How mechanical facial cleansing is performed, the effectiveness of the procedure in the salon and at home

From this article you will learn:

• The essence of mechanical facial cleansing
• Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical facial cleansing
• Indications and contraindications for mechanical facial cleansing
• Mechanical facial cleansing by a cosmetologist and at home
• Skin care after mechanical facial cleansing

Mechanical facial cleansing today is a basic care procedure that is offered in every beauty salon. All girls know that for high-quality cleansing of clogged pores and skin from dead cells and dirt, simple washing is not enough. Cleaning allows you to get rid of many possible problems.

This technique allows you to penetrate deeply into pores and eliminate impurities that even an ultrasound machine cannot cope with. The procedure is very effective in the fight against acne. However, like any cosmetic intervention, it has its pros and cons, but first things first.

What it is

The cosmetic procedure involves the use of tools for high-quality cleansing of the sebaceous ducts. The classic option is to carry out the procedure using special tools. But with dense keratinized epithelium, to reduce trauma to the integument, specialists use ultrasound or chemical peeling. The use of various methods allows you to achieve a pronounced effect of cleansed, renewed skin.

The target areas are not only the face, neck, and décolleté. It is possible to cleanse problem areas of the back and shoulders. It is performed only on an outpatient basis by an experienced cosmetologist. Compliance with the protocol and sterile conditions allows you to avoid tissue infection and other possible side effects. Patients often report uncomfortable, painful sensations associated with a deep impact on the integument.

The main difference from other types of cleansing is the targeted removal of inflammatory elements and sebaceous plugs.

Important! The procedure is traumatic, during the healing period you should follow the recommendations of the cosmetologist.

Prescribed in a care program for oily, problematic dermis, not used for dry, sensitive skin. Allows you to improve the overall condition of the skin, remove toxins and metabolic products, restore even color and smooth structure.

About the procedure

Mechanical (manual, manual) or combined, with peeling, cleaning is used for deep cleansing of the epidermis. It is recommended for acne, black or white sebaceous plugs that clog pores. To remove them, mechanical action is applied to the skin with your hands or a specialized instrument - a Uno spoon.

Cleaning causes unpleasant painful sensations and injures the skin. To reduce them to a minimum, you need to choose a cosmetologist with experience and “light hands.” Attempts to squeeze out sebaceous plugs on your own increase the risk of infection and provoke the development of an inflammatory process: there is more damage and it takes longer to heal.

You can sign up for combined or manual cleaning for rashes, blackheads in the décolleté area, on the shoulders and back.

Indications for use

The procedure is prescribed for problematic, oily skin; excessive sebium synthesis leads to clogging of the ducts and the formation of inflammatory elements. The problem often occurs in adolescence and can occur after 30 years. Mechanical cleaning is recommended not only for women, but also for men.

Indications:

• wide pores;
• oily, problem skin;
• demodicosis;
• acne, comedones, milia;
• unhealthy, dull color;
• sagging, decreased elasticity, firmness.

The procedure is not performed for dry, sensitive, irritated dermis; the main goal is to remove acne and milia, restore the normal condition of oily and combination types. It is not recommended to carry out during periods of solar activity, but according to indications it can also be carried out in the summer, it requires compliance with the recommendations of a specialist and the use of products with a high SPF factor.

Skin care after mechanical facial cleansing

After cleaning, it is important to maintain hygiene: you should not allow your face to come into contact with dirty things and objects; it is better not to touch it at all or wash your hands thoroughly before touching.

Adviсe:

• replace face towels with disposable wipes;
• sleep on washed pillowcases or place a clean cloth diaper on top;
• treat your smartphone with an antiseptic more often, or better yet, use a speakerphone;
• give up scrubs and other treatments that injure the skin for a period of time;
• Do not under any circumstances mask redness with foundation; for the first time after the procedure, it should not be used at all;
• before going out into the sun, apply products with a high protection factor or hide your face from the rays under hats with wide brims or a large visor;
• strictly follow all precautions recommended by the cosmetologist.

