Acne & Acne Scarring
What is Acne?
One of the most common skin conditions in the United States. It is often misunderstood or treated incorrectly. Acne forms when the pores of the skin become clogged. This happens when excess sebum is produced, or P. acnes bacteria begin to multiply and clog the area. Typically, dead skin cells are pushed to the surface of the skin through the pores and expelled from the body. But when too much sebum is produced, these dead skin cells begin to stick together within the pores and become lodged there. This causes a pimple or a pustule to form above the pore. Our most comprehensive treatment for oily, acne & acne prone skin. Combines powerful anti-bacterial products, and salicylic acids with soothing botanicals & lifestyle changes. Includes Light Therapy to calm inflammation & redness.
How do Facial Treatments Help?
Facials can be an effective way to get rid of non-inflammatory or comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads). Comedones occur when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Facial exfoliation takes off the top layer of skin, which unclogs pores and helps oil flow naturally through the follicles, thus avoiding future breakouts. Extractions remove the existing comedones, which both helps your appearance and also lessens the likelihood developing a pimple (which occurs when a comedone becomes inflamed).
What are facials for acne?
A facial is a series of procedures, performed by an aesthetician, to remove dead skin cells and unclog the pores on your face. Facials are available at most spas, but the methods for performing each procedure can vary. When getting facials for acne, the esthetician will perform each of the following procedures:
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Cleansing and skin analysis: The aesthetician wipes away any excess oil and dirt with a cotton pad or sponge. He/she then looks at your skin with a magnifying glass to analyze your acne, sun damage, dehydration, and/or other conditions.
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Facial Peels: By definition, an exfoliant removes the top layer of your skin, which primarily consists of dead skin cells. Exfoliation is either a mechanical or chemical process: Mechanical exfoliants are equipment base technology that exfoliates the top layer of the skin. Chemical exfoliants are acids and enzymes that slough off congested skin.
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Extractions: An extraction is the physical unclogging of a clogged pore. The aesthetician pushes a tool called an extractor around each acne lesion, forcing the pus, bacteria, and sometimes blood up through the clogged follicle opening. It is an aggressive procedure that should only be performed by an experienced aesthetician as it can damage your pores if done incorrectly.
Just like with any other acne treatment medication or procedure, getting results from facial treatments takes time. The time it takes an acne lesion to appear at the surface of the skin is 90 days. It is imperative to stick to a regime for 90 days to see results. To get the best results, you’ll have to commit to a series of specific, specialized facials.
To address the acne scar left behind after we get the acne under control will require a series of micro-needling. Micro-needling will generate collagen production and minimize the appearance of the acne scar.
Acne Management consists of acne facials, facial peels, and micro-needling for at least 6 to 9 months.
Typically, facials are scheduled every other week, until we get the results. To keep the benefits going, you’ll need to be consistent with your acne treatment and skincare routine during your “off days.”