A series of acne facials can be an excellent addition to your acne treatment regimen to help keep your skin smooth and free of blemishes. This procedure quickly removes blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores in a single session. Our aesthetician will gently extract acne lesions and follow this with a soothing facial steam treatment and masque to aerate and unclog pores. Acne facials are often ordered by our doctors to help promote rapid clearing of acne lesions. A shorter version of this facial treatment focusing mainly on extraction of lesions is also available. The cost of these procedures is usually covered by insurance.

Acne is one of the most common of all skin problems, characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and, in some people, deep painful bumps that look and feel like boils. When it's severe, acne can cause permanent scarring of the skin. There are many factors which contribute to the development of acne, including hormones and genetics. The most common reason is due to hormones. When hormones surge during puberty or pregnancy, the sebaceous glands enlarge in the areas where acne occurs. There is also a genetic component involved with acne. Individuals may inherit an increased chance of suffering from acne if their parents did.

Acne occurs when the lining of the wall of the hair follicle sheds skin cells, which then stick together with the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. This causes a plug to form below the surface of the skin. This plug cannot be washed away. This process can take days to weeks for a visible lesion to form. Whiteheads and blackheads are the result. The sebum and cell debris together contribute to the growth of bacteria that naturally live in your pores. Your body's own immune system will naturally attempt to clear the clogged pores by sending in certain specialized cells that invade the follicle to help clean it up. However, in the process, the wall of the follicle may weaken and rupture, emptying the contents of the follicle into the surrounding tissue. When this occurs, swelling or redness can develop around the affected follicle, resulting in the larger bumps or pimples characteristic of acne. These are known as papules and pustules and can sometimes cause scarring.

There are several significant advantages to using acne facials plus extractions in the treatment of acne patients with cysts and scarring, as compared to other standard acne treatments (including oral antibiotics and topical medications).

• Excellent for removal of blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores
• Promotes rapid healing of acne lesions and clears infections quickly
• Heal, refine and balance skin problems, bringing them under control
• Prevents spread of infection as it cleanses, disinfects and gently stimulates the skin to improve functioning
• Treatment works well in combination with your topical and oral medications under the supervision of your doctor
• Usually covered by insurance

An acne facial treatment begins with deep cleansing and proper exfoliation. An application of ozone steam follows, as this is corrective in action and very therapeutic. Follicles become soft and now ready for gentle extractions. Blemishes are purified, soothed and the skin is left protected. Not all lesions can be removed during one treatment and you may be advised to return for a follow-up treatments as needed.

There is no real preparation you need to do for your acne facial. Simply arrive at our clinic and our aesthetician will take of you.

Be consistent in using your prescribed acne medication and maintaining your skin care routine at home. Patients are advised to not pick at their skin as this can lead to scarring and discoloration. Be cautious as to what you apply to your skin as certain ingredients in products are comedogenic and can aggravate acne. Feel free to discuss your at-home- acne regimen with our aesthetician.