To care for facial skin after mechanical cleansing, you should not use ordinary cosmetics, but special products. The best are considered:

1. Cleansing foaming gel for oily sensitive skin Effaclar, La Roche-Posay. It copes well with removing impurities and sebum, thanks to the zinc content it dries the skin and effectively combats existing problems.
2. Facial cosmetic with charcoal 3 in 1 “Clean skin. Active" for skin prone to blackheads, Garnier. The components included in this multifunctional product (absorbent charcoal, kaolin, salicylic acid, exfoliating particles) help to intensively reduce blackheads and rid the skin of oily sheen. It can be used as a mask - it is applied to the face and left for 5 minutes.
3. Cleansing gel against imperfections and signs of aging Blemish & Age Cleansing Gel, Skin Ceuticals. Three acids (salicylic, capryloyl-salicylic, glycolic), which strengthen the gel formula, help eliminate uneven skin texture.
4. Cleansing facial toner “Clean Skin” against blackheads and oily shine for combination and oily skin, Garnier. The combination of salicylic acid with zinc gives a good effect in the fight against blackheads and oily shine.
5. Corrective emulsion for oily skin Effaclar K (+), La Roche-Posay. The product exfoliates dead skin cells, moisturizes the dermis and has a mattifying effect. Not only eliminates blackheads, but also prevents their appearance.

Cleaning efficiency

As a result of manual cleansing, it is possible to significantly improve the condition of the integument. The processes of breathing and nutrition are normalized, and an even, healthy color is restored. The effect of the procedure is comparable to that of a medium peel; deep cleansing allows you to activate metabolic processes. It is possible to get rid of blackheads, milia, acne, restoring the tone of the integument.

Cleaning effect:

• clean face without signs of inflammation;
• narrowing of pores;
• increasing elasticity, firmness;
• restoration of a healthy, matte tone;
• decreased sebium production.

Problematic, oily skin requires an integrated approach. In addition to mechanical cleaning, a comprehensive examination is carried out by specialists to identify the causes of excess secretion and regular inflammation.

Drug therapy is supported by cosmetic medical care, including cleansing gel, antiseptic toner and moisturizer. Only an integrated approach will normalize the condition of the integument, giving the skin a smooth structure and healthy color.

Attention! Professional cleansing is recommended 9 to 12 times a year for oily skin. For the combined type, 7 sessions are enough to prevent sebaceous plugs and acne.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for mechanical cleaning are as follows:

• the presence of blackheads and comedones;
• enlarged, contaminated pores;
• acne, pimples, acne (azelaine peeling also works well for these problems);
• wen and millet (milium);
• uneven, dull complexion;
• decreased skin tone, sagging (myostimulation procedure can help).

At the same time, there are a number of contraindications:

• acute forms of dermatitis;
• eczema;
• herpes;
• allergic reactions;
• menstruation;
• fragile vessels;
• severe dry skin;
• boils on the face;
• very sensitive skin prone to inflammation;
• hypertension;
• bronchial asthma;
• blood diseases.

What devices and instruments are used

To deeply cleanse the sebaceous ducts, it is necessary first of all to remove the keratinized epithelium. To successfully loosen cells, various compositions and devices are used.

Wells

An ultrasonic cleaning device at home allows you to achieve professional results. Used to treat the surface of the face, back, neck, décolleté. The device has 3 modes - strong, weak and impulsive, and is also equipped with an ionization function.

Indications for use:

• oily, combination, aging skin;
• acne, comedones;
• dark spots;
• changes associated with the aging process.

The device is used before mechanical cleaning; with regular use, it is possible to improve the appearance of the skin and normalize intracellular processes. Increases the effectiveness of creams and serums by penetrating into the deep layers of the dermis.

Electric brush

Available devices have a brush attachment with soft bristles. When rotating, the device does not damage healthy cells; the rounded tip prevents injury to the integument. Effectively removes epithelium, helps get rid of comedones and blackheads. But cosmetologists do not recommend use for purulent inflammations to prevent the spread of infection. Helps enhance the effect of creams, lotions and serums.

Note! The set includes 2 types of attachments: a soft brush for removal to enhance lymphatic drainage, a hard brush for exfoliation of dirt and keratinized epithelium.

Instructions for use:

1. Remove makeup using soft foam without abrasive particles.
2. Apply cream or serum selected according to your skin type.
3. Turn on the device and carry out treatment along the massage lines for a minute.
4. Then, using a tonic, remove dirt and epithelial particles.
5. Apply restorative cream or mask.

Devices often include skincare products, toner, and gel. Suitable for regular use, the first positive changes can be assessed after 2 weeks.

