Dealing with acne can be frustrating, especially when it seems like nothing you do will make them go away.
One option that many people turn to is facials. But, here’s the kicker – not all facials are equally effective and they need to be chosen according to the type of acne you’re dealing with, so proper assessment is key.
So, in this article, we’ll explore some of the best facials for acne and discuss their benefits, plus how they work to combat this frustrating skin condition.
How to Choose the Best Facials for Acne Types?
In most cases, acne happens because the pores in your skin are clogged due to oil, bacteria, or skin cell production – or because of hormonal changes.
However, not all acne is the same, and the treatment for one type may not work for another. Understanding the type of acne you have is crucial for choosing the right treatment and achieving clear, healthy skin. Plus, it can also help you prevent future breakouts.
Image source: Freepik
So, How Do I Know What Type of Acne I Have?
If you’re experiencing acne, it’s important to pay attention to the characteristics of your breakouts, such as their color, texture, and size. Let’s explain different types of acne to help you identify which ones you’re dealing with:
Comedonal Acne
Comedonal acne is the most common type of acne, often referred to as whiteheads and blackheads.
Whiteheads, little white bumps on top of your skin, are closed comedones that happen when your pores become clogged all the way through. They can’t be squeezed out, unlike blackheads which can be removed because the pore remains open. This is why blackheads are referred to as open comedones.
Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne is the medical name for pimples. There are two types of pimples: papules – small red bumps, and pustules – budging bumps with a white (or yellowish) center and red, with inflamed skin surrounding them.
Nodulocystic Acne
This is arguably the worst type of acne. It manifests as severe, deep breakouts that can be painful and leave scars. And it’s quite often associated with hormonal acne.
Nodular acne occurs when pores become clogged and inflamed, resulting in hard flesh-colored or red bumps deep beneath the skin’s surface.
Acne cysts, on the other hand, are filled with pus, causing large, inflamed, and painful bumps with a soft texture that can burst and spread the infection to the surrounding skin.
You can see visual examples of all these types of acne here.
NOTE
Keep in mind that a person can have more than one type of acne at the same time. The cause of acne may be anything from hormonal imbalances, to stress, and other underlying health conditions. It’s always best to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Which Facial Works Best for Your Type of Acne?
Facials are an effective way to treat acne. But you need to find the right facial for acne-prone skin – and the best facial treatment for each type of acne specifically.
It’s important to note that facials can’t get rid of acne on their own. Facials should be combined with proper (dermatologist-prescribed) treatments, oral and topical ones.
Comedonal acne, for example, is quite easy to treat and can be resolved with over-the-counter medications containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
Inflammatory acne requires a more aggressive approach, such as prescription topical antibiotics or oral medication.
But the most difficult acne to treat is cystic and nodular acne. Their treatment may require both prescription oral medications, such as isotretinoin, and targeted topical treatments.
So, you shouldn’t really rely on facials alone, but seek professional intervention instead.
Best Facial for Whiteheads and Blackhead Removal: Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. It can help to unclog pores, reduce oil production, and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Microdermabrasion is one of the best facial for blackhead removal, as it involves using a special rough-surfaced device to gently remove the top layer of skin, which can help unclog pores and remove blackheads.
Since physical exfoliation helps improve texture and suction helps vacuum up the debris from the pores, microdermabrasion is very effective in treating comedonal acne. You can read exactly how microdermabrasion helps treat acne here.
Image source: Instagram @bydidemhelvaci
Best Facial for Hormonal Acne: Salicylic Acid Peel
Hormonal acne is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body, which can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores. The best treatment for hormonal acne is one that addresses these underlying issues – which is something you need to see a doctor for.
But when it comes to the best facial for hormonal acne, it’s probably chemical peel. This type of facial uses a combination of acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, to exfoliate the skin and reduce oil production.
Chemical peels can be customized to meet the needs of each individual and may be repeated every few weeks for optimal results.
Image source: Instagram @r.n.r._renewed_reflections
Best Facial for Cystic Acne: LED Light Therapy
It can be challenging to treat cystic acne, but LED facials can be an effective treatment for reducing the severity and frequency of cystic acne breakouts.
LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation. Blue light therapy, in particular, can help to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Blue light therapy devices are the perfect alternative for prompt and proper treatment of these skin conditions. Read more about the benefits blue LED therapy devices have for acne-prone skin here.
Image source: Instagram @dermaluxled
Best Facial Treatment for Acne Scars: Microneedling
Since microneedling can’t be done over active acne as it’ll just spread the infection all over the face, there’s not much it can do for the active breakout (you can read about that here). But what it can help with is acne scars.
Microneedling is the best facial for acne scars and dark spots. This treatment involves using a device with very fine needles to create micro-wounds in the skin. This process stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve overall skin texture and tone.
Plus, by creating tiny channels in the skin, microneedling can help skincare products penetrate more deeply into the skin and make them more efficient in fighting acne.
Learn more about microneedling for acne scars here.
Image source: Instagram @luxseriessalon
Best Facial for Acne Prone Skin: Dermaplaning
As one of the best facial for oily acne prone skin, dermaplaning involves scraping the skin’s surface with a very sharp blade – which means it can’t be done over any active breakouts.
By removing dead skin cells, dermaplaning can help prevent clogged pores and keep these impurities from causing acne in the future. Plus, it also allows skincare products to penetrate more deeply into the skin and increase their effects.
Read more about the benefits of dermaplaning here.
Image source: Instagram @skinrae_
To Sum Up…
Facials can be an effective way to improve the appearance and health of acne-prone skin.
There are many types of facials available, so it’s important to choose one that is best suited to your skin type and specific concerns. Make sure to always consult with a skincare professional before booking a treatment.
Cover image source: Freepik
