Facial question

[Kai1977]

Recently started having facials and am generally pleased with results (smoother skin etc).

They've done a few extractions but I've noticed a couple of dark marks that are still there 5 or 6 weeks later (on larger whitehead spots only, I don't really get blackheads). Is this normal?

I have Asian skin and I think it's perhaps more prone to pigmentation but would be keen to hear from others?

You can ask for no extractions, I'm very pale & the red marks lingered for me too.

Thank you. I'm a bit of a novice.

Are there benefits to having them in the longer run or is it just a way to get smoother skin for the client?

Honest answer is I don't know. any lumps are going to go eventually aren't they?.

They extract in hopes it doesn't fill in again before the next appointment, keeping skin clear. However, a good consistent skincare regime that uses a BHA acid toner a few times a week or a daily salicylic acid wash, both coupled with daily SPF wear, will do a better job of that than the occasional facial and it's not traumatic to the skin. If you have a lot of blackhead buildup then extractions can serve their purpose in having a good clear out initially that is then followed up with a targeted skincare routine but probably best avoided if it causes trauma to the skin for such a long time. Personally, the only time I ever bothered with facials was for the extractions beyond that unless we're talking the medical grade/specialised ones they really don't offer more than a solid skincare regime does.

Thank you, that's interesting. They are Dermalogica facials but don't know if that counts as specialist.

As I don't have blackheads and only the occasional whitehead I wonder if they are worth bothering with, especially if I get this issue with extractions.