Devices for galvanic cleaning

Used for problematic, age-related dermis to improve blood flow, remove toxins, oxidants, and normalize gland secretion. The devices are used to enhance the effect of therapeutic serums and tonics, enrich cells with vitamins and minerals. The exposure time is from 15 to 20 minutes, cosmetologists recommend using courses of 10 to 20 sessions, repeating the program 3-4 times a year to maintain the effect.

As a result of the influence of galvanic current, it is possible to narrow pores, normalize renewal processes, and activate collagen synthesis.

Professional kits

Manufacturers of professional cosmetics offer kits for effective cleansing. These are multi-stage programs that allow you to perform atraumatic cleansing yourself. As a result, it is possible not only to improve the appearance of the skin, but also to restore intracellular processes and prevent the occurrence of inflammation, acne, and comedones.

Facial kits include:

• foam or gel to remove surface contaminants;
• tonic or lotion that has an anti-inflammatory, disinfectant effect;
• superficial peeling with a low concentration of acids loosens dead cells and facilitates the removal of sebaceous plugs;
• a pigment-constricting mask soothes the skin and restores the skin’s protective barrier;
• moisturizing cream with SPF filters normalizes hydrobalance and prevents the appearance of age spots.

Used in combination with mechanical cleaning to achieve maximum effect.

Vacuum cleaning devices

Portable devices allow you to clean sebaceous plugs and comedones, thanks to the negative pressure created on the target area of ​​​​the skin. As a result of application, it is possible to remove contaminants and also increase the elasticity and firmness of the integument.

Stages of implementation:

1. The face is cleansed using cosmetics from decorative cosmetics.
2. Apply a steaming mask or herbal compress.
3. Problem areas are treated using a vacuum device for 5 minutes.
4. The pores are closed using an antiseptic lotion.
5. A moisturizing, restoring mask or cream is applied.

Spoon Uno

A tool in the form of a strainer on one end and a spoon with a hole in the center on the other side of the stem. Used for manual cleaning, removal of comedones and acne. Helps reduce trauma to the skin and prevent damage to healthy areas. Used in the program together with professional care products, ultrasonic, vacuum cleaning. Can be used at home to remove acne and blackheads.

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical facial cleansing

Among all facial cleansing, mechanical is considered one of the most effective. It helps eliminate problems in the deep layers of the skin and restore it to an attractive, healthy appearance.

Manual cleaning is valued primarily for:

• the ability to cleanse the skin at a deep level (the sebaceous ducts are released to the very base);
• normalizing sebum production in those with combination and oily dermis (subject to regular procedures);
• the ability to reduce wrinkles, tone the skin, even out the texture of the face and give it a healthy shade;
• affordable price for procedures in a cosmetology salon.

However, many people refuse mechanical facial cleansing because it:

• causes pain and discomfort, the degree of which depends on the professional abilities of the cosmetologist;
• injures the skin and can cause persistent redness, which subsides only after a few days;
• may cause rashes on the face if the antiseptic treatment was done poorly;
• can cause hematomas, swelling and scars if the cosmetologist, due to his inexperience, damages the client’s skin during the session;
• may cause an allergic reaction to the drugs used;
• involves long-term rehabilitation.

Is preparation necessary?

Before the procedure, you must follow the cosmetologist’s recommendations to maximize the effect of the procedure:

• creams with AHA acids are prescribed to soften the keratinized epithelium, the use is prescribed a week before the scheduled session;
• It is worth excluding from the diet fatty, spicy, salty foods, as well as alcohol, which provokes active synthesis of the sebaceous glands;
• anti-comedogenic products with an antiseptic effect are used for makeup;
• a week before the procedure, you should avoid visiting the sauna, swimming pool, solarium, or gym to prevent exacerbation of inflammatory processes;
• You cannot carry out cosmetic procedures that injure the skin.

Important! When undergoing drug therapy, you should consult your doctor. Hormonal drugs and drugs that affect blood flow are prohibited.

How is the procedure done in the salon?

Manual cleaning is a painful, traumatic procedure that must be performed on an outpatient basis. Efficiency and safety depend primarily on the qualifications and experience of the specialist.

This should be a cosmetologist with a medical education who is well versed in anatomy. You should also look at reviews of an aesthetic medicine salon or clinic. Find out all the processes, the use of additional manipulations, cosmetics.

