Mechanical facial cleansing: technique, differences from ultrasonic cleansing

Mechanical facial cleansing is a deep cleansing using fingers and special tools. It is performed by a cosmetologist in salons. A properly performed procedure has a very positive effect on the skin, helps prevent many problems, and if they exist, eliminate them effectively and quickly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Mechanical facial cleansing has both advantages and disadvantages. It is effective because after it the skin is cleansed even from deep comedones that clog the sebaceous ducts. As a result of better breathing, the face becomes fresher, the pores become smaller, and pimples disappear. After a few days, the face's condition noticeably improves visually.

The above applies to healthy skin. Acne and similar problems require medication first, followed by mechanical cleaning. The effect is enhanced by combining this method with ultrasound.

Negative consequences of cosmetic manipulation include:

• injury;
• soreness;
• swelling;
• prolonged redness.

Some European and American specialists do not practice this method of cleaning, as they consider it unhygienic. Of course, any procedure is fraught with adverse risks if done "carelessly". How to reduce negative risks? Only by choosing a competent cosmetologist, as well as a good time to meet with him (in advance of important events and activities).

You also shouldn’t get too carried away with the procedure, since it is quite aggressive and, although it effectively removes blackheads, it does not prevent the formation of new ones.

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What is the difference between mechanical and ultrasonic facial cleansing?

Mechanical facial cleansing is done by hand, hence its second name – manual. It is painful, especially on the wings of the nose and around the eyes. After cleansing, swelling, redness, and discomfort occur. The effect occurs only after some time, when the skin has completely calmed down. It is recommended to do it no more than a few times a year.

What is the difference between mechanical and ultrasonic facial cleansing? It is delicate, therefore less painful, but the effect is not immediately noticeable. A significant advantage of the ultrasonic method is that it does not leave swelling and hyperemia. It is recommended to carry out it often: 2 - 3 times a month. In relation to the prices for both services in salons, the ultrasonic method is somewhat more expensive.

Cosmetologists practice combined cleaning – a combination of mechanical and ultrasonic methods. The procedure effectively removes superficial plugs, pimples, acne and deep comedones, especially if there are many of them.

As in other cases, after combined cleaning you cannot use decorative cosmetics, dye your eyebrows and eyelashes, or go to the bathhouse. Only a cool shower is acceptable.

Indications for the procedure

Indications for mechanical facial cleansing:

• dullness;
• enlarged pores;
• blockage of sebaceous ducts;
• non-inflammatory acne and other rashes;
• acne, comedones.

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Preparation

Preparation for mechanical facial cleansing consists of removing makeup and opening pores. Cleansing is performed using a cosmetic product suitable for the skin type; in case of severe contamination, a mask or acid peeling is used.

Steaming with jets of steam or gel, which causes swelling of epidermal cells, is traditionally used to open pores. Asthma, thin skin, proximity to blood capillaries are contraindications for the use of steam; in such cases, cold hydration is recommended instead of heat. The gel applied to the face moisturizes the skin so much that intercellular connections are weakened, and the skin is cleansed gently, without dehydration.

Before the main procedure, the cosmetologist prepares the necessary sterile instruments and puts on gloves. Of course, everything must be sterile.

Stages of mechanical facial cleansing

Mechanical cleaning of the face is performed with a Uno spoon or a sieve, removing greasy film, dead epidermis and the contents of clogged pores. Prepared skin - dry, clean, with enlarged pores - is wiped with hydrogen peroxide or cosmetic lotion (without alcohol). The same substances are used to disinfect instruments repeatedly during use. The procedure is performed in stages, quickly enough, until the pores close back.

Stages of mechanical facial cleansing:

• the actual cleaning;
• antibacterial cream mask;
• darsonvalization;
• alginate mask;
• soothing cream mask.

If the rash is abundant, then the cleaning is done partially, leaving some places for the next time. In very serious cases, a vacuum cleaning method is additionally used, the so-called desincrustation (it is carried out by galvanophoresis or galvanization). The method is based on a chemical reaction: with the help of electric current and chemical solutions, the contents of the sebaceous glands are dissolved and removed from the skin, deeply cleaning problem areas.

The remaining stages are aimed at closing the pores, disinfecting and soothing the skin. For this purpose, cosmetic lotions, clay and masks, infrared radiation, darsonvalization are used. After all the manipulations, it is useful to rest for some time without leaving the beauty salon.

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Device for mechanical facial cleansing

The device for mechanical facial cleansing can be used at home. It is made in the form of a stick with removable attachments or tips of several types. The material is medical steel.

The hard-to-pronounce name of the tool, “acne squeezer,” is commonly replaced by a simpler synonym: a face cleaning stick.

The main types of tips are a loop, a spoon, a needle, a strainer. It is important to choose the right attachments depending on the specific problem.

