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Acne Facials and Back Facials: What They Can and Can't Do

By the Blissful Touch team ยท founded by JamilahยทUpdated ยท3 min read

Quick answer

An acne facial deep-cleans and calms breakout-prone skin with exfoliation, extraction of congestion, targeted serums, a calming mask and LED light therapy. It helps keep pores clear and skin calmer, but it does not cure acne. At Blissful Touch an acne facial takes 35 minutes, and back facials treat breakouts on the back. Many people book every 2 to 4 weeks while skin is congested.

Key takeaways

  • Acne facials clear congestion and calm inflammation; they support, not replace, medical care.
  • Our acne facial combines exfoliation, serum infusion, a mask and LED light therapy in 35 minutes.
  • Back facials reach an area that is hard to treat at home.
  • Book every 2 to 4 weeks while skin is congested, then less often.
  • Severe, painful or cystic acne should also be seen by a doctor or dermatologist.
On this page
  1. What is an acne facial?
  2. What an acne facial can do
  3. What an acne facial can't do
  4. Pros and cons
  5. Back acne: why a back facial helps
  6. How often should you book?
  7. At-home tips that make a real difference
  8. What about acne scars?
  9. Before your appointment
  10. Bottom line
  11. Frequently asked questions
Acne facial with LED light therapy for breakout-prone skin

What is an acne facial?

An acne facial is a professional treatment designed for congested, breakout-prone skin. At Blissful Touch, our acne facial combines four steps in one 35-minute visit:

  1. Deep exfoliation and cleansing to loosen dead skin and oil that block pores
  2. Targeted serum infusion to clarify and balance the skin
  3. A calming mask to soothe redness and inflammation
  4. LED light therapy, a gentle, painless light treatment often used for breakout-prone skin

What an acne facial can do

  • Clear congestion: blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores
  • Calm inflammation: soothe redness and irritated skin
  • Balance oil so skin feels less greasy
  • Support your routine with advice on cleansers, moisturizers and SPF that won't clog pores
  • Reduce picking: professional extraction is safer than squeezing at home

What an acne facial can't do

Honesty matters here. A facial does not cure acne. Acne is driven by hormones, genetics, oil production, bacteria and inflammation, and moderate to severe acne often needs prescription treatment. If your acne is painful, cystic, scarring or not improving, please see a family doctor or dermatologist. Facials can work alongside medical care, and we are happy to coordinate with your plan.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Clears blackheads and congestion safely
  • Calms redness and inflamed skin
  • LED light therapy is gentle and painless
  • Back treatments reach areas you can't treat yourself
  • Personalized home-care advice

Cons

  • Does not cure acne or replace prescription treatment
  • Needs repeat visits while skin is congested
  • Skin can look slightly red for a few hours after extractions
  • Not a treatment for deep acne scars

Back acne: why a back facial helps

Back acne ("bacne") is common, especially for people who work out, sweat a lot or wear tight gear. It is also nearly impossible to treat properly yourself. We offer:

  • Back peel and exfoliation: a resurfacing treatment for congestion and marks
  • Back deep exfoliation and mask (30 minutes): deep cleansing and a calming mask

At Blissful Touch

Acne & Back Facials in NE Calgary

See treatment times, what to expect and quick answers on our Acne & Back Facials page, or book online any time.

Acne & Back Facials detailsBook now

How often should you book?

While skin is congested, many people book every 2 to 4 weeks. Once breakouts settle, you can space visits further apart. A chemical peel series can also help fade the flat marks breakouts leave behind.

At-home tips that make a real difference

  • Cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser; don't scrub
  • Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer, even if your skin is oily
  • Wear sunscreen daily; marks darken with sun exposure
  • Change pillowcases often and clean your phone screen
  • Shower soon after workouts, especially for back acne
  • Don't pick: it increases the risk of scarring

What about acne scars?

Once breakouts are under control, indented scars can be treated with microneedling, which stimulates new collagen. It is not done over active acne, so calming the skin first is the right order.

Before your appointment

Tell us if you use prescription retinoids or isotretinoin, and avoid waxing or strong exfoliants on the area for a few days beforehand.

Bottom line

An acne facial is a smart, gentle way to keep pores clear and skin calmer, and back facials tackle an area that is hard to reach. Use them as part of a bigger plan, with good home care and medical treatment when needed.

Frequently asked questions

What is an acne facial?

It is a facial for breakout-prone skin that combines deep exfoliation, serum infusion, a mask and LED light therapy to clean out congestion and calm the skin.

Can a facial cure acne?

No. A facial helps keep pores clear and skin calm, but it does not cure acne. For severe, painful or cystic acne, see your doctor or a dermatologist as well.

How often should I get an acne facial?

Many clients book every 2 to 4 weeks while their skin is congested, then less often once breakouts settle.

Do you treat back acne?

Yes. Our back peel and exfoliation, and back deep exfoliation and mask, treat breakouts and congestion on the back.

Can I get an acne facial while on acne medication?

Tell us about any prescription retinoids or isotretinoin before booking. Some treatments need to be adjusted or postponed while you are on these medicines.

Will my skin purge after an acne facial?

Some people notice a few small spots in the days after a deep cleanse as congestion comes to the surface. This usually settles quickly. Tell us if you are concerned.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take prescription medication, check with your doctor before any treatment and tell us when you book.

Jamilah, founder of Blissful Touch

About Blissful Touch

Founded by Jamilah

Blissful Touch is a massage and skincare spa at #110, 3565 20th Ave NE in NE Calgary, near Sunridge. Founder Jamilah is a licensed professional and instructor in aesthetics and massage therapy. Meet Jamilah ยท See all services

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