OT: facials for acne-prone skin

i finally took the beauty spa plunge after my sister's generous x-mas gift certificate!
struggles with acne since puberty (i am 31 now), have taken me through drugstore cleansers, accutane, proactiv, and now...extractions (eek!) and the dadashie acne system.

i'm going to jump into some of my experiences and questions. if icky details make you feel squeamish, please do not continue! ok, here we go:

my first 2 visits included extractions and a small, dull 'spatula' thing to slough off dead skin. the extractions hurt, and each time, left me with a few bloodied pores, a few more inflamed...they healed up within a few days, and boy did my skin feel smooth and clear! i follow up with the dadashie acne routine (i can give details if desired).

however, the lady who worked on me said it would take WEEKLY visits, up to 4 MONTHS, before things were under control. now, i signed up for the no-frills (aka less expensive) package that focuses on procedure rather than extra pampering. however, is her 'recommendation' valid given my acne situation (which is more on the bump/blackhead/whitehead side than cyst) or an excuse to make more money?

i asked a friend with facial experience of this kind, and she said ~3 week intervals seem more standard.

this business has gotten many 4-5 star reviews from yelp.com, so i don't want to run away if i just need to ride it out for a while.

please help! my 3rd appointment is next week. thanks so much...

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay for facials! You know I’m a fan.

Facials come is all sorts and it is very possible that you need a particular type of weekly facial. But the norm is 4 weeks for a standard facial because it takes 28 days for skin cells to renew themselves.

I have no experience with acne skin, but I would suggest seeing a dermatologist.

marianna

Veteran

I have had acne skin all my life too and when it was really bad as a teenager I would go in for very frequent facials... lots of extractions too. I think you're doing the right thing and the esthetician sounds legit, but every week does sound a bit extreme especially when you're doing extractions! Facials never got rid of acne for me, but they did help control it. It might be different with adult acne though. I'd keep getting the facials but be patient if it takes a while to get rid of the acne. Good luck!

cyan45

Active Member

thank you angie and marianna! i've decided to shift my budget from clothes to
skin maintenance, and hope to reap the benefits in the near future

Anonymous

Congrats on your decision cyan. I am considering facials too but I am on the other end of a spectrum, being 55, no acne, dealing with aging skin. I guess I am at a loss as to how to go about finding the right estetician in my community. The dermatology clinic has just last year hired an estetician. I am considering going to her but I know she is also going to try to sell cosmetics to me. I met her once and she has already showed me her line of cosmetics. I am reluctant because I have seen an estetician who I felt did an outstanding job, but I have since moved away from her. I have seen an estetician here who rented a room where I had my hair done and I didn't feel she was doing anymore than I could do myself at home, so... I'm left thinking someday I really should get regular facials.

san, i don't know much about facial details for aging skin, but apparently a mineral makeup line called dermatologie (i THINK), specializes in the aging skin needs. i was
given a few samples to try after my appointment, which was nice.

do you have something like yelp.com for business reviews? i have found it helpful for getting a feel of all sorts of places...the dermatologist sounds like a good idea too...

I have not heard of yelp.com. Thankyou I'll give it a try.

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