Dealing with acne can be incredibly frustrating, not to mention the hit it takes on your self-esteem and confidence. While a solid at-home skincare routine can help keep breakouts under control, sometimes your skin needs a little extra help. That’s where professional facials come in.
One of our clients, Sarah, shared that after years of struggling with acne, a customized facial at Demure Derma helped her regain confidence.
Expert treatments designed for your individual skin type by a skilled dermatologist or aesthetician can make a huge difference in managing acne. Dr. Munazza, a board-certified dermatologist with over 10 years of experience, recommends scheduling an individualized consultation to figure out the right facial for your specific skin concerns.
These targeted treatments don’t just tackle active acne breakouts, they also help prevent future flare-ups, calming those red, tender bumps and improving the overall health of acne-prone skin.
In this blog, we’ll break down the best facials for acne, explain how they work, and help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for your skin type and concerns.
How Do Facials Help with Acne?
Facials work by targeting the root causes of acne through a combination of deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. When pores become clogged with excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, breakouts are more likely to happen.
Professional facials, performed by a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician, help to remove these blockages, reduce inflammation, and promote clearer skin. According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatology, regular facials can reduce acne lesions by up to 50% over 8 weeks.
Treatments like microdermabrasion and LED therapy can be customized to address specific acne-related concerns such as acne scars, excess oil production, and sensitive skin. Before starting a treatment, most professionals will have you fill out a consultation form and ask about your current medication and general health to tailor the approach to your unique skin needs.
The facial experience typically begins in a treatment room where you’ll be asked to remove your top and bra (if applicable) and get comfortable under a sheet or towel on a treatment bed. A thorough cleansing follows to remove makeup and dirt, ensuring your skin is prepped for the treatment.
After the facial, you’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions on how to maintain your results, including advice on suitable products and when to schedule your next appointment.
Jessica mentioned that switching to a non-comedogenic moisturizer after her facial helped prevent future breakouts. Regular facials not only improve skin health but also keep future breakouts at bay, making them an essential part of any effective skincare routine.
Best Facials for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’ve been dealing with acne, you know how frustrating it can be to find something that actually works. The good news? The right facial can make a huge difference. Whether you’re dealing with oily skin, clogged pores, or stubborn acne scars, there’s a facial out there that can help.
Let’s break down some of the best facials for acne-prone skin and why they work.
1-Deep Cleansing Facial: For Oily, Congested Skin
If you’ve got oily skin and are constantly battling blackheads and whiteheads, a Deep Cleansing Facial might be exactly what you need. It starts with steam to open up your pores, followed by a deep cleansing and exfoliation to get rid of dead skin and excess oil. Then comes the fun (or not so fun) part; extractions.
Your facialist will carefully remove those pesky clogged pores, leaving your skin feeling lighter and cleaner. This facial also helps to regulate oil production, so you’ll notice fewer breakouts afterward. Plus, the gentle massage techniques improve blood flow and help with lymphatic drainage; which means less puffiness and a more refreshed look.
“After my deep cleansing facial, my skin felt smoother and less oily within a week!” Sarah.
2-Chemical Peels: For Persistent Acne and Scars
If your skin feels rough and uneven, a Chemical Peel might be your answer. These peels use ingredients like salicylic acid (great for acne), glycolic acid (for exfoliating), and lactic acid (for hydration). The peel works by dissolving the outer layer of dead skin, helping to clear out clogged pores and reduce dark marks from past breakouts. The result? Smoother skin with fewer bumps and less redness.
Dr. Jane Smith, one of our esteemed dermatologist, states,”Salicylic acid peels are particularly effective for reducing inflammatory acne lesions”.
Don’t worry; you might feel a bit of tingling, but your esthetician will neutralize the peel once it’s done. Just make sure to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen afterward since your skin will be a little more sensitive.
3-Hydrafacial: For Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
If your skin is sensitive but still breaking out, a Hydrafacial is the way to go. This treatment uses a fancy vortex fusion machine to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin all at once. It’s gentle but super effective; it sucks out dirt, oil, and dead skin while infusing your skin with nourishing peptides and essential oils.
