Mechanical cleaning eliminates the consequences, not the cause
Mechanical facial cleansing is considered as an additional procedure in the fight against acne. The cosmetologist first cleanses the face, applies a product to enlarge the pores and begins to squeeze pimples and blackheads with his hands. After the procedure, redness (hyperemia) remains, but it goes away after a couple of days. The ineffectiveness of mechanical cleaning lies in the fact that the procedure is aimed only at manually removing acne and not at all at eliminating the cause of their appearance.
In other words, the cosmetologist squeezed out all the pimples on his face with his hands, made a couple of masks and that was all. After a couple of days, your redness went away, your face seemed to be renewed (became better), but this will not last long, because... we eliminated the consequences, not the cause. It is also worth saying that in most cases, inexperienced cosmetologists squeeze out purulent pimples, which are strictly forbidden to touch! I wouldn't do this type of facial at a salon. Wasted money, and the result is temporary.
How is acne treated using Azelik®️ gel?
Many people think that they can simply come to a cosmetologist and “order” the procedure. But that's not true. The cosmetologist conducts an examination and recommends which procedure is best to perform to improve the patient’s skin condition.
A combination of cosmetic procedures, drug treatment and properly selected cosmetics is exactly what is needed for acne-prone skin. Anti-acne therapy should be prescribed by a dermatologist. For mild to moderate acne, this may include the use of azelaic acid, such as Azelik®️ gel.5,9 The drug should be applied to the skin twice a day.5
*inflammatory element of acne
Ultrasonic facial cleansing
This salon procedure is completely painless and has no side effects. After it there will be no feeling of tightness, skin damage or even minor injuries. Ultrasonic facial cleansing does not require preliminary procedures for steaming the skin, and at the end you don’t have to worry about redness.
My review: Ultrasonic waves act like a scrub. They lightly exfoliate the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Ultrasound is powerless against acne and sebaceous plugs, so I see absolutely no point in doing such a procedure. Wasted money.
Peeling
Since acids are used in salon peeling, the procedure is often accompanied by side effects in the form of redness and skin irritation. The essence of the procedure is the same as ultrasonic cleaning. This is the destruction of the stratum corneum of the skin. In my opinion, peeling in a salon is a waste of money, because... You can do this procedure yourself at home using homemade scrubs.
Vaporization
The procedure consists of a kind of steaming of the face using a vaporizer device. This is somewhat reminiscent of a home humidifier with steam coming out of it. Only in this case - steam with ozone. It is believed that this helps refresh aging skin. Many people believe that vaporization gets rid of acne. I’ll say right away that you are being scammed, because... The effect of this procedure on problem skin is zero.
Under the influence of steaming, the skin releases moisture, so the negative aspects of this procedure will be severe dehydration of the facial skin. This is why vaporization is contraindicated for those with excessively dry skin types.
Vacuum cleaning
Cleaning is carried out in several stages and is absolutely painless. First, the skin is treated with special substances that are considered harmless to humans. The composition does not affect the acid-base balance of the skin. This is the 1st stage of cleaning.
The next step is to steam the pores. Experts use lotion, not a vaporizer, for these purposes. The lotion has a warming effect, which has a beneficial effect on the skin and perfectly opens the pores. Then proceed to the main stage of the procedure. A device with a glass nozzle is used for these purposes. It works on the principle of a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle is applied to the face and begin to pull out comedones and pimples from the pores of the face. Only the upper layer of the epidermis is exposed to this effect.
The vacuum cleaning procedure does not end there. The face needs to be moisturized and the pores narrowed. To do this, use a mask.
My review: by and large, vacuum facial cleansing is a superficial effect. It is somewhat reminiscent of mechanical cleaning, only instead of manually squeezing out pimples, a “vacuum cleaner” is used here. It supposedly pulls out sebaceous plugs and thus cleanses the skin. I really want to say the word “divorce.”
