Professional mechanical Facial Cleansing
One of the most effective and therefore widely used facial cleansing methods patients turn to is **mechanical cleansing**. It is capable of deeply cleaning the skin and paying special attention to problematic areas. Despite seeming simple due to being performed manually, this type of cleansing can be quite traumatic and requires a professional approach to avoid complications. Therefore, it's best to entrust this procedure to the professionals in our health resort’s cosmetic department.
Procedure Plan and Indications
Mechanical cleansing (MC) is performed using a special tool — the **Unna spoon**, or manually with the help of sterile gloves or gauze pads.
Prior to the procedure, a desincrustation gel (such as from Anna Lotan or Christina) is applied under a thin film to soften keratinized layers. This allows for deeper cleansing of the epidermis with minimal pressure, making the procedure more effective and less painful.
Indications for regular mechanical cleansing include:
- Clogged or enlarged pores;
- Deep skin impurities such as:
- Comedones — blackheads;
- Acne — pimples;
- Milia — whiteheads appearing as small bumps.
A full facial mechanical cleansing session lasts about 1.5 hours, while cleansing only the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) takes around 30–40 minutes. This duration is necessary to carefully remove deeply embedded comedones. Only MC can completely eliminate blackheads, so it is suitable for everyone — either individually or as part of a comprehensive facial treatment program.
MC is a rather stressful procedure for the skin, as it thoroughly removes existing deep impurities. However, it does not improve overall skin health or prevent new blackheads from forming. To preserve the results after MC, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and address the root causes of sebaceous gland dysfunction.
Who Should Avoid Mechanical Cleansing?
Increased pressure on sensitive facial zones during the procedure may worsen inflamed acne. The process can also spread existing skin conditions such as:
- Boils;
- Exema;
- Active herpes outbreaks;
- Dermatitis in acute phase.
In such cases, as well as in the presence of oncological diseases or blood disorders, mechanical cleansing is contraindicated. The menstrual period is a temporary reason to postpone the procedure. Very dry skin is weakened and cannot tolerate external stress — it first requires intensive nourishment and hydration, not mechanical cleansing.
If there are many comedones and their removal is affordable, it is recommended to split the session into two or more visits. Removing each blackhead causes minor swelling around it, and treating too many areas at once may overstimulate the sebaceous glands and lead to further clogging.
Features of Mechanical Cleansing
Mechanical cleansing is not typically done as a course, since the need for it depends on how quickly the skin becomes congested — which varies based on individual physiology, lifestyle, and skincare habits. On average, MC can be repeated every 3–4 weeks. For problem-prone skin, it is recommended no more than once a month; for non-acne-prone skin — no more than a few times per year. You can determine your skin type with the help of a cosmetologist or by referring to online guides and photos that explain different skin types.
The recovery period after mechanical cleansing lasts about 2 days or until redness and discomfort subside. During this time, it is advised to avoid using makeup. As for post-procedure care, it is best to apply light moisturizing creams and soothing alcohol-free lotions only. After MC, pores become tighter, sebum plugs and comedones disappear, the complexion evens out, and the skin becomes visibly cleaner and smoother.