If you’re struggling with acne, you’ve probably tried countless products promising clear skin. But have you considered professional facials for acne? While facials might seem like a luxury spa treatment, they’re actually one of the most effective ways to treat acne and achieve the clear, healthy skin you’ve been searching for.
At Uptown Haven Wellness, we specialize in acne facials in the Fargo metro area that deliver real results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly how facials help acne, what to expect from acne facial treatments, and why professional facials should be part of your acne treatment plan.
What Are Facials for Acne?
Acne facials are specialized skincare treatments performed by licensed estheticians that target the root causes of acne breakouts. Unlike regular facials, acne facials focus specifically on clearing clogged pores, reducing inflammation, eliminating acne-causing bacteria, and preventing future breakouts.
Professional acne facials combine deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and targeted treatments using medical-grade products that aren’t available over the counter. This multi-step approach addresses acne at every stage, from preventing clogged pores to healing active breakouts.
How Do Facials Help Acne? The Science Behind Clear Skin
1. Professional Extraction Clears Clogged Pores
One of the most powerful benefits of facials for acne is professional extraction. Clogged pores filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria are the foundation of acne. While it’s tempting to squeeze pimples at home, improper extraction can push bacteria deeper into your skin, cause scarring, and make acne worse.
During an acne facial, your esthetician performs extractions using proper techniques after your pores have been softened with steam. Professional extraction removes blackheads, whiteheads, and comedones safely, preventing them from developing into inflamed acne lesions.
2. Deep Cleansing Removes Acne-Causing Impurities
Acne facials provide deep cleansing that goes far beyond your daily skincare routine. Professional-grade cleansers remove dirt, excess oil, makeup residue, and environmental pollutants that accumulate in your pores throughout the day. This thorough cleansing helps prevent the buildup that leads to breakouts.
3. Exfoliation Prevents Dead Skin Cell Buildup
Dead skin cells are a major contributor to acne. When they accumulate on your skin’s surface, they mix with oil and clog your pores, creating the perfect environment for acne bacteria to multiply.
Acne facials include professional exfoliation using chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients penetrate deeper than at-home scrubs, effectively removing dead skin cells and promoting healthy cell turnover. Regular exfoliation through facials helps keep pores clear and prevents acne before it starts.
4. Targeted Acne-Fighting Ingredients
Professional facials for acne utilize powerful, clinical-strength ingredients that effectively combat breakouts. Your esthetician will customize your acne facial with the right combination of these ingredients based on your specific acne type and skin sensitivity.
5. Reduces Inflammation and Balances Oil Production
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition. Professional facials for acne include calming, anti-inflammatory treatments that reduce redness and swelling, helping active breakouts heal faster. Additionally, acne facials help balance your skin’s oil production by normalizing sebum levels without over-drying, breaking the cycle of excess oil that contributes to breakouts.
6. Prevents Acne Scarring
One of the most important benefits of facials for acne is preventing scarring. Professional acne facials address breakouts early through proper extraction and treatment, minimizing the risk of permanent scarring. The exfoliation and cell turnover promoted by regular facials also help fade existing post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation more quickly.
Types of Facials for Acne-Prone Skin
At Uptown Haven Wellness, we offer customized acne facials near the Fargo/Moorhead area that are tailored to your specific needs:
Acne Facial
This is our signature acne treatment. It begins with double cleansing and steam to open pores, followed by precise extractions to prevent bacteria spread. A customized mask or peel is applied, and high-frequency therapy targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing for clearer skin.
Customized Facial
This personalized facial is designed for all skin types and targets your unique acne concerns. Includes gentle cleansing, hydrating steam with extractions, exfoliation, an upper body massage, and a customized treatment mask tailored to your skin’s needs.
Honey Brightening Facial
This gentle treatment brightens skin, targets hyperpigmentation and acne marks, strengthens the skin barrier, and boosts cellular turnover through gentle exfoliation for a radiant, even-toned complexion.
Dry Microderm
A skin resurfacing procedure that removes damaged and dead skin to reveal healthier-looking skin with a brighter appearance and improved overall tone and texture.
GENEOx Glo2 Facial
A 3-in-1 treatment featuring patented Oxfoliation™ for gentle exfoliation and natural oxygenation, Lite Ultrasound micro-vibrations to enhance serum absorption, and a detoxifying lymphatic massage to reduce puffiness. Non-invasive with instant results and no downtime.
Just For Men Signature Facial
Tailored to men’s unique skincare needs, this facial offers exfoliation, expert skincare recommendations, facial massages to promote skin health, and an optional High Frequency Oxygen Therapy add-on.
Dermaplane
A non-invasive exfoliation treatment using a medical-grade scalpel to eliminate dead skin cells and peach fuzz for a renewed, velvety-smooth complexion. It can be added to any facial treatment.
