Which Facials Can Help Your Acne?

Posted on: 16 August 2021

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If you are dealing with acne, you may be wondering if a facial at a spa would be beneficial. Every spa is different, but a traditional facial treatment may include services such as steaming, exfoliation, extraction, peels, cream application, and massage. Specialized facial treatments include services like enzymatic or LED facials. Depending on the type of acne you have, one treatment might be better than another at meeting your needs. Read on to learn about the different types of acne so that you can find a facial treatment that's right for your skin.

What's the Difference Between Non-Inflammatory and Inflammatory Acne?

In general, non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples that don't cause pain or complications, such as ice-pick scars. If you have blemishes that are large, swollen, painful, or warm to the touch, those fall into the inflammatory acne category. Inflammatory acne can include cystic acne and acne filled with pus.

What Facial Works for Non-Inflammatory Acne?

Traditional facials can work wonders for certain for people with non-inflammatory acne. During a traditional facial, steam is used to open up any clogged pores, and then the esthetician will use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and an extractor to push out any stubborn blackheads. Because non-inflammatory acne isn't painful, you can enjoy facial treatments that include massage. Massage can increase blood circulation which can help your skin recover.

What Facials Work for Inflammatory Acne?

Traditional facials typically don't work well for people with inflammatory acne because certain services, like exfoliation, extraction, and massage, can be painful and exacerbate the inflammation. If you have this type of acne, you should speak with your dermatologist first before proceeding with a facial. Your dermatologist may have you try antibiotics or other oral medications to resolve any cystic acne before recommending a facial.

Although traditional facials may not be the best choice to start out with, your doctor might recommend LED or enzymatic facials for inflammatory acne. LED facials are beneficial for inflammatory acne because the esthetician will use infrared light on the skin to kill bacteria and encourage collagen production. The esthetician won't have to touch any painful areas of your skin when using LED devices. If your inflammatory acne has left behind scars or red/purple discoloration, then an enzymatic facial can be beneficial. Enzymes encourage new skin growth and can even out your skin tone.

Reach out to a spa and salon service in your area for more detailed information on different facial types to see which services would work best with your skin type.