massage and back acne

[smcoren]

Hello,

I have been going to get massages on a somewhat regular basis, and I occasionally get small breakouts of acne on my back (usually just a few pimples). I guess I am wondering if I should delay going to a massage therapist until it clears up..? Or, are most massage therapists accustomed to dealing with clients with acne?

Thanks.

 

[rs_net]

If it is just a small spot of acne, just a few pimples... I would say no need to reschedule your appointment.

Just be sure to let your therapist know about the acne ahead of time, like a reminder. Most therapists will just do their best to work around it, without irritating the condition. Some therapists may work with gloves on if there is a lot of acne, or if it looks like the skin has been broken. You can't even tell they are wearing gloves, the quality of your massage should not be affected. If you have an allergy to latex, let your therapist know so they can use vinyl gloves instead.

Massage therapists see a lot of skin issues, so a little bit of back acne is not a big deal. I always appreciate if my clients let me know about broken skin before I find it.

 

[God Speed]

Ditto what ccmarie said. I would add one thing though, if the pimples are inflamed and sore be sure to tell us! We don't like causing our clients pain.

I've had a couple clients who have seen improvement in their acne after recieving regular massage. I think the circulation must help - but I generally don't use a heavy oil. You might mention the propensity to your therapist so they can adjust the oil/lotion is necessary.

Angela

 

[drluiiz]

Thank you!

 

[sundown]

Also know that if you are currently in a breakout phase massage could potentially spread the bacteria and make it worse.

 

[Krystal]

massage and back acne

I know I am going to get a eye rolling for this. I am a pimple poper. I have a great massage cream that really clears up acne on the back and none of my regular clients have any acne on their backs. I use to work in the Spa and I was doing back treatments. Old habits die hard :

 

[fannpireee (:]

massage and back acne

I love the Soothing Touch calming massage cream for clearing up acne on the back. I have also found it great in reducing scars and stretch marks also. This cream is great for having the black heads pop out and closing the pore back up.

I know it is totaly not what I am so post to be doing, but black heads really bother me while I am working so I just take them out

 

[cody g]

massage and back acne

Jojoba oil and emu oil both also work great for clearing up acne. If you let your therapist know about the breakout before hand they might use that on it.

 

[mtmt]

massage and back acne

I have never had a problem working with clients who have breakouts. Ask if your therapist could use tea tree oil in your lotion or oil, it has natural antiseptic properties than could help with the acne itself.

 

[life-lover]

massage and back acne

I love the Soothing Touch calming massage cream for clearing up acne on the back. I have also found it great in reducing scars and stretch marks also. This cream is great for having the black heads pop out and closing the pore back up.

I know it is totaly not what I am so post to be doing, but black heads really bother me while I am working so I just take them out

Um... JLW, you really shouldn't be "popping black heads", clinically speaking you would "extract comedomes" but that's why we should leave them alone! It isn't safe for you to be touching bacteria laden acne with your hands anyway, and the pore can become infected or the bacteria can spread to new pores. Sorry, I'm kinda strict on the subject, it is too easy to scar and damage someone's skin or pores without the proper treatment, tools and training! I would personally recommend that you tell your clients you need to avoid areas with acne and that they need to see a licensed esthetitican, dermatologist or their GP.

 

[Angel D]

massage and back acne

I'm confused about that post too. Really? Popping them out?
A. completely out of your scope of practice, not to mention the serious points that Jenn made.
B. How do your clients feel about this? I would think it would be incredibly irritating to have my MT poking around back there when they should be concerned with actual massage work. I have seen a few doozies that really bother me and I would love to pop them (im one of those sickos who likes that kind of stuff), but that is just innapropriate behavior for a massage therapist.
Maybe I read your post wrong, and I have been known to take things too literally ... but I find so much wrong with that post.

*Edit* don't mean to hijack. Back to OP - I agree with above, a little acne isn't a big deal. We see it all.

 

[Terry]

massage and back acne

I did go to school for skin care. And if you let the cream sit on the black head for about 5 min. they come right out

 

[Justin M]

massage and back acne

... And that is why some people call me "Literal Dori". I imagined you literally squeezing, popping and poking around back there. I'll keep an eye out for that cream you recomended ....

Just a note * I'm snippier then usual because I'm working on Christmas Eve and probably wont get home because of state wide travel warnings .

 

[robertoalinexs]

massage and back acne

The cream works great. Espically on those black heads that I been there for a really long time. BC when they come out it streches out the pores and if you let the cream sit on the pore while you are working it will go back to normal in about a day

 

[Eic]

massage and back acne

Just a note * I'm snippier then usual because I'm working on Christmas Eve and probably wont get home because of state wide travel warnings .

I'm really sorry about that. (hugs)

 

[yahoo-userx]

massage and back acne

I did go to school for skin care. And if you let the cream sit on the black head for about 5 min. they come right out

So you are also a licensed esthetician? Because as I understand the regulations and laws you must be...
And also a note, just because the cream "makes they come right out" doesn't mean you should be doing that during a massage treatment. That would only be appropriate during a back facial, yes?

 

[Anjellikka]

massage and back acne

I did go to school for skin care. And if you let the cream sit on the black head for about 5 min. they come right out

So you are also a licensed esthetician? Because as I understand the regulations and laws you must be...
And also a note, just because the cream "makes they come right out" doesn't mean you should be doing that during a massage treatment. That would only be appropriate during a back facial, yes?

Different states have different laws. You can't just assume everyone must operate under the laws of your state.

 

[Coco]

massage and back acne

Didn't mean to step on toes, I was simply curious. I love skincare but I unfortunately have to restrain myself from messing with skin issues! I just meant that it would be a more appropriate thing if you are licensed (if need be, and at the least, educated!) and if that is why the client is seeing you. =)