Stubborn Blackheads and Breakouts: ACNE DEEP CLEANSING FACIAL Guide (and yes, we can talk about eyelash extension lashes too)

A lot of people tell us our space feels “so relaxing and beautiful inside, ” and the best part is what happens after: skin that feels noticeably cleaner in the days following a treatment. If blackheads keep coming back, or your T-zone gets congested fast, our 40-minute ACNE DEEP CLEANSING FACIAL (starting at $160) is built to clear the buildup, calm the skin, and get you back out the door without making your whole week about recovery. We’re right here in Portage Park on Chicago’s Northwest Side, near the Irving Park corridor and Central Avenue.

Blackheads that don’t budge: what’s actually clogging your pores

Blackheads are basically pores packed with oil and dead skin that oxidize at the surface. That “little dark dot” isn’t dirt. It’s your pore doing its job and getting overwhelmed. And when that congestion sits there, it can turn into whiteheads or inflamed breakouts.

In Chicago, skin tends to swing with the seasons. Hot, humid summers can mean more sweat, more sunscreen, and more clogged pores. Winter indoor heating can dry the surface while your skin still produces oil underneath, so you feel tight and shiny at the same time. That combo is a big reason blackheads feel “never-ending.”

What our ACNE DEEP CLEANSING FACIAL does in 40 minutes (and why it helps)

This facial is designed for acne-prone skin, so we focus on getting congestion out gently and calming things down right after. People come in because their pores feel clogged and their skin looks dull. They leave feeling refreshed and more balanced.

Step-by-step, in plain language

• Cleanse + prep: We start by clearing surface oil and buildup so you’re not “extracting through” makeup, sunscreen, or city grime.
• Targeted exfoliation: We use exfoliation that makes sense for congestion, often salicylic-based or a gentle mechanical approach, to loosen what’s stuck in the pore.
• Professional extractions: This is where blackheads and whiteheads finally move. We keep it controlled and careful, so we’re not leaving your skin angry.
• Mask + calming finish: We finish with pore-clearing and soothing steps, then a targeted serum so you’re not walking out feeling raw.

And yes, it’s normal to have a little redness right after extractions. Most people settle down quickly and can get back to regular life.

“Amazing facial with high-end products, I'm thrilled with my progress in fighting acne, I highly recommend this place, excellent service ❤️”

one of our regulars

Is this facial right for your skin, or do you need something stronger?

This is usually a great fit if you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, oily or congested pores, and occasional mild inflamed breakouts. We also see people who feel like products “burn” easily, so we keep the process gentle and pay attention to what your skin is telling us during the facial.

If you’re dealing with severe cystic or nodular acne, this facial can help with surface congestion, but it’s not a replacement for dermatologic care. We’ll tell you honestly if your skin needs a different plan, including prep for advanced options like peels.

How soon results show, how often to come in, and what to do after

A deep cleansing facial often gives you an immediate “cleaner” feel, and you’ll usually notice your pores look less congested once any post-extraction redness calms down. One of the most common patterns we hear is that skin looks noticeably clean within a couple of days.

A realistic schedule that actually works

For stubborn blackheads and recurring congestion, most people do best starting with 3 to 4 sessions spaced weekly or every 3 to 4 weeks depending on how reactive your skin is, then maintenance every 4 to 8 weeks. We’ll talk you through what makes sense based on what we see.

Aftercare that keeps pores clearer

• Keep it gentle for 24 hours. Don’t scrub or pick.
• Use non-comedogenic sunscreen daily. It matters in summer, and it matters in winter too.
• If you use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide at home, go slow right after your facial. We’ll tell you what’s reasonable for your skin.
• Avoid heavy makeup right away if you can. If you have to wear it for work, keep it light and remove it as soon as you’re home.

If breakouts keep persisting, we’ll talk about next steps. For some people, that means prepping for a peel. For others, it means a simple routine change you can actually stick with.

Why Portage Park keeps coming back to us for acne care (and yes, lashes too)

People come back because we don’t rush. You’ll feel that in the way we examine your skin, explain what we’re doing, and check in during the service. That calm, cozy feel matters, especially when you’re already frustrated with your skin.

We’re easy to get to in Portage Park, close to the Irving Park and Central Avenue corridor and not far from Six Corners. And we regularly see neighbors coming in from Elmwood Park, River Grove, Franklin Park, Schiller Park, Norridge, and Melrose Park.