The best part? There’s no downtime, and your skin will look glowy and refreshed right away. If you’re tired of harsh treatments that leave your skin red and irritated, the Hydrafacial could be a game-changer.
4-LED Light Therapy Facial: For Inflammatory and Cystic Acne
Got those deep, painful breakouts that don’t seem to budge? That’s where LED Light Therapy comes in. Blue light works to kill the acne-causing bacteria hiding under your skin, while red light reduces redness and helps your skin heal faster. It’s totally painless; you just sit under the light and relax while the magic happens.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for something non-invasive but effective for stubborn acne. Regular sessions can seriously cut down on flare-ups and help your skin look calmer and more even. Results can be seen after 4–6 treatments!
5-Microdermabrasion: For Acne Scars and Uneven Texture
If acne scars and uneven texture are driving you crazy, you might want to try Microdermabrasion. This treatment uses a diamond-tipped wand (or crystal-tipped wand) to gently buff away the top layer of skin, helping to fade scars and smooth out rough patches. It also boosts collagen production, which means your skin will look plumper and more even over time.
The whole process takes about 30 to 40 minutes and involves minimal discomfort; just a light scratching sensation. Afterward, your skin will feel smooth and refreshed, but a little redness is normal. Emily mentioned that after 3 sessions of microdermabrasion, her scars were visibly lighter.
6-Oxygen Facial: For Dull, Stressed Skin
If your skin is looking dull and tired, an Oxygen Facial could be just what you need. This treatment delivers pure oxygen and nutrients directly to your skin, helping to detoxify and hydrate it. It also boosts circulation and encourages cell renewal, so your skin looks brighter and more even.
The oxygen infusion feels super refreshing, and the added hydration makes your skin look plumper and healthier. If your skin feels stressed out from environmental damage or harsh treatments, an Oxygen Facial will leave you looking (and feeling) more balanced and radiant.
How to Choose the Best Facial for Your Skin Type?
Choosing the right facial for acne-prone skin isn’t as simple as picking the most popular one; it really depends on the type of acne you’re dealing with.
Now, let’s break down the most common acne types and which facials work best for each:
| Acne Type | Description | Recommended Facials | Why It Works? |
| Blackheads | Open comedones caused by clogged pores filled with oil and dead skin cells. | – Deep Cleansing Facial
– Microdermabrasion Facial – Decongesting Facial |
These facials involve steam, extractions, and gentle exfoliation to clear out clogged pores and remove impurities. |
| Whiteheads | Closed comedones where oil and dead skin cells are trapped beneath the surface. | – Deep Cleansing Facial
– Hydrafacial |
Helps to unclog pores and reduce buildup using mild exfoliation and hydration. |
| Papules | Small, red, inflamed bumps without pus. | – LED Facial (Blue Light Therapy)
– Hydrafacial |
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, blue light therapy targets and destroys acne-causing bacteria. Hydrafacials help with mild exfoliation and hydration. |
| Pustules | Red bumps with a white or yellow pus-filled center. | – Deep Cleansing Facial
– Enzyme Facial |
Deep cleansing removes excess oil and bacteria, while enzyme facials gently exfoliate without irritation. |
| Cysts | Large, painful bumps deep under the skin, often filled with pus. | – LED Facial (Blue Light Therapy)
– Hydrafacial |
Blue light targets deep-rooted bacteria, while Hydrafacials help to reduce inflammation without aggravating the skin. |
| Nodules | Hard, painful lumps beneath the skin. | – LED Facial (Red and Blue Light Therapy)
– Microdermabrasion Facial (once healed) |
Blue light reduces inflammation, while red light promotes healing. Microdermabrasion can help reduce scarring once the nodule subsides. |
| Atrophic Scars | Depressed scars from previous acne breakouts. | – Microdermabrasion Facial
– Chemical Peel |
Stimulates collagen production and smooths uneven texture. |
| Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars | Raised, thick scars caused by excess collagen production. | – LED Facial (Red Light Therapy)
– Enzyme Facial |
Red light helps to soften scar tissue, while enzyme facials improve skin texture. |
| Discoloration | Dark spots left behind after acne heals. | – Brightening Facial
– Chemical Peel (Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid) |
Brightening facials target melanin, while chemical peels promote skin renewal and even skin tone. |
Why Professional Assessment Matters?