What to Expect During Your Acne Facial
If you’re new to facials for acne, here’s what a typical treatment session includes:
- Consultation: Your esthetician assesses your skin and discusses your acne concerns
- Cleansing: Thorough removal of makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities
- Skin Analysis: Specialized examination to identify problem areas
- Exfoliation: Chemical or mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin cells
- Steam Treatment: Softens skin and opens pores for extraction
- Extraction: Careful removal of blackheads, whiteheads, and comedones
- Acne Treatment: Application of specialized serums, masks, or treatments
- Calming Mask: Reduces inflammation and redness
- Massage: Promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Moisturizer and SPF: Lightweight, non-comedogenic protection
Most acne facials take 60-90 minutes, and you’ll leave with noticeably clearer, smoother skin.
How Often Should You Get Facials for Acne?
We recommend receiving skincare services every 2-4 weeks based on your skincare goals, skincare type, and esthetician recommendations. Here at Uptown Haven, we are firm believers in the power of regular skin maintenance and results-driven facial treatments. Consistent upkeep is the key to properly treating acne and beautiful skin!
Facials vs. Other Acne Treatments
When dealing with acne, you have several treatment options available, from everyday drugstore products to prescription medications. Understanding how professional acne facials compare to these alternatives can help you choose the best approach for your skin. Here’s what you need to know.
Facials vs. Over-the-Counter Products: While drugstore acne products can help mild breakouts, they can’t provide the deep cleansing, professional extraction, and clinical-strength treatments you receive during an acne facial.
Facials vs. Prescription Medications: Prescription acne medications can be effective, but often come with side effects. Acne facials can complement prescription treatments, helping to manage side effects while enhancing results.
The Combined Approach: The most effective strategy combines professional facials with a proper at-home skincare routine for optimal results.
Who Should Get Facials for Acne?
Acne facials can be a game-changer for many people struggling with skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or chronic acne, professional facials offer targeted treatments that go deeper than at-home routines. Here are the groups who can benefit most from acne-focused facial treatments:
- Teenagers and adults with persistent acne breakouts often find that acne facials help control ongoing breakouts that seem resistant to basic skincare. Professional extractions and specialized treatments can clear congestion more effectively than daily routines alone.
- People with blackheads, whiteheads, or inflammatory acne see particular benefit from the deep cleansing and extraction techniques used in acne facials. These treatments remove trapped debris and bacteria that contribute to these common acne types, helping to clear the skin more thoroughly.
- Those struggling with cystic acne can find relief through professional facials, as estheticians use specialized techniques and products designed to address this more severe form of acne. Cystic acne often requires professional intervention, making facials a valuable part of treatment.
- Anyone dealing with acne scarring and hyperpigmentation can benefit from facials that include treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion. These techniques help fade acne scars and even out skin tone, improving the overall appearance of post-acne damage.
- People whose acne hasn’t responded to over-the-counter treatments should consider professional facials as a next step. When drugstore products aren’t delivering results, a customized facial treatment can provide the intensive care needed to finally see improvement.
- Anyone wanting to prevent future breakouts can use acne facials as a preventative measure. Regular professional treatments help maintain clear skin and prevent acne from developing in the first place, making them a worthwhile investment in long-term skin health.
Note: Severe cystic acne may require dermatological treatment, though facials can still complement medical care. Check this acne clinical guideline.
Common Myths About Facials for Acne
Many people dismiss facials as unnecessary luxury treatments or worry that they might worsen their breakouts. However, acne facials are far more than a spa indulgence—they’re evidence-based treatments designed to target acne at its source. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions so you can make an informed decision about whether a professional facial is right for your skin.
- Myth: “Facials Make Acne Worse“
Some people experience temporary “purging” as impurities surface. This is normal and indicates the treatment is working. Within days, your skin will clear and look better. - Myth: “Facials Are Just for Pampering”
Acne facials are medical-grade treatments that deliver clinical results, addressing the underlying causes of acne. - Myth: “At-Home Extractions Are Just as Good”
DIY extractions often push bacteria deeper, cause scarring, and spread infection. Professional extraction is performed with sterile tools using proper techniques.
Why Choose Uptown Haven Wellness for Your Acne Facials?
At Uptown Haven Wellness, we specialize in customized acne treatments that deliver lasting results to clients throughout the Fargo area:
- Experienced Estheticians: Extensive training in treating all types of acne
- Customized Treatment Plans: Every facial is tailored to your unique skin
- Medical-Grade Products: Professional-grade skincare with clinical-strength ingredients
- Holistic Approach: We consider stress, lifestyle, and overall wellness
- Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance as your skin improves
- Comfortable Environment: Welcoming, judgment-free space
Take the First Step Toward Clear Skin Today
If you’re tired of dealing with acne and ready to see real results, we at Uptown Haven Wellness can transform your skin and your confidence. Our customized acne facials address the root causes of breakouts, provide professional extraction, and utilize clinical-strength ingredients that deliver visible results.
Don’t let acne control your life any longer. Our experienced estheticians are here to create a personalized treatment plan that works for your unique skin and lifestyle.
Ready to experience the benefits of professional acne facials? Visit uptownhavenwellness.com or stop by our spa in Fargo, ND, to schedule your consultation. Your journey to clear, healthy, radiant skin starts here.
