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Question: Can I get a facial if I have active acne?

Answer:

You can get a facial treatment if you have active acne, however, I generally advise against doing so.

Unless you are getting an extraction type of facial, it's best to wait until your skin has cleared up before getting anything done.

In my opinion, there are two types of facials: one that's a spa-type of pampering facial and the other that involves more "invasive" treatments like chemical peels, lasers, or microdermabrasion.

A pampering-type of facial (with facial massages, essential oil treatments, and relaxing background music) may not hurt, but since they seem like they won't do much for acne, they're a waste of money. For these luxurious types of facials, you also want to be careful because some essential oils or plant extracts used on your skin may be irritating for acne-prones.

Most of the other kinds of facial treatments involve some kind of chemical exfoliation and when you have active acne, these procedures will only irritate your acne even more. Chemical peels, laser, and microdermabrasion exfoliate the surface of your skin, bringing stuff from the inside to the surface, and can make your skin look worse as it "purges". (That's why you should always get facials two weeks in advance before a big day. NEVER on the day or a few days before the day!)

If you think getting monthly facials will clear your skin, you're going to be sorely disappointed. It's better to invest that money (hey, facials are expensive!) in good skin care products and daily acne treatments.

In my opinion, facials are only worth it after you've cleared your skin because facials don't do much to prevent or treat acne, but are awesome for red marks, scars, and evening out skin tone.

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