Are Facials Good for Acne Breakouts? It Depends, and Here's Why
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Facials can help in some cases of mild, acne-prone skin. However, some facials can actually worsen acne or irritate the condition. The results will depend on skin type, the type of facial you’re getting, and what ingredients it contains. Here are the facts when it comes to whether or not facials are good for acne.
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What is a facial?
First, let’s define a facial.
Basic facials are skin treatments that clean and exfoliate your face. Most facials also include extractions of clogged pores, a face mask for any specific skin concerns, and a gentle face massage. The facial typically ends with the application of a toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
If you see an esthetician for your facial, they will ask you about skin concerns and your skin type. The professional will then choose products for the facial based on your needs.
Facials you get at spas or salons might not go as in-depth with their treatment options, and the facial steps might be similar for each person. It will depend on the location, and you can always ask beforehand.
How facials help with acne
Facials are typically best for comedonal acne, which is the most common type. Comedones are small forms of acne like blackheads and whiteheads, and they are not inflammatory like more severe acne you see that is red and cystic.
If you have non-inflammatory, mild acne, facials can help. The treatment will often assist in evening out your skin’s texture and appearance. Mild inflammatory acne — with some swelling or redness and occasional breakouts — can also benefit from a professional facial in many cases.
If you get your facial done by an esthetician, they can also suggest products to use at home for treating your acne. Some estheticians even work in dermatologist offices and can help you create an acne treatment plan with your doctor.
How facials can worsen
or not help acne
If you have anything more than mild acne, be careful with facials as some can irritate your skin or even make acne worse. For example, some facial masks, exfoliants, or creams might contain fragrances or other ingredients that aggravate acne.
More severe acne is more than an appearance issue; it’s a skin condition that will probably require more treatment. Talk to your doctor if you struggle with acne and are concerned about getting a facial. Ask them if facials are good for the acne type you have.
Facials also don’t prevent acne from happening. You’ll need to continue using daily products that address acne, and your doctor might suggest chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Also, always make sure the person doing your facial knows about any medications or other treatments you are using for your acne.
What about at-home facials for acne?
The magic ingredient in any good skincare treatment is consistency. For example, if facials are working well for your skin, you’ll have the best results from getting facials regularly, such as once a week. The problem is that facials tend to be expensive, and those once-a-week appointments can add up quickly.
You might decide to take things into your own hands and try facials for acne at home. However, be cautious about how you do so. Some facial ingredients are not appropriate for all skin types.
Think about factors like:
- Your skin type
- The severity of your acne
- Ingredients or methods that have irritated your skin in the past
- What you hope facials will do for sure
- Other medical conditions
- Ingredient allergies
If you’re not sure about a new product, you can perform a patch test. Apply the product to a small portion of your skin, then wait 20 minutes to see if you have any type of reaction. This will rule out any potential side effects.
Also, consider what type of makeup you’re using and other things that might contribute to acne.
Another acne solution:
Microcurrent face masks
It’s important to know what you’re getting with any facial you perform at home.
At Franz Skincare, our goal is to provide professional-quality skincare options that you can use in the comfort of your own home: No expensive doctor’s appointments, scheduling conflicts, or extra travel needed. That’s why we created the world’s first non-invasive facelift at home using microcurrent technology called Tissue X®.
Our Microcurrent Facial Masks create gentle, ocean-like waves across your face to open up your pores and move the ingredients deeper into your skin. And speaking of ingredients, we use ultra-hydrating micro hyaluronic acid, the gentlest form of retinol, peptides, and more for anti-aging and preventative aging benefits that mimic a professional facial.
The microcurrent masks work for all skin types and are best used 2-4 times a month alongside your other skincare routines. Acne-prone customers can use the Jet Microcurrent Dual Mask anytime and anywhere to reduce redness and calm sensitive skin or the Premium Microcurrent Dual Mask to address adult acne while fighting the first signs of aging.
If you’re looking for a facial that is gentle enough for acne but uses high-quality, anti-aging ingredients, give a microcurrent mask a try.
Facials and acne: the verdict
So, are facials good for acne? The answer is, “it depends.” For mild or moderate acne, facials can help you maintain healthier skin, but more severe acne sufferers should choose their facial options carefully.
Pay close attention to the ingredients of any facial you’re considering. Make sure you understand the roles of each main ingredient and how it’s supposed to benefit you. High-quality ingredients that hydrate and nourish your skin should be at the forefront.