• Vidal's loop removes dirt from both superficial acne and deep comedones. It is more suitable for dense contents protruding above the skin.
• The Uno spoon is two in one. It consists of a spoon with a hole and a strainer located at opposite ends. The spoon is used for single acne, the strainer is used for abundant breakouts.
• The Vidal needle is used for large, deep and small whiteheads. Considering the painfulness of the procedure, as well as the likelihood of bruising after mechanical cleaning of the face in this way, it should not be used in other cases.

The brush is a daily tool for cleansing the skin and preventing the formation of pimples and comedones. It is especially suitable for dry skin prone to peeling.

Before you begin the procedure on your own, you should remember a few rules:

• Do not use the devices on inflamed or infected skin.
• The face, hands and equipment are treated with an antiseptic before cleaning.
• After finishing, the skin is wiped with disinfectants and pore-tightening agents.

Technique facial

There are two types of mechanical facial cleansing: hygienic or therapeutic. Both types consist of thermal action and actual cleansing.

If we separate preparatory manipulations and post-procedural care, then the cleaning technique consists of the consistent use of tools and materials that need to be prepared at the workplace.

First, use a sieve to remove excess fat and horny scales. This is achieved with small "strokes" and light pressure. Avoid areas with infected acne. Hold the skin with the first two fingers. Constantly dip the instrument in a 3% solution of boric acid.

We carry out the strainer like this:

• along the forehead - from the eyebrows to the hair;
• along the nose - from the base to the bridge;
• along the cheeks - along the lines to the nose;
• along the chin - from bottom to top.

You need to remove the stratum corneum within about seven minutes, since the skin then cools down.

The next stage is finger cleaning. Black and white dots and other dirt are removed with fingers wrapped in gauze. Finally, the face is wiped with calendula alcohol tincture (for therapeutic cleaning - with a solution of levomycetin alcohol).

The procedure may vary depending on individual skin characteristics and the specialist's technique. The Uno spoon and other devices are used as needed.

Mechanical facial cleansing with darsonvalization

Electrotherapy by D'Arsonval is widely used in cosmetology to eliminate skin defects, treat acne. D'Arsonval currents stimulate lymph and blood flow, increase elasticity and turgor, and effectively prevent wrinkles. Darsonvalization disinfects the skin, reduces pores, and reduces the activity of skin glands. This is exactly what you need after mechanical facial cleansing.

Mechanical facial cleansing with darsonvalization is also indicated to relieve irritation - a natural reaction of the skin to traumatic manipulation. The healing properties of darsonval promote rapid skin renewal.

The procedure is performed under the supervision of a specialist. The device is moved along problematic points in a "quiet" mode, that is, without the characteristic sparking. Under the influence of microcurrents, the skin feels a slight tingling. As a result, it becomes more accessible for the penetration of medicinal and cosmetic products.

Mechanical facial cleansing during pregnancy

Mechanical facial cleansing is not prohibited during pregnancy. On the contrary, it is encouraged, in the context of the fact that it is important for a woman to take care of her skin, which is also “capricious” during this period. Hormonal shifts lead to changes in the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands, sometimes provoking radical changes that spoil a woman’s appearance and mood.

However, there is a caveat: mechanical facial cleansing should not be painful, so as not to cause unwanted contraction of the muscles, including the uterine muscles. This is very dangerous, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy. Thus, mechanical facial cleansing can only be done in particularly dirty areas, and not deep.

As for other methods, in addition to pain, the criteria are the safety of the impact of ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and other devices on the body. The vacuum method has virtually no contraindications.

In any case, it is up to you to choose – after consulting with specialists. Ideally, all the cosmetologist’s suggestions should be agreed upon with the gynecologist and the ones approved by him/her should be chosen. It is also important to pay attention to the composition of the cosmetics used for care and various procedures permitted for pregnant women.

If you are not ready to take risks, then make sure that the leather accumulates less dirt and does not require special cleaning. Simple tips will help with this:

• never sleep with makeup on your face;
• Keep your skin moisturized constantly;
• Cleanse your face regularly with masks and scrubs.

And don't rush things. As practice shows, the hormonal surge during pregnancy can stop quickly and without external intervention after a successful delivery.

Contraindications to the procedure

Contraindications for mechanical facial cleansing:

• profuse inflamed rashes;
• herpes;
• eczema;
• allergy;
• increased dryness;
• vascular fragility;
• hypersensitivity;
• furunculosis;
• hypertension;
• asthma;
• blood pathologies;
• cold;
• menstruation.

Some cleansing methods are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

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Consequences after the procedure

The consequences of mechanical facial cleansing are predictable and normally last up to three days (redness, swelling, peeling, hematomas). The feeling of discomfort is increased by itching, hypersecretion of sebum, which are inevitable at first. However, after the required period, the expected positive result will appear.

