Look Your Best This Season with a Fall Acne Facial
If you’re looking for a form of acne treatment that’s also deeply relaxing, look no further than the acne facial. If you’ve never heard of an acne facial before and have questions, here’s what you need to know.
How Acne Facials Help Your Skin
What Is an Acne Facial?
An acne facial is one of many cosmetic dermatology services designed to help brighten your skin, unclog your pores, and reduce the appearance of acne scars. These facials are specifically designed for people living with acne and offer both acne treatment and an incredibly relaxing facial experience. But what’s involved in an acne facial? Let’s take a closer look at a few of the key steps involved when you invest in an acne facial.
Deep Cleansing and Steam Treatment
When you invest in a facial, deep cleansing is essential. Before your facial begins, the skin on your face, neck, chest, and shoulders will be thoroughly cleansed two times. The first cleanse is to get any loose makeup, dirt, and oil off of your skin. The second is to make sure there’s nothing between your skin and the treatments you’re about to receive. Once your double cleanse is complete, it will be time to treat your skin to some gentle, soothing steam. This portion of an acne facial is often the most relaxing. For this step, a specialized steaming instrument will pass a stream of warm steam over your face, chest, and shoulders for a few minutes. Not only is this incredibly relaxing, but it also helps soften up your pores and any dirt, oil, or sebaceous plugs that may be in them. This is an important step to help your dermatologist with extractions later on in your facial.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a key component of almost any facial treatment, and acne facials are no exception. Exfoliation methods differ from facial to facial, but some of the most common exfoliation agents for acne facials include chemical peels, gentle face scrubs, and salicylic acid peels. Salicylic acid, which is commonly found in over-the-counter acne treatments, is particularly effective as an exfoliating agent in acne facials if the conditions are right. And exfoliation, in general, is important in this facial process because it will help remove dead skin cells that may be blocking your pores. As an added bonus it can help your skin feel incredibly soft and smooth. Your skin type, skin sensitivity, and normal skincare routine will play into the type of exfoliating agent used during your treatment.
Blemish Extractions
Blemish extraction is one of the most important steps in an acne facial. As the name suggests, blemish extraction involves sebaceous matter and pus from blemishes on your skin. This portion of your facial might not be the most comfortable experience, but it will contribute to smoother, brighter, clearer post-facial skin. The steam and exfoliation from earlier in the facial treatment will also help make the extraction process easier. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of blackheads or comedones, it’s not going to be possible to extract all of them in one session. Then again, going back for another acne facial might be the best thing you can do for your skin and your stress levels. It’s also important to remember that inflamed blemishes like cysts can’t be extracted during a facial. If you do have a cyst you need removed, make sure you speak with your dermatologist to discuss the best treatment option.
When it comes to caring for your skin and for yourself, facials are an excellent option to consider. If you have questions or want to schedule an acne facial, set up an appointment at North Pacific Dermatology today.