You may stumble upon that facial treatment on the salon, and you might wonder if it may help you with your acne problems. To be honest, to date there is no clear answer about that.

There are several factors about facials that may help.

First of all, you need to know that you need to be really consistent. Apart from the relaxation and soothing of skin, you will not see great effects after the first session at the salon. Generally, esthetician performs facials for acne at least once in two weeks. A clear skin needs commitment, and you should treat the beauty treatments the same way you treat the medications. You should not skip them, and you should be patient. Always try to get information about the esthetician who will perform your treatment. Learn about his education and his experience before going on the treatment itself. There are different kinds of specializations on the esthetics field, so getting one who is related to your problem is important.

Secondly, it’s important that you identify your condition. If you only have minor pimples, facials for acne are totally fine and you will see big improvements. That is also the case with blackheads and non-inflammatory blemishes. The esthetician will remove them from your face and you will feel much better. What most people don’t realize though is that your esthetician can remove existing black and whiteheads, but he is not able to stop them from coming out again. You should also keep up with your medications, if you want to have a better skin.

If you are suffering from severe acne, a facial may not help you that much. You should skip the salon and go visit a dermatologist. He will perform several analyses on your hormones and your skin and after identifying the correct problem, he will prescribe the necessary medications. If he suggests you should accompany them with some facials, then you are free to go to them as well.

So what does exactly happen during the facials for acne?

People who have never done one before are sometimes reluctant to go because they think it will hurt or they just don’t know what will happen. If you are interested in getting one or just plain curious here is what happens during facials for acne.

Step 1: Consultation

Firstly, they will ask you to complete a consultation form. To perform a proper facial, your esthetician will need to know many things about you. These include what type of skin you have, whether you are on some kind of medication and especially if you are prescribed on anything about the skin. Be honest about everything as they are really important if you want to get a proper facial. Some medications cause irritations and a facial may be really damaging for you at that point.

Step 2: Preparation for Facials

After completing the questionnaire, you will be escorted in the treatment room. You will be asked to undress and wear a gown. You need to be as comfortable as you can be. Remove your shirt because your neck and chest should be bare as well. After changing you will lay down on the treatment bed and wait for the esthetician to start the procedure.

Step 3: Deep Cleansing

Any facial begins with a deep cleansing. Your esthetician will start cleansing your skin to remove any traces of oil, dirt or makeup. This includes your chest and neck as well.

Step 4: Steam Therapy

After a proper cleanse, you will start the steam therapy. This is not to open up the pores as most people think, but instead soften them and whatever may be stuck in them. This way they can be cleansed easily. I’m sure you will enjoy this part of the facial, but if you feel that you are getting too hot, don’t be shy to tell your esthetician. This will usually last for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Exfoliation

After the steam, the exfoliation procedure is performed. There are several types of exfoliations and they depend on your skin type and whether you are on medications or not. One of the main benefits of this procedure is that your skin will become much softer and smoother.

Step 6: Blemish Extraction

After the exfoliation, the least comfortable part of the facial proceeds and that is the extraction. During this procedure your esthetician will manually remove your blackheads and other matter from your pores. It isn’t as bad as it sounds though as it generally doesn’t hurt. If you feel any pain, don’t be shy to speak and ask for a lighter touch.

Step 7: Mask Application

The next step is the application of a mask. Depending on your skin type and condition the esthetician will apply the proper mask. It may be a sulfur mask, an oil-absorbing one or just a plain soothing one. It is during this time that you may get a massage on your neck and shoulder as well.

Step 8: Toner and Moisturizer Application

Depending on the salon, some facials for acne may end in mask application. In some other cases, your esthetician may put a toner on you and a  moisturizer may be applied as the last step. Moisturizing can keep your skin hydrated longer.

So that’s all you need to know about your facial. Next time you will stumble upon this option on the salon you will know what it is all about.