subject: Face Acne - Facial Pimples Treatments [print this page] When facials are mentioned, one does not automatically think of a treatment for acne, but one for wrinkles and other skin ailments. In order to fully understand how a facial can serve as a treatment for acne, one needs to know the basics of a typical facial. Facials as an acne treatment are actually used more often than laser acne treatment or exposed acne treatment.
The Facial: General Steps
Each step in a formal facial is performed by a trained professional, called an esthetician. The face is first cleansed by the esthetician. Second, the face of the client is examined closely. The esthetician places eye pads over the eyes of the client to protect against the bright, magnifying light used. Aided by the light, the esthetician can better analyze the skin condition.
The facial then proceeds with exfoliation. Hot vapor is used to prep the skin and reduce damage caused. Depending on the condition and ailments that the client has, a facial can include the removal, or "extraction" of blackheads and whiteheads. Not everyone can receive this treatment as some skin types undergo damage to skin capillaries due to extraction. Part of the appeal of facials is the time devoted to enjoying the stimulation of the facial muscles.
After the stimulation of the skin muscles, the esthetician applies a mask to the facial skin. The type of mask used depends on the skin type of the client. Obviously, a mask for someone with oily skin will not be targeted for someone with dry skin as an ailment.
To prolong extraction results, the esthetician will most likely sit down with the client to advise on follow-up acne skin care methods. This skin care plan should focus on avoidance of factors that can encourage the recurrence of acne flare-ups.
Acne: The Real Causes
With regard to acne prevention, facials are not the best nor longest lasting. Extractions are helpful in that they remove comedones without causing infection (like when you pick or squeeze your pimples!) but do nothing or very little towards prevention. Acne is mainly caused by injury of the sebum canal cells by sebum oil flowing in mass quantities to the skin's surface. During periods of stress and high hormones, the sebaceous glands start working overtime in sebum production. Due to the quantity of sebum made, it is forced through canals that are not made to handle such output. The results are damaged sebum canal cells.
Furthermore, the state of the sebum can also do damage. When the body lacks essential fatty acids, it creates a more solidified version of sebum that further irritates the skin and can more easily damage those sebum ducts.
As the face acne we are familiar with is first and foremost caused by sebum, the best acne remedy will decrease the amount of sebum made, keep it in its natural form and also help the body regenerate healthy new cells and control the degree of inflammation.
Skin Care Products
Vitamin A has been found to decrease sebum production. For the best over the counter method, increase your vitamin A intake through vegetables and fruits or with a synthetic supplement if necessary. You can also try retinoids, a vitamin A derivative, that comes in topical treatments and ingestible pills. Unfortunately, some side effects are intense. Just imagine your classmate or acquaintance that took Accutane and had to hide under his or her sweatshirt hood for the entire course of the treatment.
You can also try licorice root extract as a natural and safe way to lower sebum activity. It can be found in many topical creams in most organic and health food stores.
