Acne Treatments

It depends on whether you're treating active breakouts, post-acne marks, or acne scarring. For active acne: medical-grade facials, ZO 3-step or TCA peels, and Carbon Cleanse laser treatments. For post-acne dark marks: chemical peels and IPL. For acne scarring (textural): microneedling, RF microneedling, PiQo4 laser. We'll build a custom plan after evaluating your skin.

Realistic timeline: 3–6 months of consistent professional treatment plus medical-grade home care to see substantial clearing. Skin cycles every 28 days, so each treatment builds on the previous. Patients expecting one-session miracles for active acne are usually disappointed. Long-term consistency is what produces clear skin.

Carbon Cleanse uses a layer of activated carbon applied to the face, then a laser is passed over it. The carbon absorbs oil, bacteria, and dead skin from the pores; the laser then vaporizes both the carbon and what it absorbed. The treatment reduces sebum production, kills acne bacteria, and exfoliates simultaneously. Excellent for oily/congested skin.

Yes—often very effectively. Salicylic acid peels are particularly targeted at acne (oil-soluble, penetrates pores). ZO 3-Step Peels are excellent for stubborn comedonal acne. For inflammatory acne, gentler peels avoid further irritation. We design a series of 4–6 peels spaced 4 weeks apart for active acne treatment.

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in scarred skin that trigger collagen remodeling. Over a series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, the depressions soften and skin texture improves. Adding PRP (microneedling + PRP) accelerates results. Microneedling doesn't treat active acne—it's specifically for scarring after acne has resolved.

Sometimes, briefly. Many acne treatments cause a "purge"—skin clearing existing congestion from pores brings hidden breakouts to the surface in the first 4–8 weeks. This is different from making acne worse; it's bringing trapped acne out. Persisting through the purge usually results in significantly clearer skin afterward.

Generally yes—stop retinoids 5–7 days before any treatment (peels, microneedling, laser), and benzoyl peroxide 3 days before. We can resume them 5–7 days after treatment based on what we did. Bring your current skincare list to consultation so we can advise specifically.

Acne treatment pricing ranges $215–$350 per service depending on what we're using (facials, peels, laser). Total investment depends on the treatment plan we design at consultation. Membership pricing reduces costs significantly.

We avoid most chemical peels, retinoid-based products, and lasers during pregnancy. We can still do gentle extraction facials and pregnancy-safe peels (mild lactic acid). For active acne during pregnancy, we focus on cleansing facials, blue light therapy, and pregnancy-safe products. Defer aggressive treatment until after pregnancy.

Acne facials include deeper cleansing, targeted exfoliation (often salicylic acid), thorough professional extractions, anti-inflammatory masks, and acne-fighting ingredients. The protocol is designed to clear and prevent breakouts. Regular facials focus on hydration and maintenance—important but different goals.

Often yes, for moderate-to-severe acne. We can recommend medical-grade products through our practice. For severe acne (cystic, scarring), we recommend you also see a dermatologist for prescription options like tretinoin or isotretinoin. We work alongside dermatology care, not against it.

Book an acne-focused consultation. We'll examine your skin, discuss your history (what you've tried, what's worked, current regimen), and design a treatment plan combining in-office services and home care. Honest pricing throughout. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.