People don't normally connect facials with acne treatments, but as a procedure for wrinkles. In order to fully understand how a facial can serve as a treatment for acne, one needs to know the basics of a typical facial. Facials as an acne treatment are actually used more often than laser acne treatment or exposed acne treatment.

The Facial: General Steps

Each step in a formal facial is performed by a trained professional, called an esthetician. The face is first cleansed by the esthetician. Next, the esthetician examines the client's face closely. The client's eyes are covered to protect against the bright light used by the esthetician in examination. Assisted by this bright light, the professional is better able to view and analyze the condition of the skin.

The facial then proceeds with exfoliation. Hot steam is used to prepare the skin and to also prevent damage. If the client has comedones as an ailment, the next procedure includes the extraction of blackheads and whiteheads. Extraction isn't recommended for everyone as some skin types have skin capillaries that are easily damaged. Many people opt for facials for the additional relaxation enjoyed during the time set aside for direct muscle stimulation.

Next, a facial mask is applied. The nature of the mask is determined by the skin type of the client. Obviously, a mask for someone with oily skin will not be targeted for someone with dry skin as an ailment.

After the facial, the esthetician usually advises the client on follow-up acne skin care. During this session, you will discuss methods to prevent and avoid factors that contribute to acne flare-ups.

Acne: The Real Causes

With regard to acne prevention, facials are not the best nor longest lasting. Extractions are helpful in that they remove comedones without causing infection (like when you pick or squeeze your pimples!) but do nothing or very little towards prevention. The force of sebum hitting the cells along the sebum ducts on its way to the surface is what causes acne. During stressful situations or periods where one secretes a lot of hormones, the sebaceous glands overproduce sebum. When sebum production increases, sebum is forced through the ducts that are not adequately prepared to handle such strength. The results are damaged sebum canal cells.

The type of sebum produced can also intensify and/or cause injury. If the body is deficient in essential fatty acids, the sebaceous glands produce a hardened form of sebum that is more irritating and more damage causing to the skin.

Because face acne is caused by the effects of sebum, a real acne remedy will control the amount of sebum made, make sure it remains liquid and assist the body in regenerating new skin cells and managing the degree of inflammation that results.

Skin Care Products

Vitamin A has been found to decrease sebum production. An easy (and the best over the counter method) way to use vitamin A is to simply consume more vegetables and fruits rich in it. You can also try retinoids, a vitamin A derivative, that comes in topical treatments and ingestible pills. The side effects can be pretty severe. Think of your friend who underwent Accutane treatment and hid under his hood for 6 months.

Another natural way to inhibit sebum activity is licorice root extract. It can be found in many topical creams in most organic and health food stores.