Facials can be really helpful for treating and managing a number of skin conditions, including acne. A good facial can help treat existing acne lesions while also preventing new lesions from forming. However, there are a few tips you'll want to follow as someone with acne if you are about to get a facial.
Be gentle to your skin in the days before your facial.
A lot of the ingredients that are often used in facials for people with acne can be irritating to open sores and wounds on the skin. So, if you have a habit of picking at or squeezing your acne blemishes, you'll want to avoid this in the days leading up to your facial. In general, just be kind to your skin. Don't use a lot of irritating astringents or washes. Stick to gentle cleansers and light moisturizers.
Say "yes" to extractions.
As a part of your facial, your esthetician may offer to perform extractions. In other words, they'll work to extract the contents of your clogged pores and acne blemishes. Having heard the advice not to pop pimples, you may be tempted to say "no" to this option. However, extractions performed by a professional are far safer than those performed at home. Professionals use sanitized equipment, know how to avoid causing further skin injury, and can tell which lesions are ready to be extracted. Having professional extractions will increase the benefits of your facial.
Choose a facial that ends in a moisturizing step.
The treatments used in a facial for acne are often a bit harsh. They have to kill acne bacteria and remove dead skin cells, after all. You're more likely to get great results from your facial if it ends in a good moisturizing step. This will help your skin heal and prevent flaking in the days after your facial.
Ask about aftercare.
If your practitioner does not give you aftercare instructions, ask for them. They should be able to tell you how to best care for your extraction sites where you previously had acne lesions. They may also tell you to avoid or use various acne treatment products in the coming days.
Facial are for everyone, but the type of facial you get will depend on the condition of your skin. If you have acne, your practitioner will recommend a facial procedure that specifically targets this condition and the factors that contribute to it.