Acne scars may be a persistent reminder to you of past breakouts, impacting not only your skin’s look, but self-confidence too. While no facial can be guaranteed to completely erase acne scars, the correct care can improve your skin’s texture and overall appearance. 

At Soothe, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find the correct skincare treatment that suits your unique skincare needs. That’s why we are giving you guidance on how to find an effective facial that will not damage the layers of your skin further, but help meet your skin goals over time. While these facials will not “cure” acne scars, they can be complimentary to your skincare plan set by a dermatologist and beneficial for overall relaxation.

What Are Acne Scars?

Since acne is caused by clogged pores, scars occur because your body is trying to repair itself. They’re typically left behind even after the acne itself has disappeared. It can leave behind dark spots on your skin. Causes of skin scarring in the case of acne scars are deep skin damage, picking at pimples, your body’s healing process, and even your genetics. 

With deep skin damage, all acne types can leave a lasting mark, but that’s especially prevalent if the acne goes deep into the skin. For example, nodules, which feel like hard lumps under the skin, and cysts, which are full of pus, are both capable of leaving scarring on your skin. These scars can become more prominent as you age.

There are different types of scars, and it is common for someone to have more than one type of scar. 

If you have experienced acne in the past, you may notice the following:

• Boxcar Acne Scars: Shallow or deep scars with broad, defined edges that give the skin a pitted or cratered appearance.
• Hypertrophic Acne Scars: Raised scars that form when excess collagen is produced during the healing process, creating a thick, elevated surface.
• Ice Pick Acne Scars: Deep, narrow scars that extend into the skin, resembling small holes or punctures.
• Keloid Acne Scars: Overgrown, raised scars that extend beyond the original wound area due to excessive collagen buildup.
• Perifollicular Elastolysis: Tiny, pinpoint depressions around hair follicles caused by inflammation and breakdown of elastic fibers in the skin.
• Rolling Acne Scars: Broad, uneven depressions with sloped edges that create a wave-like texture on the skin’s surface.

Tips for Looking for an Effective Acne Facial

If you’re looking to get rid of acne scars, see a dermatologist, as there are many approaches to take depending on the cause of the scars and if acne is still present to help you prevent more scars from forming.

If you have the authorization to include an acne facial as part of your wellness routine, here are some key factors to consider:

• Customizable treatments: Opting for a service that can adjust to your specific needs is a green flag, as skincare needs vary from person to person.
• Experience in extractions: You may have some acne that requires extractions. While you may want to do this for yourself, leaving this part to the professionals ensures that you are preventing further damage or scarring to the skin.
• Gentle products: what is sensitive to your skin can vary for each person, but look for non-comedogenic products that can help soothe skin irritation. If you have any known sensitivities, an esthetician should be able to accommodate your request.
• Licensed professionals: While licensing can vary by the area that you live in, a facial completed by a licensed esthetician who specializes in treating acne-prone skin can ensure that you are in good hands. 

While acne facials will not remove scars entirely, they can play a significant role in improving your skin’s texture and overall health when combined with a skincare plan that suits your needs. When in doubt on any of the above, feel free to question the spa or licensed professional to gain clarity before the appointment.

What to Expect During a Soothe Acne Facial

Soothe’s Acne Facial is crafted to target acne concerns while soothing inflammation, redness, and irritation on the skin. By using high-quality products and techniques, this treatment supports your skin’s health and improves its texture without further irritation. Here’s what happens during your session:

Your experience begins with a personalized consultation, where your licensed esthetician takes the time to understand your unique skin concerns and goals, such as scarring. This includes evaluating your skin type, discussing any specific issues such as sensitivity or recurring breakouts, and understanding your long-term skincare objectives.

This treatment starts with a gentle yet thorough cleansing to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil, preparing your skin for the next steps. Specialized exfoliants are then applied to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, improving the product’s ability to absorb into your skin and minimizing future breakouts.

As necessary, extractions are performed using safe and hygienic techniques to address blackheads and clogged pores without risking irritation or scarring. Following this, a calming mask is applied to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and balance the skin.

To end the service, hydrating products tailored to your skin’s specific needs are applied to lock in moisture and support your skin’s natural barrier. 

With Soothe, professional care is brought directly to your door, making it easier to prioritize your skin’s health. Book your acne facial today and take the first step toward achieving clearer skin.