Causes of acne in adults
The skin is a mirror that reflects the work of various body systems:
- Digestive
– more than 50% of patients with acne suffer from gastritis and dysbiosis. Other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are detected in 30% of cases. Smoking and alcohol, fast food and spicy dishes contribute to acne. - Endocrine
– polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy and other conditions of hormonal imbalance in 70% of cases cause acne in the fair sex. The necessary examination plan will be drawn up by an endocrinologist and a gynecologist. - Immune and nervous
– chronic stress and vitamin deficiency reduce immunity, which complicates the course of the disease. Acne may be the result of an allergy to the composition of food, medications or clothing, sun exposure and work with toxic substances.
Neglect of hygiene and improper skin care also aggravate the situation. Products from the mass market labeled “for teenagers” and ultra-resistant decorative cosmetics are especially insidious.
Aggressive detergent additives and alcohol lotions dry out the dermis and provoke the secretion of sebum. Abrasive scrubs injure suppuration and expand the area of rashes.
Thick tone and powder owe their durability to comedogenic substances that clog pores and increase inflammation. If the disease is not treated but camouflaged, its course becomes more complicated.
Dermabrasion
Another painful procedure aimed at combating the consequences of acne - spots, scars. During dermabrasion, the patient is subjected to local anesthesia and begins to cleanse the face with a special brush, as a result of which the entire top layer of facial skin is removed. Due to severe pain during the procedure, anesthesia is given. Recovery takes a long time and the effect is different for everyone. Swelling and crusts are possible.
My review: I do not recommend this procedure in the fight against acne under any circumstances. Dermabrasion does not always leave behind perfectly smooth skin, as cosmetologists promise.
Cosmetic treatments for acne
Beauty salons offer numerous ways to help reduce inflammation, dry out acne, and eliminate acne marks.
The most important thing is not just to remove a visual defect, but to establish its root cause. You should first undergo an examination by specialists (therapist, dermatologist), take the necessary tests, establish a diagnosis and receive recommendations for treatment.
Let's look at popular methods that quickly remove acne and have already proven their effectiveness.
Cleaning
This manipulation helps eliminate the visual manifestations of acne and prepare the skin for other procedures aimed at combating pathology.
Types of cleaning:
- Ultrasound. With the help of microvibrations, dead cells are removed, pores are cleaned, and microcirculation is activated. But comedones and acne cannot be eliminated with ultrasound alone; additional procedures will be required.
- High frequency current. Inflammations and infections are eliminated, rashes dry out, scars and post-acne scars become less noticeable.
- Mechanical. The procedure takes place in several stages. First, the face is treated with a special cleanser (gommage), which can cleanse the epidermis, then manual cleaning is carried out using a Vidal needle and a Uno spoon. After cleansing, a drying mask is applied to the face to close the pores.
- Vacuum. A superficial type of cleansing that is not used for deep, nodular acne. Using a vacuum, the contents of acne are removed, the pores are cleansed of sebum, and the skin is cleansed of dead cells.
Any type of cleansing is carried out only after a diagnosis has been made and the nature of the acne has been determined, because in case of an infectious inflammatory process, in order to avoid increased infection, this procedure is contraindicated.
Peeling
You can get rid of acne using the following types of peeling:
- Glycolic. Its use helps reduce sebum production, clear clogged pores, remove dead dermis, eliminate infection and reduce inflammation. New pimples often appear on the skin after peeling; this is due to increased microcirculation and increased metabolism. But such rashes pass quickly.
- Retinoic. Eliminates acne, blackheads, post-acne, rosacea, wen, reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands. Recommended only for serious skin problems.
- Chemical. Peeling with fruit acids is suitable for oily skin and normalizes sebum production. Cleanses, renews and rejuvenates the skin.
The procedure should be carried out in courses; the best effect is achieved by the complex use of peeling and drying masks.
Biodermabrasion
Its action resembles peeling, because during its implementation there is a double effect on the skin (chemical and mechanical).
The procedure takes place in three stages:
- Initially, the skin is lightly cleaned using a special paste that helps improve microcirculation and remove toxins.
- A soothing mask is applied.
- The face is treated with a cream with a drying effect.
During the session, the top layer of epithelium is removed, along with dead cells.
