What Is an Acne Facial?

Pre-Facial: The Consultation Form

The very first thing you'll do when you arrive at at the dermatology office, salon, or spa is fill out a client consultation form. And these can be very detailed!

Your skin care therapist will need to know about your skin, as well as your health history and any medications you're using—whether they're for the skin or not.

Among other reasons, it's because some medications (like antibiotics and some steroids) can increase your sensitivity to sunlight or otherwise limit the benefits of an acne facial.

Researchers have shown that certain creams, cleansers, and make-up can be important adjunct treatments alongside your medications, in some cases even decreasing their side effects. So it's important to provide a complete history.

Prep: The Treatment Room

After the client consultation form is filled out, the esthetician will then escort you back to the treatment room.

They will step out for a moment while you change into a gown, which fits under your arms like a tube top or strapless dress, or simply remove your shirt.

Once changed, you'll lie down on the treatment bed. Your esthetician will likely take a few minutes to ensure they've gathered the appropriate products for your skin type and treatment, and explained to you what you can expect.

Facial Step 1: Deep Cleansing

You may choose to come to your acne treatment facial with makeup-free skin, but it's not necessary. Your esthetician will begin by removing any makeup and doing a thorough cleansing.

After the first cleansing, your skin will be cleansed again to make sure all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup are removed. The cleansing isn't just for your face. Your neck, chest, and shoulders may also be treated, depending on your acne concerns.

Certain cleansers, such as those with alpha-hydroxy acids, are common in skin care and can help to prevent acne. Don't hesitate to ask your provider about the products they use.

Facial Step 2: Steam Treatment

Some acne facial treatments include steaming with a special steamer machine. It billows warm steam over your face for several minutes.

Although most people think the steam is to "open" the pores, that's not really the case. What the steam actually does is soften the pores, along with any plugs of sebaceous matter that may be in them, so they can more easily be cleaned out.

If the steam gets too warm for you, let your esthetician know. They'll move it back a few inches so you're more comfortable.

Facial Step 3: Exfoliation Procedure

Exfoliation is an important step in any facial, but especially for acne treatment facials. Exfoliating procedures help remove dead skin cells and debris that can clog your pores. An added benefit is it leaves your skin feeling super soft and smooth.

There are many exfoliating options, from a simple scrub to microdermabrasion to superficial chemical peels. Salicylic acid peels are commonly used during acne treatment facials and have been shown to be effective.

The type of exfoliation procedure your esthetician uses will depend on your skin and also the type of acne medications you're currently using.

If you're using topical retinoids or isotretinoin, your esthetician will do an extremely gentle exfoliation or none at all. That's because these medications already ultra-exfoliate the skin.

Facial Step 4: Blemish Extractions

Acne facial treatments often include the removal of comedones (blackheads) from your pores. Extractions are done by applying gentle pressure either with the fingers or with a small tool called a comedone extractor.

Extractions may not be entirely comfortable, but they offer benefits for acne care. They shouldn't hurt, so tell your esthetician if you're feeling pain.

Facial Step 5: Application of a Mask

For your acne facial, an esthetician will determine what type of mask will be most beneficial to your skin. It's usually applied with a small brush.

Sulfur masks are often used during acne treatment facials because sulfur can be helpful in clearing acne. For super oily skin types, an oil-absorbing clay mask may be used instead. Or, if your skin is a bit red from inflamed pimples or from the extractions, a soothing mask might be the best choice.

Some providers are looking at how clay masks can be used to deliver additional agents, such as infusing the clay mask with tea tree oil when treating acne.

While the mask is setting, an esthetician may treat you to a neck and shoulder massage, or massage your hands and arms.

Facial Step 6: Toner or Astringent

Once the mask is removed, a toner or astringent is applied over the entire skin. Although toners and astringents are similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences.

Astringents are meant to remove excess oil from the skin. They leave the skin feeling fresh and looking matte. Astringents often contain alcohol to give the skin a tight and cool feeling.

Toners, on the other hand, aren't oil-removing. They tend to be gentler so they're appropriate for dry or sensitive skin types. Unlike astringents, toners contain very little to no alcohol.

The esthetician will choose a toner or astringent for you, depending on your skin's needs.

Facial Step 7: Moisturizer and Sun Protection

The last step of your facial treatment is an application of moisturizer and sunscreen.

A light, noncomedogenic moisturizer will be applied over your entire face, neck, and chest area. The moisturizer will be for acne-prone skin so it won't leave you feeling super oily or clog your pores.

Sun protection is important every day. Daily sunscreen use will protect your skin from premature aging, dark spots and uneven skin tone, and skin cancer.

A Word From Verywell

In some cases, acne facials can be helpful in creating and maintaining clear skin. But acne facials alone won't completely clear your skin, so you'll still need daily acne treatment. If you're under the care of a dermatologist, always get their OK before you make an appointment for your acne facial.