Often, manual cleaning is combined with hardware and chemical exfoliants, which improves the final result. The target areas are not only the face, but also the neck, décolleté, shoulders, and back.

The cost depends on the cosmetic products used, the number of areas treated, and additional hardware procedures used. Average price from 1500 rub. up to 5,000 rubles, is not prescribed in courses, but a repeat session is possible after 7–10 days to remove mature inflammatory elements.

Before performing the procedure, the patient must ensure that the instruments are sterile; the technician must wear gloves when performing the procedure. The client lies down on a couch and a high-intensity lamp is directed at the target area. The duration of the procedure depends on the type of cleaning; the session lasts about an hour.

Stages of implementation:

1. Using foam or lotion, the master removes dirt and decorative cosmetics.
2. A thermal mask is used to open the pores, and a specialist can also perform vaporization.
3. To maximize loosening of the keratinized epithelium, brushing brushes, an ultrasonic scrubber or an acid exfoliant are used. The choice of technique depends on the condition of the skin.
4. Mechanical removal of comedones and acne is carried out using a Uno spoon, needle, and Vidal loop. After removing each element, the cosmetologist treats the skin with an antiseptic solution. This is the most painful stage of cleaning.
5. Upon completion, a restorative mask is applied to stimulate renewal processes. Before going outside, use a cream with a high SPF factor, as well as pigment-reducing powder, which protects the skin from aggressive environmental factors.

Progress

In the case where the pores were opened using a special gel, the cosmetologist slightly opens the edges of the film and begins to press blackheads on a small area. First, he uses a spoon of Uno to remove greasy deposits. It is important not to touch areas where there is inflammation or immature acne.

The instrument must be disinfected at certain intervals, for which you can use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or another disinfectant.

All movements with a spoon are carried out strictly in the opposite direction of the exit of the sebaceous ducts. In other words, when treating the forehead area, you need to move from bottom to top; if the procedure is performed on the cheeks, then to the center from the outside. The nose is cleaned from the base to the back.

After this treatment, sebaceous plugs are removed using an extractor. This is a small spoon on the opposite side. To perform this task, the tool and loop are positioned so that the black dot is strictly under the hole.

With strong impact, the comedone is squeezed out. In this case, the patient practically does not feel pain.

To eliminate whiteheads, initially a puncture is made parallel to the surface of the skin. After this, the eel is squeezed out.

How often should you cleanse your face?

Homemade facial cleansing with a scrub cannot be an alternative to salon procedures.

In cases where sebaceous plugs cannot be removed with the help of special auxiliary devices, the cosmetologist uses his hands. In some situations, a needle is used to widen the ducts. This stage is painful. However, if the skin is well steamed, there is no need to perform it.

At the end of the procedure, the face should be wiped with an alcohol-based solution.

In general, such manipulation can last from several minutes to an hour. It is important to note that it takes about 20 minutes to close the pores after the gel or steam. Therefore, when choosing a specialist, you need to pay attention to the speed of his work. The faster he performs the procedure, the more effective the final result will be.

How to clean at home

It is not difficult to do manual cleaning at home using professional and medicinal rulers. For self-care, you can purchase the DOUBLE ACTION Set for oily skin or A-NOX for problematic dermis from the professional cosmetics brand holy land. How much such a set will cost depends on the number of items, on average about 5,000 rubles.

You can also carry out atraumatic cleaning at home by purchasing a kit that includes 7 products. Recommended for maintaining normal skin condition, narrowing pores, achieving an even, matte skin tone. To perform this, it is necessary to observe sterile conditions to prevent the spread of infection. You can do the cleaning yourself once a month; the technique is no different from the salon procedure.

Advice. For frequent inflammations, acne, acne, you need to contact a professional. The specialist will help you choose a program depending on your skin problems; additional examination and drug therapy may be required.

