While your dermatologist can prescribe topical medication for acne, a licensed esthetician can also play a big part in getting rid of acne or removing scars. From clay masks to laser treatments, discover the best spa treatments for acne and acne scars.
If you’re dealing with severe acne, always consult a licensed esthetician before a treatment, in order to make sure that you’re getting the maximum beneficial effect while also avoiding any side-effects. For more extreme treatments, like chemical peels, you might also want to check in with your dermatologist before heading to the spa.
Clay Masks
Even though they don’t have instant effects, clay masks are one of the best spa treatments for acne and acne scars in the long run.
Whether you go for brown, green or white clay masks, it’s important to remember that the clay draws out the toxins from the skin, which can actually irritate pores and cause breakouts. However, once they’re cleared out, you should notice a big improvement in your complexion in regards to acne.
Blue Light Therapy
Low intensity blue lights can kill the bacteria most often responsible for acne breakouts. Multiple sessions are needed to make a difference and newer technologies include a combination of blue and red light. If you’re thinking of getting this type of cosmetic treatment, you should be prepared for side effects that may include dryness and redness.
Deep Pore Cleansing
One of the best spa treatments for acne and acne scars, a deep cleansing facial can work wonders for people who also struggle with oily skin, along with acne. The procedure involves steaming (which open up the pores), followed by extractions of sebum that clog up pores and a moisturizing mask. Deep pore cleansings that work best against acne also include glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
More: Foods That Cause Acne and Inflammation
Pulsed Light and Heat Energy (LHE) Therapy
Effective and safe for improving acne clearance, LHE is much more than just blue light therapy. The treatment alternates between pulses of light and heat. Just like other laser therapies, it takes more than one session to see a difference, and redness may be experienced after it, but it can reduce acne and decrease oil production.
Chemical Peels
Removing dead layers of skin and promoting new cell growth, chemical peels are also among the best spa treatments for acne and acne scars. While they can definitely help with breakouts, since they usually include salicylic acid or glycolic acid, chemical peels are also one of the most effective ways to fade acne scars. Multiple treatments will be needed, but unlike other types of anti-acne spa treatments, you’ll have to wake for weeks and even months between sessions.
Diode Laser Therapy
Another laser treatment aimed at damaging the sebaceous glands that keep skin oily and contribute to clogged pores and acne, diode laser therapy creates thermal damage just on the level of the glands, without affecting the rest of your skin. They can be efficient against inflammatory acne, with multiple sessions a month or two apart.
Microdermabrasion
Definitely one of the best spa treatments for acne and acne scars, microdermabrasion can clear your pores, exfoliate and improve the texture of your skin. It can also decrease the visibility of acne scars, but not for every patient. For some, it can actually make scar tissue more noticeable.
Photopneumatic Therapy
After sucking the oil and dead skin cells with vacuum suction, photopneumatic therapy also includes a blue and red light therapy in order to fight acne. You’ll see a big difference after 2-3 sessions, but this type of treatment isn’t efficient against acne nodules or cysts.
Mixto CO2 Treatments
Fractional laser skin resurfacing or Mixto CO2 treatments are also one of the best spa treatments for acne and acne scars. Using CO2 ablation, they can remove acne scars completely, while also stimulating the formation of new collagen. It won’t prevent any future acne, but it’s very effective at getting rid of deep scar tissue. Fractional laser skin resurfacing can be more painful than other similar procedures.
