Neck acne, often overlooked, can be as distressing as facial acne. Various factors contribute to its occurrence.

Winter Clothing

External factors, such as the wearing of clothing around the neck like scarves and turtlenecks,  exacerbate the condition by trapping sweat and bacteria against the skin.

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations are a common culprit, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or as a result of certain medications.

 

1. Neck Facials

To combat neck acne, specialized treatments offer promising solutions. For instance, the needle-free mesotherapy facial, MesoAcne, is tailored for those with moderate to severe acne. It targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing, making it suitable for stubborn breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

On the other hand, the OxyGeneo super facial, OxyBalance, is an excellent choice for individuals seeking skin rejuvenation alongside mild to moderate acne treatment. This facial oxygenates the skin, exfoliates gently, and infuses nutrient-rich serums, enhancing skin texture and reducing inflammation.

For a more focused approach, the Purifying Face (Neck) Treatment concentrates on deep cleansing, exfoliation, and extraction. It employs salicylic acid and peptides to purify the skin and foster a clearer complexion. Additionally, the Image Purifying Peel targets the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), reducing inflammation and the formation of inflammatory acne lesions. This peel is particularly effective in diminishing PIH and promoting an even skin tone.

Why wait until my facial to get extractions?

If you are not a trained skin technician, at-home extractions can intensify or cause dark-spot acne scars , also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Popping without proper prepping triggers skin inflammation, a major factor in PIH development, particularly in darker skin tones.

Extracting without the right preparation and aftercare can push bacteria deeper or spread it, elevating PIH risk through increased inflammation. Pimples popped at home can also heal more slowly, prolonging inflammation and intensifying PIH. The inflammation can prompt melanocytes to produce extra melanin, resulting in darkened skin spots and a higher risk of lasting scars.

How Professional Extractions Minimize Risks:

When extractions are performed by trained skin technicians during a facial, several measures are taken to mitigate the risks associated with popping pimples and to ensure the process is as safe and beneficial as possible:

  • Preparation: The skin is usually prepped using a gentle steam treatment or warm towels. This softens the skin and opens up the pores, making extractions easier and reducing the potential for skin trauma.
  • Sterilization: skin technicians use sterilized tools and ensure their hands are clean and often gloved. This reduces the risk of introducing new bacteria into the skin.
  • Technique: Professionals use specialized extraction techniques that minimize trauma to the surrounding skin. They’re trained to recognize which blemishes can be safely extracted and which should be left alone.
  • Aftercare: Post-extraction, soothing and antibacterial products are applied to calm the skin and minimize the risk of infection. This step also aids in reducing inflammation, which can lead to PIH.
  • Guidance: If a blemish is deemed too risky to extract (because it’s too deep, for example), the skin technician  will typically advise against extracting it and might provide advice on alternative treatments.
  • Experience: Skin technicians have seen a variety of skin types and conditions. Their experience enables them to gauge the level of pressure to apply and to determine the best extraction methods for each individual.
  • Tailored Treatments: Often, facials are tailored to the client’s specific skin type and concerns. A skin technician  can choose products and treatments that not only aid in the extraction process but also help in the healing and prevention of future breakouts.

2. At-Home Skincare Routine

Apart from these treatments, specific products like the at-home Vivier Acne Treatment System offer a practical approach to acne management to incorporate in your daily routine. This 2-step kit, comprising a Medicated Wash and Acne Treatment Lotion, is designed to clear and prevent new acne formations, resulting in healthier, more even skin within a few weeks.

3. Neck Acne Prevention

To help prevent neck acne, consider these practical everyday tips:

  • Maintain good hygiene, especially around the neck area.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing like scarves and turtlenecks that can trap sweat and bacteria.
  • Use non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) skincare products.
  • Cleanse areas prone to sweat accumulation regularly, including the neck.
  • Change out of sweaty clothes promptly after exercise or exertion.

Consistent application of these tips, alongside targeted treatments, can significantly reduce the incidence of neck acne.

Tackle Your Neck Acne Scars

There are multiple solutions available to treat your neck acne scars, whether they are pigmented, indented, or both!

Pigmented acne scars: areas of discoloration or hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout.

Indented acne scars: characterized by depressions or uneven texture on the skin’s surface caused by the loss of collagen or tissue during the healing process.

Treatments for Indented & Pigmented Acne Scars

 

Microneedling:

  • Uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration.
  • It is effective for treating indented acne scars by encouraging collagen remodeling, filling in the depressions and improving the texture of the skin.
  • Microneedling also helps reduce the appearance of pigmented acne scars by promoting skin cell turnover and fading hyperpigmentation over time.

Fractional Laser:

  • Fractional laser treatments create microthermal zones within the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and skin remodelling for treating both indented and pigmented acne scars.
  • Laser energy promotes collagen production, plumping the skin to minimize depressions, and targeting pigmentation, reducing discoloration.

PicoSure Laser for Pigmented Scars & Large Pores

  • PicoSure laser delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to the skin, targeting specific pigmented areas or scar tissue.
  • It is particularly beneficial for addressing pigmented acne scars, as the laser energy breaks down melanin deposits, reducing discoloration and promoting a more even skin tone.
  • By promoting collagen remodelling and surface skin tightening, it can also reduce the size and visibility of pores over time, resulting in a smoother and more refined complexion.

Microneedling and laser treatments for acne scars require multiple sessions (we recommend starting with 3 sessions) to be effective as your skin needs time to undergo natural collagen remodelling triggered by the treatment. Gradual improvement is achieved with each treatment session as the scars gradually fill in and the skin texture becomes smoother after each appointment.