Healing period

Immediately after the session, redness is observed, which disappears the next day. Swelling, painful sensitivity, and discomfort may also persist for several days. The main task during the healing period is to restore the protective barrier of the integument. To avoid consequences, you must follow a number of rules:

• It is not recommended to go outside for several days to prevent exposure to aggressive environmental factors;
• You should limit touching your face, use a gel without abrasive particles for cleansing, as well as a tonic with antiseptic properties, a moisturizer, and a sebum-regulating cream;
• for about 10 days you cannot visit the sauna, solarium, gym, swimming pool to avoid tissue infection;
• Do not use decorative cosmetics for about 3 days, then choose products with anti-comedogenic characteristics;
• alcoholic drinks that cause tissue swelling are prohibited;
• for washing, use warm or cool water, hot stimulates the synthesis of sebium, it is advisable to choose boiled or thermal water, but not tap water;
• Before going outside, be sure to apply sunscreen;
• You cannot use scrubs, peels, or carry out procedures that injure the skin;
• To speed up healing, products containing hyaluron and aloe, which have anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties, are prescribed.

Precautionary measures

It is recommended to do deep manual cleaning only in trusted salons; the experience and qualifications of the master and compliance with sterile conditions are important. There are a number of contraindications in which the procedure is not performed:

• pregnancy;
• dry, sensitive skin;
• dermatological diseases in the acute stage;
• fragile vessels, rosacea mesh;
• menstruation;
• respiratory diseases;
• bronchial asthma;
• herpes;
• boils.

A traumatic procedure is often accompanied by complications if the protocol is violated or the patient does not comply with the rules of the recovery period:

• persistent redness is often observed with increased skin sensitivity; herbal compresses and regenerating masks are used to speed up recovery;
• swelling goes away within 2-3 days; if it persists for a long time, you need to contact a dermatocosmetologist to find out the cause of the condition;
• hematomas appear when excessive pressure is applied and contraindications to the procedure are neglected;
• inflammation and exacerbation of acne occur when sterility conditions or rules for the tissue healing period are violated;
• scars remain due to excessive pressure on the skin and violation of the cleaning protocol; to eliminate it, it is necessary to undergo a course of hardware procedures;
• antihistamine therapy is prescribed to treat allergic reactions;
• When the integument becomes infected, the use of antibacterial drugs is required.

Possible complications

If the skin is highly sensitive or if the cleaning technique is violated, persistent redness may occur that does not go away for 3 or more days. To soothe the skin in this case, it is useful to make cold compresses from decoctions of medicinal herbs or soothing masks.

When allergies occur, persistent swelling or inflammation may form. To eliminate them, you need to contact a dermatologist. Bruises are the result of too much pressure on the skin. To speed up their resorption, you need to use heparin ointment.

If antiseptic rules have been violated, signs of infection may appear on the face. In this case, to eliminate them, it is better to seek help from a dermatologist, who will prescribe treatment with antibacterial agents.

Advantages and disadvantages

The procedure has both positive and negative aspects that patients should be aware of in advance. It is advisable to evaluate the benefits and harms before the session.

Pros:

• the ability to remove deep comedones, sebaceous plugs, acne, milia;
• the general condition of the skin improves, intracellular processes are normalized;
• the effect lasts for about a month;
• the result is visible immediately after the procedure;
• it is possible to prevent subsequent inflammation;
• affordable price;
• does not require coursework.

Flaws:

• there are risks of complications;
• painful sensations during the procedure;
• not prescribed for dry, sensitive skin with signs of rosacea.

The effect of a cosmetic session depends on the professionalism and experience of the specialist, as well as on the patient’s compliance with the specialist’s recommendations.

Opinion of cosmetologists

On forums, experts discuss the specifics of the procedure and are interested in questions about what is the best product to use for mechanical cleaning.

The specialist describes an integrated approach, prescribing cosmetics for home care in order to normalize the condition of the skin. There are no universal protocols; to solve aesthetic problems, cleansing methods are determined on an individual basis.

The cosmetologist writes that before performing manual cleaning he uses soft scrubs, in particular amber scrub.

The review describes the technology for getting rid of acne, indicating the need for consultation with specialists, without which it is unlikely that it will be possible to find out the causes of inflammation.

Patient reviews

There are a lot of reviews about mechanical cleaning on the Internet, mostly positive opinions about the effectiveness of the cosmetic procedure.

The user writes that he carries out the procedure once every 3-4 months, the cosmetologist carefully cleanses it, without consequences.

The participant writes about unexpressed painful sensations; it is also important to choose home care to prevent pore contamination.

The description indicates the individual characteristics of the healing process. To prevent consequences and quickly recover, he recommends using clay masks.

But there are also negative opinions, mainly associated with uncomfortable sensations. The user describes his experience of cleaning as unbearable pain.