| In order to appreciate
how a facial can serve as a treatment for acne, one
needs to know about the basic steps in a typical facial.
Typical facials for acne treatment are used in lieu
of laser acne treatment or exposed acne treatment. Each
step in a professional facial is performed by an esthetician.
The skin care professional begins the facial by cleansing
the facial skin.
Next the esthetician examines the skin on each part
of the client’s face. The esthetician puts eye
pads over the eyes of the client which is a precaution
that allows the esthetician to expose the facial skin
to a bright magnifying light. Aided by the light, the
esthetician analyzes the condition of the skin.
The facial then proceeds with the exfoliation of the
facial skin. Hot vapor streams over the face during
exfoliation to reduce damage to the skin. Depending
on the skin type of the client, a facial can include
the removal of blackheads.
Some skin types undergo damage to skin capillaries during
that removal process. All facials include a period where
the client can relax and enjoy the stimulation of their
facial muscles.
Europeans have introduced a “mini facial"
which includes cleansing but no extractions. A mini
facial would not help a client who needs thorough acne
treatment. Some European women also enjoy specialty
facials. During these facials a special ingredient is
added to the final step. That last step involves the
use of a skin mask.
Only after the stimulation of the skin muscles does
the esthetician apply a mask to the facial skin. The
nature of the mask is determined by the skin type of
the client. A mask that suits a client with oily skin
will not work on a client with dry skin.
After the facial, the esthetician usually talks with
the client about follow-up acne
skin care. This skin care should focus on avoidance
of factors that can encourage the recurrence of acne
flare-ups. This skin care may include the use of acne
fighting cosmetics. A growing number of cosmetic manufacturers
have decided to put acne-fighting ingredients into their
make-up. Salicylic acid is the ingredient now listed
most frequently among the ingredients of the familiar
cosmetics. Salicylic acid has been added to both moisturizers
and foundations.
The amount of salicylic acid in a cosmetic for adult
women does not dry the skin in the same way that acne
products for teens can dry the skin. Sometimes too,
the newer cosmetics include anti-aging ingredients,
along with anti-acne ingredients. The combination of
acne
prevention ingredients and non-drying formulas can
change make-up from an acne causing agent, to an acne
remedy.
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