Acne Facial: Treatment, Benefits, and Aftercare
Effectively treating acne often requires a multifaceted approach to eliminate bacteria, moderate oil production, and minimize dead skin cells that may clog pores. The ultimate acne facial treatment should nourish your skin while addressing the underlying causes of blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes. So, which solution is best for you? This guide will help you choose the right acne facial for your unique skin.
What is an acne facial treatment?
Acne facials are specialized treatments designed to banish pimples and prevent recurring breakouts. Here’s a look at these powerful tools for managing acne:
What types of acne facials are there?
There’s no shortage of acne facial treatments out there, but most are built around deep cleansing, exfoliation, and decongesting techniques. Look for options that emphasize extractions and address bacteria using mild acids or LED light therapy. Of course, the term “acne facial” is very broad, and some people include a chemical peel in this category.
What happens during an acne facial?
An acne facial treatment usually begins with deep cleaning to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Your provider will exfoliate to prevent clogged pores and may manually extract buildup from visible blackheads and whiteheads. They might apply a calming or purifying mask before a final application of moisturizer and sunscreen.
Can HydraFacials help treat acne?
Absolutely! HydraFacial treatments take a gentle approach to acne management, addressing the underlying causes of breakouts and reducing inflammation associated with acne and acne scars. Regular sessions may also improve fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Read more: The Complete Guide to HydraFacials
Benefits of an acne facial treatment
While a single acne facial treatment may offer some relief from breakouts, the real results come from incorporating regular sessions into your skincare routine.
Improves skin clarity
Many battling acne have heard this long-standing piece of advice: “Picking at your skin will only make blemishes worse!” And it’s true.
In most cases, popping pimples spreads acne-causing bacteria and increases the risk of scarring. However, professional extractions are a different story. So if you suffer from severe, frequent breakouts and a dull complexion, acne facials can help restore a vibrant glow and healthy appearance.
Improves skin texture
Medical intervention isn’t the only solution for uneven texture and old scar tissue.
An advanced acne facial treatment using topical ingredients like enzyme masks and botanical acids can gently resurface your skin over time and encourage faster cellular regeneration, especially when performed regularly.
Reduces inflammation
Anti-inflammatory ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and green tea extract soothe the skin, while add-ons like LED light can further calm redness and irritation without harsh side effects.
Helps prevent breakouts
Routine acne facial treatments can balance your skin’s microbiome, reduce excessive oil production, and eliminate pore-clogging skin cells that accumulate over time. Together, these effects can improve your skin’s overall condition, making it more resistant to acne formation.
Related: Benefits of Microneedling for Acne Vulgaris
How to care for your skin after an acne facial treatment
An acne facial treatment may not require a visit to a med spa or healthcare provider, but you’ll still want to treat your skin with a little extra TLC to encourage optimal healing.
Avoid exfoliation for a few days
Most acne facials already involve exfoliation, so it’s best to focus on nourishing and protecting your skin in the first 48 to 72 hours after a treatment. Hold off on retinoids, salicylic acid, and similar products to avoid overexfoliation.
Skip the makeup
Makeup can clog pores and introduce harmful bacteria to your skin, especially after extractions. For the best results, allow your skin to breathe for 24 to 48 hours after each facial to minimize the risk of new breakouts and blemishes.
Keep skin hydrated
Supporting your skin’s moisture barrier is essential in the days after an acne facial treatment. Use a nourishing moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol to lock in hydration without clogging your pores.
Use sunscreen
Thanks to thorough exfoliation, your skin will be particularly susceptible to sun damage after a facial treatment, so protection against harmful UV rays is critical. Stick with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with 30+ SPF and soothing zinc oxide to promote healing and prevent sun damage.
Stay away from harsh products
Skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide, alcohols, retinoids, and essential oils will likely be too strong for your post-treatment skin. Your esthetician can help you develop a gentle, effective skincare regimen to follow in the days after your facial.
Related: A Guide to SkinPen Microneedling for Beginners
Start your journey to clearer skin at Lux & Lav Aesthetics!
At Lux & Lav Aesthetics, we create customized facials for every client. From the perfect acne facial treatment to the ideal anti-aging routine, we’re committed to highly tailored solutions for highly personalized results.
Ready to get started? Shop our selection of acne-fighting products or book a consultation today to learn how we can help you transform your skin and eliminate acne for good!