Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, but also one that can take a serious toll on our confidence and self-esteem, so finding ways to treat it is undeniably important.
As there are many different types, severities, and stages of acne, there is no one “best” approach to tackling acne. But the good news is that there are a lot of treatments that can help.
Facial treatments for acne can be a game-changer, but it’s important to understand that not all facials are good for acne – especially severe active acne – which is why getting professional advice is so important.
At BodyTonic Med Spa Cleveland, we offer a wide range of facial treatments designed to tackle both active acne and its after-effects, so whether you’re dealing with persistent breakouts, the scars and blemishes they’ve left behind, or are simply looking to maintain clear skin, we can recommend the best facial treatments for your acne concerns.
Understanding acne – and why each type needs a different approach
Acne comes in many forms, from mild whiteheads and blackheads to severe cystic acne and more in between.
Each type of acne presents different challenges, and not all facial treatments are suitable for every acne condition.
- Mild acne: Includes occasional blackheads, whiteheads, or small pimples. Treating mild acne focuses on preventing clogged pores and maintaining healthy skin, and facials can be very beneficial for this type of acne.
- Moderate acne: Involves more frequent and widespread breakouts, including inflamed pimples (known as papules and pustules). This stage often requires prescription treatments to calm inflammation and target acne-causing bacteria.
- Severe acne: Characterized by lots of large, painful papules, pustules, cysts, or nodules that often lead to scarring. Severe acne is best managed with medical guidance, and certain treatments may not be suitable until the skin is more stable.
Generally speaking, when it comes to active acne, the more traditional facials are good for acne that is mild to moderate, but less suitable for severe acne.
However, once the acne is under control and no longer active, there is a wide range of options that are suitable for all skin types and which can make a massive difference – including facial treatments for acne’s after-effects, such as scarring and pigmentation, and for maintaining clear and healthy skin moving forward.
The best facial treatments for acne
Everyone’s skin is unique, and every case of acne will require a unique and tailored approach, so there’s no “one best” facial treatment for acne and it’s vital to always have an in-depth consultation before having any treatments or facials for your acne.
However, these are the facial treatments we most recommend for acne concerns, and the types or stages of acne they are suitable for:
Hydrafacial for acne
One of the most popular facials for acne, and often recommended by dermatologists, the Hydrafacial is a highly effective facial that combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and deliver nourishing serums to acne-prone skin. A Hydrafacial is gentle enough to calm acne breakouts while leaving your skin refreshed and hydrated.
Best For: Active, mild, or moderate acne and overall skin health.
Chemical peels for acne
Chemical peels are a widely used treatment for managing both active acne and acne scars. They work by removing the top layer of skin to thoroughly unclog and clean out pores, reduce bacteria and inflammation, and control oil production. They also encourage cell turnover and new skin growth which helps improve texture, reduce scars, and fade pigmentation. At BodyTonic we offer light and medium chemical peels, both of which are very effective for treating different types and severities of acne.
Best For: Active acne, acne scars, pigmentation.
Microneedling and RF Microneedling
Microneedling (such as SkinPen) does not treat active acne directly but is excellent for addressing acne scars. It creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production, which helps improve the appearance of scars and evens out skin texture.
RF Microneedling (such as Virtue RF) adds heat from radiofrequency (RF) energy to enhance the effects of the microneedling even further, making RF microneedling particularly effective for treating post-acne concerns, including stubborn pitted scars.
However, these procedures should not be used on areas with active breakouts, as it can worsen inflammation.
Best For: Acne scars and skin texture.
Sciton BBL and Moxi laser
Between them, these two advanced laser treatments are effective at addressing the full range of acne concerns. The Sciton BBL (BroadBand Light) targets the bacteria responsible for breakouts and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for treating active acne. It also helps minimize redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne. Moxi, on the other hand, focuses more on skin tone and texture improvement, reducing acne scars and refining pores once active acne is under control.
Best For: Active acne (BBL), and acne scarring, pigmentation, and texture (Moxi).
LED light therapy facial
LED facials use blue and red lights in a gentle yet effective treatment for active acne. The blue light targets acne-causing bacteria to reduce active breakouts, while the red light helps with inflammation and healing. LED facials are not only good for acne, but can also be combined with most other treatments for enhanced results.
