What's Covered on This Page
- What a Back Facial Actually Includes
- Skin Problems a Back Facial Is Designed to Fix
- Tips to Prepare for Your Back Facial Appointment
- The Process of Your Treatment
- What Your Back Will Look Like Afterward, and How to Make the Results Last Longer
- What should I wear to my back facial appointment?
- How many back facial sessions do I need to see real results?
- Does the humidity and salt air in Murrells Inlet make back acne worse?
- Is a back facial painful, especially during extractions?
- How soon before a beach trip or outdoor event should I book my back facial?
- Can a back facial help with dark spots and rough texture, not just breakouts?
What a Back Facial Actually Includes
When you think of a back facial, you might think it's just a facial you get on your back. And, yes, it is just a facial you get on your back. And no, it's not that easy.
A back facial covers an area that you simply can't access by yourself; this is one of the reasons why it exists in the first place. Your back contains more oil glands than the rest of your body, collects sweat under clothing, and accumulates lots of dead skin cells around the shoulder blades (we see a lot of these types of clients every day here in Murrells Inlet because they are active and enjoy being outdoors. Not to mention the salt air and humidity near the Inlet).
Below, our team explains what's involved during a back facial:
- Cleaning out the skin, removing excess oil, sunscreen, dead skin cells and other buildup across the upper and lower back.
- Steaming the skin, opening pores to allow other treatments to better affect the skin underneath the surface.
- Gently exfoliating the skin, lifting away dead cells that trap bacteria and cause acne.
- Extraction of clogged pores and blackheads, especially around the shoulders and mid-back area where the most congestion occurs.
- A mask treatment, which could be soothing, hydrating or clarifying, depending on what skin needs.
- A moisturizer that won't clog pores in the skin again.
This entire procedure takes about an hour. Patients lie face down the entire time.
Do you need a back facial? Think about this the last time you looked at the back. When was the last time you actually looked at the back. Many of the first-time clients who come to us for a back facial are shocked by what we find on their first appointment.
Blackheads that were never seen. Rough skin that could never be addressed from years of neglect. Inflammation that has hidden itself for years under clothes.
This type of facial treatment clears acne and improves skin texture and tone, and fades spots caused from past breakouts. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in adults on the back, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This aligns with what we see every day at our spa located near the MarshWalk.
Your face gets facial treatments; your back should receive the same treatment.
A back facial is one of the health spa services at Jolie Visage in Murrells Inlet. If you are considering more than one treatment, we will help you build a plan that fits your goals.
Skin Problems a Back Facial Is Designed to Fix
The back has more oil glands per area than anywhere else on the body. This is where acne on the back can be so difficult to get rid of.
The treatments used during a back facial are intended to treat skin concerns that the hands, wash and body wash simply can't reach. We have customers who have lived with the same issues on their back for months or years before arriving at our door in Murrells Inlet. Many people are unaware that this treatment is available. Here's what a back facial can treat:
- Back acne (bacne) triggered by dirty pores, perspiration and oil
- Scraggly skin caused by dead skin cells that don't shed themselves naturally
- Brown spots and marks from previous acne flare-ups
- Dirty pores and blackheads across the back and shoulders
- Flaky, dry skin between the shoulder blades
This is what I tend to hear from clients who schedule back facials with us: "My back has bumps on it. I'm concerned about those bumps." They notice these spots on their skin and can't figure out how to get rid of them without help from someone else. Sometimes a spouse, significant other, or friend mentions the problem to them; sometimes the person sees something in the mirror before going to the beach and wishes they could take it back. It's simply difficult to properly treat your own back.
For one thing, you can't see it well enough to determine which areas need extra attention. You also don't exfoliate it very thoroughly. Many body washes and lotions aren't powerful enough to clear congested skin on the back. A back facial is designed for all these reasons.
It brings all the treatment you get on your face to your previously un-touched skin.
Back acne isn't uncommon at all. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many people with facial acne also experience acne on the back but tend to treat their face only.
In our office, we often see irritated skin that has developed from the accumulation of sunscreen or the salt air in our beachside Murrells Inlet neighborhood. People love the outdoors here, so it makes sense that a lot of back irritation would develop there. But our back facials remove these irritants and allow the skin to breathe again.
Tips to Prepare for Your Back Facial Appointment
You don't need to make a lot of changes before coming in. A few small changes will increase the efficacy of your back facial experience:
Skip any self-tanner applications for at least three days before coming to the spa. Likewise, don't apply lotions or body oils to your back. We want to treat your skin, not the coating of lotion on it. If your skin is sunburned from a recent visit with Mother Nature, please come back another day.
Don't try to treat irritated skin at the spa because that will exacerbate the problem.
- Wear an easy-to-remove top (a tank top, for example) so there is no friction against your skin post-treatment.
- Avoid using any type of exfoliant on your back two days before treatment.
- Let us know if there's any condition, allergy or medication affecting your back skin.
- Drink extra water the day before and day of the treatment.
- Your back should also be clean. You don't have to shower specifically for an appointment, just give it a normal, thorough wash.
That final point seems like no-brainer. However, we've seen it happen plenty of times where someone shows up just minutes later for an appointment with a freshly applied heavy lotion that slows down our extraction process.
If you're taking medications for acne or retinoids, let us know when you call to book. Certain topical and systemic medications will impact the skin, and can change the protocol of treatment. We get a number of people that will also have chemical peels or other treatments at our office, so they know what they have done.
Anytime you are uncertain if a product could cause issues during a treatment, just give us a call. It will only take thirty seconds and it could save us from having to adjust the treatment on the fly.
