Medical facials and micro­dermabrasion in Torrance

Type of service

Cosmetic skin care within our physician-directed skin clinic

Microdermabrasion

Often 5 to 16 treatments, weekly to monthly (AAD)

Light peels

3 to 5 peels, every 2 to 5 weeks, when needed (AAD)

Downtime

Pinkness for about a day; flaking for several days after a light peel

Results

Temporary, so regular upkeep is needed

Customized medical facial

Each facial is planned around your skin type, age and goals. A visit may include:

• deep cleansing
• warm steam to soften the skin
• gentle extraction of blackheads and whiteheads with sterile tools, if needed
• a light enzyme peel or exfoliant chosen for your skin
• a calming or hydrating mask

A facial can help dull or congested skin and clogged pores. The effect is short-term, so regular visits are needed to maintain it. Results vary from person to person.

Acne-care facial

An acne-care facial combines deep cleansing, careful extractions and a mask or light peel chosen for breakout-prone skin. It can support medical acne care but does not replace it. For frequent or painful breakouts, see our acne treatment options.

Please don’t squeeze pimples at home. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that it can lead to infection, more painful or more noticeable acne, and scars.

Crystal microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses a fine stream of crystals and gentle suction to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it can be used on all skin tones, and after a series of treatments skin can look smoother, brighter and more even. It may help:

• a dull complexion
• uneven skin tone or texture
• age spots
• dark marks left as acne clears
• melasma

What it can’t do: it works only on the surface, so changes are subtle and temporary, and it does not tighten loose skin. Most people have between 5 and 16 treatments, weekly to monthly, plus follow-up visits to maintain results. For deeper acne scars or wrinkles, ask about laser resurfacing.

Vitamin C, in the clinic and at home

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant used in many skin-care products. Clinical studies are limited but suggest modest benefits:

• In a 6-month controlled study, a 5% vitamin C cream improved the look of sun-damaged skin.
• In a 16-week melasma study, 4% hydroquinone lightened dark patches more, but vitamin C caused far fewer side effects.

Vitamin C add-on during a facial: a handheld device that uses a mild electrical current (iontophoresis) or ultrasound may help vitamin C serum absorb better than applying it alone, with modest benefits. In one small split-face study, an iontophoresis device used twice a week for 8 weeks improved the look of pores and skin hydration. How long any benefit lasts is not known.

Vitamin C is not a sunscreen. Use it alongside daily sunscreen, not instead of it.

What to expect

1. Skin review

   We ask about your skin, medicines and past reactions, then suggest a facial or treatment that fits.

2. Cleansing and steam

   Your skin is cleansed and softened with warm steam.

3. Treatment

   Extractions, a light peel, microdermabrasion or a vitamin C add-on, depending on your plan.

4. Mask

   A calming or hydrating mask finishes the visit.

5. Aftercare and upkeep

   Use sunscreen daily and don’t pick at your skin. We’ll suggest a schedule that suits your skin.

Side effects & risks

• Facials and light peels: redness, irritation or breakouts. After a light peel, skin is red and may then flake for 3 to 7 days. Peels done without proper expertise can cause lasting pigment problems in skin of color.
• Extractions: if done improperly, they can cause infection and scarring.
• Microdermabrasion: skin may be pink and slightly swollen for about a day. It can bruise, burn, sting or become very sensitive to the sun, and people who get dark spots after skin injuries may get more.
• Vitamin C products: irritation or a burning feeling.

Who should not have it / talk to Dr. Shin first

Please wait on microdermabrasion if you:

• have a mole or spot that is growing, bleeding or changing; have it checked first
• took isotretinoin (a prescription acne pill) in the past 6 months
• scar easily

Talk to Dr. Shin first, before any facial, peel or add-on, if you:

• use isotretinoin or a prescription retinoid
• get cold sores
• have an active rash, an infection, or a flare of acne or rosacea
• have very sensitive or broken skin
• have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or metal in the treatment area (before the vitamin C device is used)