Best For: Active acne and inflamed breakouts.
Other effective facial treatments for acne-related concerns
While the above treatments are those we usually recommend first for specific acne-related concerns, they are far from the only ones.
Here is a selection of other facial treatments that can also help with acne – especially for improving the appearance of scars or pigmentation post-acne, or for general skin maintenance and acne prevention.
- Clinical Facial: A clinical facial can be customized for every skin type, including acne-prone skin, offering deep cleansing, extractions, and soothing treatments. It’s a great option for general skin maintenance as well as addressing mild breakouts.
- Fire and Ice Facial: Known as the "red carpet facial," this facial combines detoxifying exfoliation and soothing hydration to resurface and rejuvenate the skin, treat problem areas, and encourage cellular renewal. While it's not primarily designed to treat acne, it soothes and calms the skin and can help clear mild acne as well as reduce scarring.
- Glo2Facial: The Glo2Facial is a glorious and gentle treatment that oxygenates the skin, exfoliates, promotes cell renewal, and improves skin hydration and glow. While it doesn’t specifically target active acne or acne-related concerns, it can help maintain clear skin when used preventatively.
- CoolPeel CO2 Laser: This fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective laser skin resurfacing treatments, making it a great choice for improving acne scars and overall skin texture and appearance. However, it is not designed for treating active acne and should only be used after breakouts are controlled.
- Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning involves scraping away the top layer of dead skin, meaning it is also not suitable for active acne as it can spread bacteria and worsen breakouts. However, it’s a great option for both clear-skin maintenance and improving the appearance of pigmentation and scarring.
The role of skincare for acne
Effective acne treatment doesn’t stop at professional facials – your daily skincare routine also plays a crucial role in managing breakouts and maintaining results.
We’ve gone into detail on how to treat and prevent acne-related skin concerns in other blogs, such as this one on skin blemishes.
However, in short – good quality skincare products, such as those by leading brands like SkinBetter Science, NeoCutis, and iS Clinical, can make the world of difference, especially when combined with professional in-office treatments.
Key ingredients for helping acne-related concerns include:
- Salicylic acid: Gently exfoliates and unclogs pores, reducing blackheads and whiteheads.
- Benzoyl peroxide: Targets acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation.
- Niacinamide: Calms redness and supports the skin barrier.
- Vitamin C: Brightens pigmentation and promotes healing.
- Retinol: Improves cellular turnover and fades acne scars over time.
We know that the world of skincare can be overwhelming to navigate, but at BodyTonic Med Spa we can help you choose the best products depending on your specific skin type and concerns, ensuring you’ll get the best possible results.
Why visit a med spa for acne treatments
As mentioned earlier, if you have severe acne, you’ll likely need tailored medical advice. In these cases, your GP or a dermatologist is usually the best first port of call.
However, for people with milder acne, it’s not always so obvious where to seek help.
Well, wonder no more.
Medical spas (aka med spas) aren’t just a place to get facials and other “beauty treatments”; they are hybrids between a traditional spa and a medical clinic. This means they have doctors and licensed medical professionals on the staff and provide medically backed treatments.
Med spas like BodyTonic specialize in advanced, results-driven procedures designed to target specific skin concerns, including acne and acne-related issues. These treatments – such as RF microneedling, Sciton BBL, and chemical peels – go far beyond what is available at a standard salon, and are performed under the supervision of highly trained practitioners, ensuring both safety and efficacy.
However, one of the biggest advantages of visiting a med spa is the ability to receive personalized medical-level advice. At a med spa, your skin is assessed by experts who can recommend the best treatments and products for your unique needs. But if your concerns are beyond the scope of what we can safely and effectively treat, a reputable med spa will refer you to a dermatologist or physician for further help. This ensures you receive the right care at every stage of your skin journey.In short, if you’re struggling with acne, med spas can help you.
Your journey to clear skin starts here
Acne is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to define you.
At BodyTonic Cleveland, we specialize in offering professional, medically informed guidance and cutting-edge facial treatments for acne – all in a calm and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re tackling active breakouts, reducing scars, or maintaining healthy skin, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward the clear, confident skin you deserve.