If undesirable consequences persist for a longer period of time, it may be a matter of violations of the procedure technique, allergic reaction, unaccounted contraindications, etc., capable of provoking such phenomena. Such a condition requires consultation with a cosmetologist or dermatologist and strict adherence to their instructions for care or treatment.

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Complications after the procedure

After mechanical facial cleansing, skin inflammation, infection, allergic reactions, scars and other complications are possible. They arise as a result of:

• violations of the procedure methodology;
• use of low-quality tools and equipment;
• disrespect for sanitary requirements;
• allergies;
• ignoring contraindications;
• failure to follow specialist advice;
• neglect of daily care.

To eliminate complications, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products (ointments, masks, medicinal plants, various drugs) are used. They must be prescribed by a qualified specialist. Scars require special attention: they are removed in salons using special procedures.

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Care after the procedure

Mechanical facial cleansing is considered to be very effective, but quite traumatic. After it, the skin becomes defenseless for some time, and this is fraught with the risk of inflammation and infection. It is necessary to protect it from negative influences with especially careful care.

During the first 24 hours, it is not recommended to be outside or in other places where the skin is exposed to aggressive and polluting factors. You cannot:

• do makeup;
• dye eyebrows, eyelashes, hair;
• visit the sauna, swimming pool, solarium, fitness room.

The first 12 hours at home, it is recommended to wash and use products recommended by a cosmetologist. The skin needs to be helped to resist infection, soothed with herbal washes, nourished with creams and masks. A cucumber mask is classically simple and effective, when slices of green vegetables are applied to the face and kept for about an hour.

In the future, it should not be forgotten that walks in the fresh air and a balanced diet have the best effect on the condition of the skin.

Recommendations after mechanical facial cleansing

Cleansed skin should be protected from infection and adverse effects of external factors. Recommendations after mechanical facial cleansing:

• After the procedure, you should rest for about 30 minutes without going outside until the pores are completely closed.
• For the first 12 hours, you cannot do any procedures on your face, visit a gym or a swimming pool, or wash with plain water.
• You should not apply makeup or use alcohol-containing products for 24 hours.
• Instead, use nourishing, soothing, moisturizing creams.
• Until the skin is restored, swimming and sunbathing are prohibited.
• To prevent scars in areas of microtrauma caused by mechanical facial cleansing, it is advisable to wipe the skin with Pantestin and Octenisept.

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Masks after mechanical facial cleansing

Masks after mechanical facial cleansing should perform the following tasks:

• disinfect;
• reduce pores;
• relieve swelling and redness;
• eliminate irritation and inflammation;
• whiten pigmentation;
• stimulate healing and soothing.

If the mechanical facial cleansing was done by a cosmetologist, then the mask should be used according to his/her recommendations. When performing the procedure on your own, it is easiest to make masks from food products. It is important not to overdo it: two procedures a week are enough for normal skin support.

For masks, they use honey, potatoes, yeast, puree of various fruits, parsley, as well as cosmetic clay, soda, chloramphenicol, aspirin and some other drugs in combinations.

• Medicinal mask: clay (white), talc and crushed chloramphenicol tablets in a ratio of 2:2:1 diluted with hydrogen peroxide (3%).
• Yeast mask: mix 10 g with yogurt until it reaches the consistency of sour cream, add a little strawberry juice.

Using depanthenol after mechanical facial cleansing

Depantenol cream has a regenerating and antiseptic effect. It is widely used as an external drug in dermatology, surgery, traumatology, gynecology, and for cosmetic purposes.

The use of d-panthenol after mechanical facial cleansing is advisable because the active substance - provitamin B5 blocks probable inflammation and stimulates the restoration of damaged epidermis. In addition, d-panthenol:

• deeply moisturizes dry skin;
• maintains skin structure;
• protects from external factors.

Based on this, cosmetologists advise using the product after mechanical facial cleansing. Panthenol gel is used in its pure form or as a mask with panthenol, for example, according to this recipe: a small dose of camphor, tea tree oil and panthenol should be mixed and spread on the face for 20 minutes. Rinse and wipe with lotion (without alcohol).

Baneocin powder after mechanical facial cleansing

Baneocin is an antibiotic for external use. The medicine is effective and safe, approved for use by children from an early age and pregnant patients, but only as prescribed by a doctor.

Dermatologists prescribe the drug for acne, pimples, furunculosis, carbuncles, purulent inflammations. The powder or ointment also has a preventive effect against the development of abscesses and extensive inflammations.

Baneocin powder disinfects the skin after mechanical face cleaning and helps to quickly restore its natural color. The powder is evenly sprinkled over the entire face, and in problem areas that visually threaten inflammation, it is sprinkled more intensively. Redness disappears without a trace earlier than a day after mechanical face cleaning (sometimes - after a few hours).

The beauty of the skin depends on both the internal state of the body and external factors. Daily care is important. Properly performed mechanical facial cleansing remains one of the most useful and effective procedures for maintaining the skin in a healthy and beautiful condition.