Facial treatments are popular for maintaining skin health and preventing acne. Many people believe that getting a facial when you have acne is not advisable as it might increase inflammation. But what is the truth about facials when dealing with acne? Read on for the details.
What is a facial treatment?
A facial treatment is designed to clear out blackheads and remove dead skin cells from clogged pores. A typical facial begins with a consultation to discuss your skin concerns. Based on this, the therapist will recommend a treatment suitable for your skin type and needs. The steps in a facial usually include:
- Deep cleansing
- Steam treatment
- Exfoliation
- Blackhead extraction
- Mask application
- Toner
- Moisturizer and sunscreen
Facials can be customized to address different skin types and issues, including acne-prone skin.
Can you get a facial when you have acne?
Generally, people with mild acne can safely get a facial. However, not all facial treatments are suitable for acne-prone skin, and some adjustments may need to be made to the products used. For acne-prone skin, the following considerations should be made during a facial:
- Avoid Extracting Inflamed Acne: It’s best not to extract inflamed acne during a facial as this can increase infection risk and lead to scarring.
- Blackhead Extraction: This can be helpful to prevent new acne from forming.
- Use of Masks: Opt for masks that target acne-causing bacteria.
If your acne is inflamed, it is best to avoid extraction procedures, as they can worsen infection and lead to scarring. For severe or inflamed acne, it is advisable to skip facials altogether.
Facials should not be done too frequently. Ideally, limit facials to no more than once a month. Overdoing facials can enlarge pores, which increases the risk of clogging and new acne formation.
Facials for acne-prone skin can help:
- Reduce acne-causing bacteria
- Lower the risk of cystic acne
- Alleviate inflammation
- Cleanse pores
- Hydrate the skin
Tips for managing acne
Acne can appear on various parts of your body, including your face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. While acne is not usually a serious health concern, it can be uncomfortable and affect your confidence, especially in severe cases.
Here are some tips to help manage acne:
- Use Acne Treatments: Products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be effective.
- Limit Fatty Foods: Reduce your intake of high-fat foods.
- Cleanse Your Face: Make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Try Retinol: Skincare products with retinol can be beneficial.
- Apply Tea Tree Oil: Using products containing tea tree oil may help.
If these treatments do not improve your acne, it’s best to consult a doctor for more targeted treatment.
Getting a facial is okay for mild acne, but if your acne is moderate to severe and inflamed, you should wait before scheduling one. Choose a reputable clinic with experienced professionals for the best care for acne-prone skin.
If you have an acne problem, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
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American Academy of Dermatology Association. Pimple Popping: Why Only A Dermatologist Should Do It?. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
American Academy of Dermatology Association. 10 Skin Care Habits That Can Worse Acne. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
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