The facial treatment process that softens and liquefies accumulations of sebum in the follicle is known as:

The process that softens and liquefies accumulations of sebum in the follicle is known as iontophoresis. This technique uses a low-level electrical current to penetrate the skin and enhance product absorption, particularly those containing exfoliating or softening agents that can aid in the liquefaction of sebum and other impurities in the follicles.

Through this method, the electrical current facilitates increased circulation, helps to promote lymphatic drainage, and enhances the efficacy of topical treatments applied during the facial. Consequently, it can play a significant role in preconditioning the skin for extractions by loosening debris and sebum within the pores, making the extraction process easier and more effective.

Other options such as exfoliation, extraction, and cleansing serve different purposes in a facial treatment. Exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells from the surface to promote cell turnover. Extraction is the physical removal of clogged pores or blackheads after proper softening techniques are employed. Cleansing focuses on removing dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin’s surface and preparing it for subsequent steps in the facial treatment. Each serves its unique function within the skincare regimen, but iontophoresis specifically targets the softening of sebum deep within the follicle.