out a consultation form. In many cases, your esthetician may require detailed information.
Your skincare therapist will need to know about your skin type, and whether you have any underlying conditions or not. They may also want to know whether you’re currently on medications.
You see, at first, some of these questions may seem irrelevant, but this information will help your esthetician to design a safe and effective acne treatment facial for you. It is therefore important that you give completely honest answers.

Preparatory phase: Change your wears and familiarize yourself with the treatment room

After filling out the consultation form, you will be ushered into the treatment room. You will be given some time to change into a gown.
Your shoulder and chest will be left bare for facial treatments. You’ll have to take off your shirt (and bras for ladies). You’ll be given a gown that fits underneath your arms. The gown is similar to a strapless dress or a tube top.
You’re at liberty to take your pants off or leave them on – whichever makes you more comfortable.
After changing, you lay on the treatment bed and wait for your esthetician to begin.

1st phase of treatment: Deep cleansing

An acne treatment facial can be done on makeup-free skin or already made-up skin. The first phase involves removing your makeup followed by deep cleansing.
After that, there will be another phase of cleansing to ensure the removal of every trace of oil, dirt, and makeup. Deep cleansing isn’t just for your face. Your shoulders, chest, and neck will also undergo deep cleansing.

2nd phase: Steam treatment

Here’s the favorite part for many. Steam treatment involves using a steamer machine to billow warm steam over your face. This is done for a couple of minutes.
There’s a general belief that the steam “opens” the pores. But nothing could be farther from the truth. You can’t just open and close pores like doors.
The steam makes the pores soft. It also softens whatever oily matter may have lodged in the pore, so they can be cleaned out with ease.
However, if the steam is warmer than you can bear, inform your esthetician.

3rd phase: Exfoliation

The exfoliation phase is one of the most important steps in acne treatment facials. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells that can cause clogging of your pores. It also softens and smoothens your skin.
There are several exfoliating options including:

• Basic scrubs
• Microdermabrasion
• Superficial chemical peels
• Salicylic acid peels

Your esthetician will determine the exfoliation procedure that suits your skin type. Your current acne medications will also determine the type of exfoliation procedure to be used.
If you are using isotretinoin or topical retinoids, you may not have an exfoliation, or you might have a very gentle one. Why? Well, these medications already have an exfoliating effect on the skin. And you know, too much of something isn’t good.

4th phase: Blemish extraction

Very few people like this phase of acne treatment facial. But then, it is one of the most important aspects of acne treatment facial.
Blemish extraction involves cleaning out the comedones and blackheads from your pores. This is done by applying very light pressure using either the fingers or a comedone extractor.
If you have a large number of blackheads, then you’ll need more than a session to completely remove them.

5th phase: Applying the mask

After your esthetician is done with the extractions, he or she will apply the mask. Not all masks fit every skin. Your esthetician will determine the ones that best suit your skin.
Sulfur masks are used in many cases of acne treatment facials. Why? Because they help clear off the acne. If you have oily skin, your esthetician may use a clay mask. A soothing mask is best for skin with inflamed pimples.
You’ll be treated to a shoulder or neck massage while the mask is setting.

6th phase: Applying the toner or astringent

After removing the mask, an astringent or toner will be applied over the skin. Yes, there’s some similarity between an astringent or toner. But there are subtle differences as well.
Astringents help with the removal of excess oil from your skin. This leaves your skin with a matte look and a fresh feel.
Toners do not have the oil-removing ability. They are gentle and are best used for sensitive or dry skin.
Your esthetician will know which is best for you, depending on your skin condition.

Final phase: Application of sun protection and moisturizer

This is the last phase of your acne treatment facial. Your esthetician will apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer over your face, chest, and neck area. The moisturizer used is specially formulated for acne-prone skin, so it won’t clog your pores.
Sun protection is also very important. The sunscreen protects you from premature aging, uneven skin tone, skin cancer, and dark spots.

Outlook

You must consult your dermatologist or doctor before undergoing an acne treatment facial. Your dermatologist will advise on which facials to use or which to avoid.
Acne facial is designed to treat acne breakouts. They also improve already existing acne conditions. However, the impact doesn’t show at once. It may take some time.
Acne facials are effective against minor blemishes, mild acne, and mild comedones. If you’re experiencing moderate to severe acne, then you’re better off getting more specialized treatment from your dermatologist.

Article sources

Lees, M. Clearing Concepts: A Guide to Acne Treatment. Chicago, IL: Cengage Learning; 2013.

Chambers JA, et al. (1993). Biochemistry Labfax. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Lasers and lights: How well do they treat acne? (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/lasers-and-lights-how-well-do-they-treat-acne

Microdermabrasion. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/cosmetic-treatments/microdermabrasion#overview