Acne is an aggravating condition that can affect people of all ages. It’s often hard for doctors and dermatologists to pinpoint the causes of acne. While it is generally agreed that increases in stress, fluctuations in hormones, and inadequate facial cleansing habits can result in breakouts, genetics and other factors can also play a significant role in the presence of acne. The result, for many, is a frustrating search for acne treatment and a perpetual quest to find products that won’t exacerbate the condition. Since most acne patients tend to be rather cautious when it comes to their skin (and rightfully so), many sufferers from acne are quick to assume that medical spa facials are probably not right for them. However, according to Santo Criscuolo, owner of Kirkland, Washington’s Ambrosia Medspa, several medical spa treatments are simple, safe, and extremely effective for acne patients.
Acne patients are actually good candidates for microdermabrasion. The more a person exfoliates her skin, the clearer her pores are likely to be. And the cleaner her pores are, the less likely acne is to pop up uninvited. Since microdermabrasion works to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, it can clean pores and reduce the likelihood of bacteria seeping its way into the skin to cause breakouts. The general goal of many acne treatments and cleansers is to keep dirt and bacteria from clogging pores. Since microdermabrasion reaches deeper than the average self-applied cream, it can actually be an effective solution for acne prevention and management.
Finding the right moisturizer can also be helpful in reducing your chances of getting another outbreak. A medical-grade product (the type sold at medical spas) is usually bound to be better for the skin than a standard drugstore product since it won’t contain bacteria and might even have certain healing properties as part of its formula. Many medical spas sell cleaners with salicylic acid that are effective in killing bacteria and eliminating bacterial sources of acne. Such products are often suggested in conjunction with a microdermabrasion or facial treatment.
Of course, if you’re an acne patient considering treatment at a medical spa, then be sure to tell your skin care consultant if you are taking any acne medications or using any specific treatment gels or creams. This way, your medical spa professional can take the steps to ensure that the products involved in your spa treatment won’t interact with your usual acne treatment in a harmful fashion. You should also make your medical spa consultant aware of any skin allergies or sensitivities that you are concerned about. The more information you share, the lesser your chances of having an adverse reaction to your treatment.
While acne might interfere with your life in other ways, it shouldn’t have to interfere with your next medical spa visit. Remember, a good medical spa professional can help you select the treatments that will work to help — not hurt - your skin. Acne can certainly be a frustrating condition. But try to maintain the positive line of thinking that one day, your skin troubles will be nothing but a memory.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