The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of active skin rashes.
Biodermabrasion is an effective process that is aimed at eliminating hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, enlarged pores and post-acne.
Ozone therapy
Thanks to the use of bioactive components, the sebaceous glands are cleansed of pathogens, microbes and fungi that cause inflammation.
Under the influence of an oxygen-ozone mixture administered by injection, the epidermis is healed from the inside, hypoxia is eliminated, a lipolytic effect occurs, and blood circulation is activated.
The procedure is carried out in courses of 5–10 sessions.
Ozone therapy is an effective and harmless method that can not only quickly get rid of acne, but also give skin tone and health.
Vaporization
During the procedure, a special device is used that affects the skin with steam (ozonized or ionized). Thanks to manipulation, the pores expand, impurities are eliminated, and the activity of the sebaceous glands is reduced.
If you have a lot of acne, vaporization will not help. It is considered an auxiliary procedure before other methods to eliminate acne.
Mesotherapy
An injection procedure during which the skin is saturated with vitamins, beneficial components (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), and microelements. Its implementation helps cleanse pores, activate processes in the skin, improve color, and prevent post-acne.
The recommended course of procedures consists of 10–12 sessions.
Darsonvalization
Treatment occurs under the influence of high frequency alternating current. A shaped glass electrode slides over the skin. Particular attention is paid to problem areas.
The procedure makes it possible to narrow blood vessels, normalize the production of subcutaneous sebum, and dry out acne.
Cryomassage
The skin is treated with an applicator that is periodically immersed in liquid nitrogen. Cryomassage takes 10–20 minutes. Under the influence of nitrogen, the inflammatory process stops, acne dries out, and pathogens are destroyed.
To get a good result, it is advisable to conduct 10–15 sessions.
Fractional laser
Targeted treatment of inflammation with a light beam perforates the skin, i.e. creates microscopic holes. During healing, active production of collagen and elastin occurs, and the skin is renewed.
The use of a fractional laser helps eliminate acne marks, old comedones, and acne (papular, pustular).
The parameters and depth of laser exposure are selected by the cosmetologist strictly individually.
Phototherapy
During the procedure, a flash of light kills bacteria, which are the source of acne. After a course of phototherapy, the skin should be protected from exposure to UV rays, so the best time for manipulation is autumn and winter.
It is recommended to conduct courses in 8–10 sessions.
Phototherapy is an effective and painless procedure that helps get rid of acne.
Mesotherapy
There are many positive reviews about the procedure, but experts do not give an unambiguous assessment of its effectiveness. The essence is to introduce chemical components under the skin. At the end of the cleansing, procedures are carried out to restore water balance and restore blood flow. Cryomassage is used. Liquid nitrogen is used for massage.
My review: no matter what cocktails of chemical components are injected under your skin, the result is the same - mesotherapy is absolutely ineffective in the fight against acne. I will note one trick of cosmetologists: they promise the effect after completing a full course of mesotherapy and dilute it into 7-10 procedures at once.
We looked at 7 popular acne treatments that are done in beauty salons. All procedures, as you noticed, affect the top layer of skin. We get a scrub effect - clean skin without dead cells. The acne was and remains the same. This begs the question: does it make sense to do salon treatments? The choice, of course, is yours.
What is acne?
Acne, or acne, is a chronic inflammatory disease. Acne forms where hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells. In this case, the outflow of sebum is disrupted, and the secretion accumulates in the pores.
The result is open comedones known as blackheads. They owe their color to the oxidation of the contents accumulated in the pores. Comedones can also be closed. The elements look like small swellings of a milky hue.
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When infected, comedones become inflamed and form pustules filled with pus. Their number and intensity of the process determine the form of the disease:
- Mild
– the face, back or shoulders are covered with open comedones, isolated inflammations occur - Medium
– closed comedones, redness and suppuration appear, from 10 to 20 elements. - Severe
- purulent foci spread wider and deeper, their number ranges from 20 to 40 or more.
Self-medication often turns a mild form of acne into a moderate and even severe one. A competent diagnosis will help determine an effective treatment strategy.
