Acne Improvement Facial in Tokyo: Best Japanese Products & Treatment Guide
- Glow by Tomoko

- Oct 1
- 5 min read
What to Expect from Acne Facials in Tokyo + Must-Try Japanese Products for Acne-Prone Skin

Many of my clients are concerned with breakouts or acne issues.
Whether it’s a random pimple here and there or a stubborn, inflamed acne that lingers for weeks, I’m always here to support you with a tailored facial designed to target your skin's needs to help reduce inflammation and speed recovery.
My approach is always personalized: I build each facial to address exactly what you are dealing with, to help clear up and soothe your skin.
How Acne Starts & What Makes It Worse
Acne begins with a clogged pore. This can happen due to excess oil, makeup or sunscreen residue or excess dead skin buildup.
One or more of these factors can block the pore, which may lead to inflammation, irritation, and the development of different kinds of pimples.
Some pimples are more superficial (think whiteheads or blemishes close to the skin's surface). These superficial acne is easier to extract.
Others are deeper and more inflamed, so they require a different approach. Rather than forcing extraction, it's important to first soothe the inflammation and regenerate the skin, while gently help resurfacing the skin to get rid of the congestion deep down.
What I Do in a Facial Addressing Acne
Depending on your skin's condition and the type of breakout, the treatment approach will vary from facial to facial.
Typically, a session includes:
Deep Cleansing & Gentle Exfoliation
I begin by thoroughly cleansing the skin to remove excess oil, makeup/sunscreen residue. This is followed by gentle exfoliation.
Gentle is the key word here. I avoid causing further irritation or inflaming your skin.
The goal is to remove dead skin cells and help clear clogged pores, which helps existing pimples heal faster and reduces the risk of future breakouts.
Extraction (for Superficial Acne)
For superficial acne, I perform careful extraction to remove whiteheads, as well as blackheads, and any pore congestion (which can be a precursor to more serious breakouts).
This not only visibly refines your complexion but also helps prevent future pimples by clearing the root cause of pimples.
Peel or Spot Treatment (for Deeper, Inflamed Acne)
For deeper, more inflamed acne (often linked to hormonal fluctuations), I may recommend a specialized peel or spot treatment to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. These treatments help resurface the skin more quickly and address deeper congestion. However, skin's tolerance level for such treatments vary from person to person, so the customized approach is super important here.
Electroporation Serum Infusion
After extractions or a peel (sometimes both), I love to incorporate electroporation serum infusion. This advanced, needle-free technology temporarily creates microscopic pathways between skin cells, enhancing serum absorption. It’s like microneedling without the needles—delivering healing and soothing active ingredients deep into the skin for faster recovery.
Cooling & Calming Finish
Finally, I apply a cold, soothing mask to calm the skin. Paired with ice-cold cryosticks, it’s a refreshing and relaxing way to reduce redness and inflammation, leaving your skin both clear and calm.
Why Product Choice & Frequency Matter
Even though deep cleansing and exfoliation are helpful, if the products and methods used are too harsh (such as abrasive scrubs or high-concentration acids applied too often), they can upset your skin barrier, causing more inflammation, redness, or even more acne.
After the facial (or during), I always consult with you about what products to use at home and how often to use them so that you can maintain the results and keep your skin clear between appointments.
Here are some of the products that I recommend for acne-prone skin for home use.
Lactpep Lotion is a toner suitable for daily use. It contains gentle lactic acid and wintergreen leaf extract (natural salicylic acid) to remove dead skin and reduce excess oil. You'd be surprised how hydrating this toner can be at the same time! An amazing way to prevent the root cause of breakout.
This is a simple, gentle and effective way to incorporate gentle exfoliation into your daily routine.
Even when you do everything right, breakouts sometimes happen, and I know how frustrating it is.
What really matters is how you respond: controlling inflammation, helping healing happen faster, and preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
That's where Stem Bright Essence can help. It focuses on soothing redness, reducing inflammation and fading hyperpigmentation faster. With a blend of powerful ingredients, such as glutathione, egg shell membrane (amazing for stimulating type II collagen), fullerenes and proteoglycan.
By calming inflammation early, the healing process speeds up, and stubborn hyperpigmentation is less likely to set in.
Results Speak For Themselves!
Here are some before-and-after photos of my acne-prone clients and myself!

After three monthly facials, incorporating exfoliation, extraction and peels or targeted spot treatments for cystic acne, her skin has improved drastically.
Acne can affect not only the face but also the neck and jawline. These areas are particularly susceptible due to hormonal fluctuations. I make sure to target all areas of concern, including the neck and behind the jawline.
Her skin has responded well to chemical peels, but such potent treatments aren't suitable for everyone. That's why I always conduct a careful skin analysis to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your skin type and condition.

This is another client who has struggled with persistent acne for years. After three treatments incorporating exfoliation and regular chemical peels, her skin has shown significant improvement.
While noticeable results can be achieved after just one treatment, additional sessions often enhance and prolong the benefits.
Maintaining a consistent at-home skincare routine is equally important to keep breakouts under control, and I'm always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about home routine.

Finally, here's me a few years ago! I occasionally experience stubborn inflamed angry acne myself. This is why I totally get how frustrating and annoying it can be and why I'm passionate about helping others who face the same challenges.
With the a wide array of products available, I ensure to keep these breakouts under control whenever they occur. Stress and moving to a new environment are common triggers for me, and since my skin is on the sensitive side, I adopt a gentle approach, incorporating mild exfoliation and, if necessary, a very gentle peel, such as LHA peel.
Post-treatment, it's always crucial to hydrate and soothe the skin to maintain its balance.
Takeaway on My Acne Improvement Facials in Tokyo
At Glow by Tomoko, not all acne-focused facials are the same. Whether you're dealing with cystic acne, hormonal breakouts, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, my treatments are customized to suit your specific needs.
My acne-focused treatments go beyond surface-level cleansing, addressing the root causes of acne and promoting overall skin health. To maintain results, it's always important to maintain a home skincare routine suitable for your skin, and I'm always here to answer any questions or concerns even after you leave the treatment room.
Key Benefits of Glow by Tomoko's Acne Improvement Facials
Deep Pore Cleansing: Effectively remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts without causing dryness and irritation.
Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores, the root cause of pimples.
Extractions: Professional extractions can safely remove superficial acne, as well as blackheads and whiteheads, preventing future breakouts.
Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Treatments: Incorporating soothing and hydrating serum infusion through electroporation technology, combined with cooling masks, can effectively reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.

If you're struggling with stubborn acne, I'd be happy to address your concerns during my customized facial treatment.
I offer a range of services tailored to your skin's unique needs.
Stay tuned for more facial and skincare tips here! Come back regularly to learn more about amazing Japanese skincare and how to maintain that dewy, glowing skin!














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