What is sugaring and how does it work?

Sugaring uses a paste made of just three ingredients: water, sugar, and lemon juice. The paste is applied against the hair and removed with a flick in the direction of hair growth, making it gentler than traditional waxing.

Can I get sugared if I'm pregnant?

Yes, you can be sugared while pregnant, but it may be more sensitive. However, I don't recommend trying sugaring for the first time right before your due date. You must wait at least 6 weeks after delivery before returning for services.

What if I have a contagious disease or outbreak?

If you're experiencing a contagious disease or outbreak (Shingles, HPV, Ringworm, Yeast Infection, COVID-19, etc.), please wait until you're better before booking. This protects both you and our studio.

I have sensitive skin. Can I still be sugared?

It depends on your unique skin. Sugaring can be a gentler alternative to waxing for sensitive skin, but I'll want to discuss this face-to-face to make sure it's right for you.

I've been on Accutane. Can I be sugared?

If you've been off Accutane for at least 3 months or have your doctor's consent, you can be sugared. Accutane can compromise skin, so timing matters.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Come with clean skin and avoid sun exposure for 24 hours before your appointment. Exfoliate gently a day or two before to help the process go smoothly.

What should I do after my appointment?

Avoid hot water, tight clothing, and intense exercise for 24 hours after your service. Exfoliate gently a few days later to prevent ingrown hairs.

Can I get sugared while on my menstrual cycle?

Yes, you can be sugared during your period. You may notice increased sensitivity, so just let me know. You can wear a tampon or cup during the appointment.

What is the location and how do I reach you?

Groovy Complexions is located at 106 N Walnut St, inside House of Style in Columbia City, Indiana. Text or call (574) 213-9249 or email groovycomplexions@gmail.com to book.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid cancellation fees. I have a 5-minute grace period, but if you're running behind, please call so I can accommodate.

Acne & skin

How is an acne facial different from a regular facial?

Both acne and regular facials follow the same six-step structure (cleanse, exfoliate, steam, extract, mask, moisturize), but the time allocation and product choices are tuned differently. Walking out, you'd see the structural similarity. While inside, the experience is different.

**Time allocation difference:**

In a 60-minute regular facial, the breakdown is roughly: 5 min cleanse, 5 min exfoliate, 8 min steam/massage, 5-8 min extractions, 15 min mask + relaxation, 5-8 min moisturizer + LED. Massage is generous; relaxation is the priority.

In a 60-minute acne facial: 8 min cleanse, 5 min exfoliate (often a chemical peel), 10 min steam, 20-25 min extractions, 8-10 min mask, 5 min moisturizer + SPF. Massage is brief; extractions are the priority.

**Product difference:**

Regular facial products lean rich and hydrating: cream cleansers, oil-based exfoliators, hyaluronic acid serums, peptide creams, sometimes essential oils. Aimed at glow, plumpness, and a relaxed face.

Acne facial products lean clarifying: salicylic acid cleansers, sulfur masks, benzoyl peroxide spot treatments, mandelic acid peels, niacinamide serums, lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizers. Aimed at clearing congestion and reducing inflammation. Most "spa" oils, butters, and rich creams are skipped because they clog acne-prone skin.

**Outcome difference:**

A regular facial leaves skin glowing, dewy, and visibly hydrated for 2-5 days. The "glow" is the value.

An acne facial leaves skin meaningfully clearer — fewer visible blackheads, smoother texture, less redness. Sometimes there's pinpoint redness for a few hours after extractions. The clearer skin lasts 2-4 weeks until the next cycle of congestion accumulates.

**Who needs which:**

If your main concern is hydration, lifestyle stress, or general maintenance — regular facial.

If your main concern is recurring breakouts, blackheads, congestion, or post-acne pigmentation — acne facial.

Many studios call them by overlapping names ("custom facial" can be either, depending on what your skin needs that day). At Groovy Complexions, the 60 Minute Custom Facial adapts to your skin in the moment — if it's a relaxation day, it leans regular; if it's a breakout day, it leans clarifying. Makaela decides during the skin analysis at the start.

Key facts

Same 6-step structure: cleanse, exfoliate, steam, extract, mask, moisturize.
Acne facial: more time on extractions (20-25 min), less on massage.
Regular facial: more time on massage and relaxation, less on extractions.
Acne products: salicylic acid, sulfur, BPO, mandelic acid, niacinamide.
Regular products: hydrating cleansers, oils, hyaluronic acid, peptides.
Custom facials at most studios adapt to whichever your skin needs that day.

Common follow-up questions

Can I get a regular facial if I have acne?

You can, but you may not get the right outcome. Rich oils and heavy creams in regular facials can clog acne-prone skin and trigger breakouts. Tell your esthetician you're acne-prone so they can adjust products and lean clarifying.

Are acne facials more painful than regular facials?

Slightly. The extraction time is longer and chemical exfoliation can sting briefly. But "painful" is a stretch — uncomfortable is closer. The post-facial discomfort is also brief (a few hours of pinpoint redness vs. nothing for a regular facial).

How do I switch from acne facials to regular facials?

Once your acne is under control and you're primarily preventing rather than treating, your esthetician will adjust the product line and the time allocation. The transition is usually gradual — fewer extractions, more massage, lighter peels.

Do acne facials still feel relaxing?

Less so than regular facials, but yes. Most clients describe them as "satisfying" rather than "blissful." The mask and finishing steps still allow for 10-15 minutes of relaxation; it's just the middle of the appointment that's more clinical.

When this doesn’t apply

A "regular" facial on actively breaking-out skin can make things worse. If you're in an active breakout phase, lean acne; once stable, alternate between acne and hydrating to keep skin balanced.

Sources

AAD — Skincare types

Last reviewed: 2026-04-30 · Makaela, Licensed Esthetician

Have questions about your skin or your hair-removal routine? Book a 60-minute custom facial or come in for a sugaring appointment — Makaela works through anything you bring her.

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