One last note. If you have a big event or occasion coming up, schedule the appointment at least 5 days in advance. Our weather here in Murrells Inlet remains hot and humid, and salty air can sometimes irritate skin. You want to give yourself enough time to relax and get maximum benefit.
Usually by the third or fourth day you'll notice the best results.
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The Process of Your Treatment
The majority of folks who come for a back facial are trying something out for the first time, and that is perfectly fine. What we are going to do is walk you through the process so you're not caught off guard when you arrive. You should know what to expect.
- Cleansing and evaluation: The client will lay face down on the treatment table as we cleanse their full back. The initial cleanser removes all sunscreen and oil as we are examining skin conditions such as the shoulders having a lot of blackheads, the spine is very cystic, or there is a lot of dryness on the lower back.
- Warm steam: This step is for a few minutes to soften and open the skin for deeper extraction. It should be around 10 minutes.
- Exfoliation: We exfoliate to clear dead cells and prepare the skin to receive the extraction process. This is more than the average skin scrub you would buy in a store.
- Extraction: We extract the blackheads and clean the pores, as the client will feel some pressure. However, our licensed esthetician will extract carefully as to not damage the skin.
- Treatment mask: We will choose a mask that fits the client's skin needs, such as for oily acne-prone skin, or soothing and hydrating for dry skin.
- Moisturize: After the mask, we will place a nice moisturizer on the skin, so after the treatment it is protected.
Overall, the treatment takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Most people think it will be painful, but the majority say it's more calming than they ever expected.
Since the skin on your back is thicker than the skin on your face, we can use a more intensive exfoliation method, plus more aggressive extractions, to help it clear much faster. We've seen the results of a back facial firsthand, book one with us now to see the difference for yourself.
What Your Back Will Look Like Afterward, and How to Make the Results Last Longer
After a back facial, the skin on your back may be slightly red. That is typical and it's a sign that it's working. People almost always remark that their back feels lighter, and more smooth, as if the dead skin on the surface has been lifted off. After we unclog the pores, clear away the built-up dead skin cells, and soothe the breakouts, the skin on your back has a chance to reset and start functioning normally.
Within 24 hours, you will notice that the redness is fading, and you'll have cleaner, calmer skin that feels clean for the first time in forever.
As you are about to leave us at our Murrells Inlet location, we provide the following advice to all of our clients:
- Give yourself 24 hours before you head back to the gym. Sweat and friction will cause bacteria to travel back through your freshly cleaned pores.
- Put on something loose before you head home. Tight clothing will irritate your freshly exfoliated skin, so wear a comfortable t-shirt instead.
- Avoid hot tubs and pools for at least 48 hours. Chlorine and heat are not great for freshly exfoliated skin.
- Put on some sunblock if your back is going to be exposed. Especially if you're out at the MarshWalk.
- Don't pick at the surface of your skin. If any spots surface in the next two or three days, just leave them alone to heal naturally.
We find that the best results for our clients come when they come in every 4-6 weeks. The first treatment makes a noticeable difference, but consistent treatments prevent back acne from returning over the long haul. The skin on your back is just that way: thicker and oilier than the skin on the face, so it needs a bit of extra attention on a regular basis.
On non-treatment days, opt for a body wash with salicylic acid, change your bed sheets every week, and make sure you shower immediately after a workout rather than staying in your sweaty shirt. Those are simple ways to care for your skin. Our clients who maintain their clear skin results are not doing much more than that: they just took care of their back skin. exactly what your skin needs to keep glowing after our first session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about back facial services in Murrells Inlet
What should I wear to my back facial appointment?
Wear a loose shirt or tank top to your appointment. Tight clothing rubbing against freshly treated skin can cause irritation right after your session. A simple button-down or a baggy tee works great. Avoid thick moisturizers or body oils on your back before you come in. We need to see your actual skin clearly. After your treatment, loose fabric keeps everything comfortable while your skin settles.
How many back facial sessions do I need to see real results?
Most clients see a noticeable difference after just one session. Your skin looks cleaner, feels smoother, and congested pores are cleared out. For stubborn back acne or deep blackheads, a series of sessions spaced about four weeks apart works better. Skin renews itself on a monthly cycle, so regular treatments keep buildup from coming back. We'll tell you honestly what your skin needs after that first visit.
Does the humidity and salt air in Murrells Inlet make back acne worse?
Yes, it really does. Living near the water in Murrells Inlet means your skin deals with constant humidity, salt air, and sunscreen buildup. All of that sits on your back and clogs pores fast. Add sweat from outdoor activity and you've got the perfect conditions for breakouts. A back facial clears all of that out completely. Clients who stay active near the Inlet benefit a lot from regular treatments.
Is a back facial painful, especially during extractions?
A back facial is not painful for most people. Steam opens your pores first, which makes extractions much gentler than going in dry. You might feel mild pressure during the extraction step, especially across the shoulders where congestion tends to run deep. Most clients say it feels more like a deep massage than anything uncomfortable. If something feels too intense, just let us know and we adjust right away.
How soon before a beach trip or outdoor event should I book my back facial?
Book your back facial at least five days before any big event or beach outing. Your skin needs a few days to settle after treatment. Most clients say day three or four is when their back looks its best. Coming in right before a trip and then heading straight into salt water and sun can irritate freshly treated skin. Give yourself that buffer and you'll actually enjoy the results.
Can a back facial help with dark spots and rough texture, not just breakouts?
Absolutely. A back facial does more than clear active breakouts. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that cause rough, bumpy texture between your shoulder blades. The treatment mask and extractions also help fade post-acne dark spots left behind after old blemishes heal. Many clients come in focused on acne and leave thrilled about how much smoother and more even their skin looks overall. It's a full skin reset for your back.