Clarifying Acne Facial

The Clarifying Acne Facial is a targeted treatment designed specifically for clients dealing with active breakouts, persistent congestion, excess oil, and acne-prone skin.

Using a combination of deep cleansing, professional extractions, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory technologies, this facial works to clear what's currently on your skin, calm what's inflamed, and create conditions that help prevent future breakouts.

This treatment is ideal if you're experiencing:

• Active breakouts — whiteheads, papules, pustules, or cystic-adjacent bumps
• Persistent blackheads and congestion, especially across the nose, chin, and forehead
• Hormonal breakouts that cycle with your period, stress, or lifestyle changes
• Skin that feels bumpy, textured, or rough beneath the surface

Depending on your skin's needs, your esthetician may incorporate:

• LED blue light therapy — Targets and kills acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) on the skin's surface, reducing active breakouts at the cellular level
• LED red light therapy — Reduces inflammation, supports healing, and calms post-breakout redness
• High-frequency — Delivers a gentle electrical current that kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing of active lesions
• Oxygen therapy (O₂) — Infuses antibacterial ingredients while improving circulation and supporting skin recovery
• Cryotherapy — Calms inflammation, tightens pores, and reduces redness immediately

It's possible and it's normal. After deep extractions and active treatment, some clients experience a brief "purging" period where congestion that was sitting beneath the surface rises and appears as small breakouts over the following 2–5 days. This isn't new acne, it's existing congestion being pushed out as part of your skin's healing and clearing process. You can come back for a quick follow up touch up for free with.

Not every client experiences this. Those with deeper congestion or long-standing buildup are more likely to see a short purge before their skin settles into a clearer, calmer state. Your esthetician will let you know what to expect based on your skin's condition.

Some redness is normal, especially in areas where extractions were performed or where inflammation was present before the session. This typically fades within a few hours to overnight. For most clients, skin looks calmer and clearer by the next morning. If you have a sensitive complexion, mild pinkness may last slightly longer — but it's temporary and part of the healing process.

The Clarifying Acne Facial is 60 minutes — long enough to perform thorough extractions, apply targeted treatments, and give your skin the clinical attention it needs without rushing any step.

For active acne, we typically recommend:

• Every 2 weeks for the first 2–3 months to aggressively clear congestion, reduce inflammation, and establish a clean baseline
• Monthly once your skin has stabilized, to maintain results and prevent new breakouts from building

The frequency matters because acne is cyclical — new breakouts are forming beneath the surface weeks before they appear. Consistent professional care interrupts that cycle before it reaches the surface. Your esthetician will build a personalized schedule based on your skin's response.

Some mild discomfort is normal during extractions, especially in areas with deep or stubborn congestion — but our estheticians are trained to extract skillfully and patiently, using proper technique to minimize pain, trauma, and the risk of scarring. We never force extractions, and we'll always communicate with you throughout the process.

We want to be honest with you: no single facial — and no single product — can "cure" acne. Acne is a complex condition influenced by genetics, hormones, stress, diet, environment, and skincare habits, and it often requires ongoing management rather than a one-time fix.

What the Clarifying Acne Facial can do is:

• Clear existing congestion and breakouts more effectively than at-home care alone
• Reduce inflammation and bacteria on the skin's surface
• Support a healthier skin barrier that's more resistant to future breakouts
• Give you professional guidance on what's actually driving your acne

Not necessarily "instead" — often "in addition to." Professional facials and dermatological care serve different but complementary roles:

• A dermatologist diagnoses the underlying cause of your acne, prescribes medication where needed (topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments, Accutane), and manages medical-grade interventions
• A professional facial at SleekCare Spa clears existing congestion, supports skin health between medical visits, delivers active treatments that maintain and extend your dermatologist's work, and provides hands-on care that a dermatologist's office typically doesn't offer

Yes and this is more common than most people realize. Over-the-counter acne products (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid washes, alcohol-based toners, harsh scrubs) often strip the skin's protective barrier, leading to a frustrating cycle: dryness triggers more oil production, more oil triggers more breakouts, more breakouts trigger more harsh products.

Your esthetician will assess your barrier health during the skin analysis and adjust the protocol accordingly. Sometimes the most effective acne treatment starts with doing less, not more.

A few things make a real difference:

• Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser — harsh washes worsen acne long-term
• Moisturize even if your skin is oily — a balanced barrier produces less excess oil
• Wear SPF 30+ daily — sun damage worsens post-acne marks and pigmentation
• Don't pick or squeeze — ever. This causes scarring, spreads bacteria, and delays healing
• Change your pillowcase regularly — bacteria accumulates faster than you think
• Manage stress where you can — cortisol is a direct acne trigger for many people
• Follow the routine your esthetician recommends — consistency matters more than product price

Absolutely. You can add extra time if there're deep congestion and need more time for extraction.

Yes, we offer treatment packages - 3 pack, 5 pack and 10 pack - for clients who want to maintain consistent results and commit to their skin goals. Your esthetician can recommend the best package based on your skin needs and desired outcomes.