Not all acne is the same, and what works for one person might make things worse for someone else. That’s why it’s important to consult a dermatologist or esthetician before starting any treatment. If you’ve got minor acne (like a few blackheads or whiteheads), a gentle deep cleansing facial or a hydrating facial might be enough.
But if you’re dealing with moderate acne (more than 30 lesions or inflamed breakouts), you may need a combination of facials and prescription medication.
For severe acne; think deep cysts, nodules, and painful pustules; professional treatments like LED therapy or chemical peels can help, but they need to be carefully managed to avoid further irritation. That’s where a professional’s expertise makes all the difference.
Pro Tip:
- If you have oily skin or frequent breakouts, regular facials (once every 4–6 weeks) can help keep your skin balanced and prevent future breakouts.
- For sensitive skin, avoid harsh extractions and stick to gentler treatments like a Hydrafacial or an Enzyme Facial.
- If you’ve recently had a breakout, skip chemical peels or microdermabrasion until your skin has calmed down; otherwise, you could end up with more irritation.
Watch Out for These Facial Side Effects
Facials can work wonders for your skin, but let’s be honest — they don’t always go off without a hitch. If your treatment involves intense exfoliation or too many extractions, you might experience:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Breakouts (a.k.a. the purging phase)
Why the Purging Phase Happens After a Facial
When your pores are cleared out, all the trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin come to the surface, which can lead to a temporary breakout. Here’s why:
✅ It’s a sign that your skin is purging impurities and beginning to heal.
✅ Approximately 20% of people experience mild breakouts post-facial as part of the purging process.
✅ The key is to avoid picking or squeezing; this can spread bacteria and make the breakout worse. Let your skin heal naturally.
LED Therapy and Microdermabrasion Can Cause Sensitivity
Certain treatments can be harsh on sensitive skin:
- LED Therapy: Can cause mild burning or stinging.
- Microdermabrasion: Might lead to slight bruising or sensitivity.
How to Soothe It:
- Apply a cold compress to reduce redness and swelling.
- Use a fragrance-free moisturizer to calm your skin.
Avoid microdermabrasion if:
- You’ve used Isotretinoin (like Accutane) in the last six months.
- You have deep acne scars; consult a skincare professional first to avoid complications.
How to Baby Your Skin After a Facial?
Okay, you’ve had your facial; now what? Here’s how to keep your skin calm and happy afterward:
When to Book Your Next Facial?
Wondering when to go back for round two? It depends on your skin. If you’re dealing with mild acne or just looking to maintain your glow, once every 4–6 weeks is usually enough. But if you’re treating more serious breakouts or scarring, your esthetician might recommend more frequent sessions. Just check in with your specialist; they’ll help you figure out what’s best.
Conclusion
Getting the right facial can make all the difference when it comes to combatting acne and achieving clear, radiant skin. The key is to choose a facial that suits your skin type and specific skin concerns.
Remember, real results often take more than one session, so consistency matters. If you’re not sure where to start, booking an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetic professional is a smart move.
A tailored treatment course can improve skin texture, reduce residual effects of past breakouts, and leave you with a glowing complexion and renewed self-confidence. So why wait? Taking that first step toward clear skin starts with the right facial; your future self will thank you!
FAQs
How often should you get a facial for acne?
For mild to moderate acne, facials every 4-6 weeks can be beneficial. In cases of severe or cystic acne, more frequent treatments, such as every 2-3 weeks, may be recommended initially.
Can facials make acne worse?
Yes, certain facials can exacerbate acne, especially if they involve harsh treatments or are performed on inflamed skin. It’s essential to consult with a dermatologist before undergoing facials for acne-prone skin.
Are facials good for cystic acne?
Facials are generally not recommended for severe, inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne, as they can lead to increased inflammation and potential scarring. Overly aggressive extractions can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring!
Can you get a facial while using prescription acne medication (retinoids, Accutane, antibiotics)?
Dr. Jane Smith advises, ‘Wait at least one month after stopping retinoids before considering a chemical peel.
