Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S. and affects over 40 million people of all ages.  Mild to moderate acne tends to respond well to regular cleansing with good skincare and facial treatments.

What causes acne?

Bacteria. Hormones. Clogged pores. You probably know they all contribute to acne, but the truth is no one knows exactly what causes it. Most experts agree that there are factors that tend to aggravate the condition, including:

• Hormones: Acne can flare up in teens and adults—especially women during pregnancy, menstrual periods and menopause.
• Prescription drugs: Products such as lithium and steroids can contribute to congested skin and breakouts.
• Genetics: One study found that this was true of 50% of adults with acne.
• Comedogenic ingredients: Using oily skin care and some hair products can block pores, which can lead to breakouts.
• Stress: Stress won’t cause acne, but it can aggravate the hormones that do. The higher the stress level, the higher the occurrence of acne.
• Sweat: sweat-soaked clothes can be problematic and cause an obstruction of the pores when the bacteria within sweat mingles with dead skin cells and creates a plug of debris.
• Friction from clothing: For some, the pressure from helmets, chinstraps, and collars can aggravate acne.
• Some professions: Exposure to industrial products, such as oils used in metal-cutting, may produce acne.

What Can I Do To Treat My Acne?

A Daily Skin Care Regimen and Regular Facials

If you’re considering having a facial, you may wonder, “Do facials help acne, even if I perform a daily acne care regimen at home?” While the type of products you use at home may affect how useful a facial is to your acne, the tips and advice a skincare professional can give you during an Acne Facial can be extremely helpful.  Products used by your esthetician in a facial service often have a higher concentration of active ingredients to improve efficacy than the products you purchase for home use.

As the esthetician performs the facial, discuss with her what types of products you use at home, what ingredients they contain, and how long you have been using them. (Bring them in or take a photo of them on your phone for accuracy).  Discussing your regimen with the esthetician may give you insight into whether your current acne treatment is right for your skin type and she can make you aware of products that may be helpful in treating your acne.

Consistency is Key

Whether facials help control acne or prevent future breakouts depends on a couple of factors, including having a consistent acne treatment regimen at home and scheduling regular facials.  This will help keep your pores clear of the debris that causes breakouts. Be sure to share with your esthetician which products you have been using per her advice and whether it’s been effective for you.

Consistent visits will help enhance the type of regimen you do at home, especially since one of the main routines in having a facial is to give the skin a thorough cleansing. Deep cleansing will help keep your skin clear, depending on the type of acne you have. Do facials help acne? While you should not see them as a cure for blemishes, they will enhance home regimens, and the advice and education you get from estheticians can elevate the way you treat your acne.

Acne Facials and Skincare at Elixir

Acne Treatment Healing The Skin You’re In

Get in the clear with this pore-purifying acne facial.  Using Salicylic Acid to deeply and effectively cleanse the skin, this curative treatment will dissolve oil and help to control bacteria.  Excellent for helping with inflammation and rebuilding the pore wall.  The results are a balanced, refined complexion.  60 minutes – $115

Clear Intentions Back Facial Detoxifying & Purifying

Congestion doesn’t just happen on our faces – it happens all over the body. This detoxifying and purifying treatment for your back is designed to remove impurities and toxins and is ideal for congested skin. Using lymphatic drainage massage, a combination of dry brushing and anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory enzymatic exfoliation, your skin is left renewed and clarified. Manual pore extraction is performed for the removal of bacteria and congestion. One treatment will boost your home care exfoliation regime, and regular treatments will create dramatic improvement. Let’s be clear, this treatment is intended for you!  45 minutes – $85

Pregnancy Facial When Hormones Go Into Overdrive

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make for some dramatic changes in the skin. Increased circulation can cause flushing, increased oil production causes congestion and a sensitivity to the sun can cause pigmentation changes. This activating yet soothing treatment cleanses and restores your skin to its natural and beautiful balance. Organic fruit enzymes dissolve dead skin and cleanse pores, thereby stimulating the dermis to manufacture more collagen and elastin without the harsh side effects of a chemical peel. At Elixir we use only pregnancy safe, clean, and effective ARCONA products. Perfect for nursing moms, too.  Bonus! You can safely receive facials throughout your pregnancy, even in the first trimester! 60 minutes – $125