Skin care
"How I Cured My Cystic Acne"
What do you do when you've been struggling with cystic acne for years? You find a way to make it go away. Read on to see how one reader finally figured out a cure
Phase 2: My torture facial
After two weeks of adhering to Shamban's strict regimen, I go back to her office for a facial. I'm thinking it's going to be the ultimate doctor visit, like a relaxing spa day with Enya playing and detox tea served at the end. But I hop into the facialist's chair and I'm immediately engulfed in a stringent smell that makes me choke -- a far cry from the lavender and eucalyptus I was expecting. And the process begins.The facialist, Tanya Eubanks, first exfoliates and steams my face. Then she uses her gloved fingers and a medical needle to perform extractions. And it is as painful as it sounds. The worst part is when I hear the noise of the needle pricking each cyst. It sounds like a tiny burst of air, which might not seem bad, but all I can think about is all the gunk coming out each time, and it makes me cringe. By the time she applies a mask to reduce redness, I've lost all feeling in my face.
SEE NEXT PAGE: Was the numbness worth it?
4 of 12
related stories
Skin care
8 Bad Skin Habits That'll Shock You
Skin care
Clear Skin 101: Get Rid of Acne Scars
Skin care
8 Best Acne Products -- and the 10 Worst
you might also like
Back
to top
