Acne
Breakouts can be frustrating at any age. Here’s what drives acne, how in-office treatments can support clearer-looking skin, and when it’s time to see a dermatologist for prescription care.
Medically reviewed by the AMW Med Spa licensed clinical team
- Best options
- DiamondGlow® Clarifying, The Perfect Derma™ Peel; microneedling for marks once skin is calm
- Typical plan
- Facials often monthly; peels in a series of about 3
- Downtime
- None to about a week, depending on treatment
- Results
- Often improve over several visits
What causes acne?
Acne happens when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria that live on the skin can then cause redness and swelling. The result can be blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps or deeper, painful cysts.
Acne is common in teens but also affects many adults, often around the chin and jawline. Mild to moderate breakouts may improve with in-office care and a good home routine. Deeper or long-lasting acne usually needs medical treatment.
Common signs
- Blackheads & whiteheadsClogged pores, often on the nose, chin and forehead
- Red bumpsInflamed breakouts that may be tender
- Oily skinShine that returns soon after washing
- Marks after breakoutsFlat red or brown spots left behind
- Early scarringSmall dents where breakouts have healed
Areas we treat
Forehead
- DiamondGlow®
- The Perfect Derma™ Peel
Nose
- DiamondGlow®
Cheeks
- DiamondGlow®
- The Perfect Derma™ Peel
Chin & jawline
- DiamondGlow®
- The Perfect Derma™ Peel
Marks after acne
- The Perfect Derma™ Peel
- Microneedling
What causes it?
Excess oil
Oil glands that make more oil are more likely to clog.
Hormones
Hormone shifts during the teen years, the menstrual cycle or pregnancy can trigger breakouts.
Stress and sleep
Stress and poor sleep can make breakouts worse for some people.
Genetics
Acne often runs in families.
Pore-clogging products
Heavy makeup, hair products and some skincare can block pores.
Three ways we can help
Exfoliate and extract to remove oil and buildup that feed breakouts.
Use a chemical peel to speed up skin renewal and help fade marks.
Once breakouts are under control, use microneedling to address leftover texture.
Compare all options side by side
| Treatment | How it works | Sessions | Downtime | Results | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DiamondGlow® Facial Collection | Diamond-tip exfoliation, extraction and a salicylic-acid serum (Clarifying option) | Often monthly | None | Cleaner-feeling skin right away; often better with regular visits | $195 |
| The Perfect Derma™ Peel | A medium-depth chemical peel | Often a series of 3, several weeks apart | Peeling for about 7 days | Clearer, more even skin after peeling, improving with a series | From $299 |
| Microneedling | Fine needles create tiny channels that prompt new collagen | Often 3, about 4–6 weeks apart | Redness for 1–2 days | Gradual over several months | From $349 |
Your typical plan
- ConsultationYour provider looks at the type of acne you have and how long it has lasted, and tells you honestly whether in-office care fits or a dermatologist visit should come first.
- Treatment visitsMost plans start with DiamondGlow® Clarifying facials, often about monthly. A peel series may be added for oiliness and marks.
- Results buildSkin often looks clearer over several visits, and results vary. Breakouts can still come and go.
- MaintainRegular facials, a simple home routine and daily sunscreen help keep skin on track. Microneedling can address leftover texture later.
An honest note: In-office treatments can support clearer-looking skin, but they don’t replace medical care for acne. Deep, painful or cystic acne, acne that is scarring, or acne that hasn’t improved with over-the-counter products usually needs prescription treatment from a dermatologist or your medical provider. Sudden adult acne along with irregular periods or new hair growth should be checked by a doctor.
Frequently asked
Still unsure? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Can a facial clear my acne?
A facial like DiamondGlow® Clarifying can clear out clogged pores and help oily, acne-prone skin look cleaner. It is not a cure, and breakouts can return. For moderate to severe acne, prescription care is usually needed too.
Should I see a dermatologist instead?
If your acne is deep, painful, leaving scars or not getting better with over-the-counter products, a dermatologist or your medical provider is the right first step. In-office treatments can work alongside that care. We’ll tell you honestly at your consultation if we think you need medical treatment first.
Can I have a peel if I’m breaking out?
Sometimes. Chemical peels are often used for mild acne and oily skin. Your provider will check your skin and your current medications first, since some acne medications make the skin more sensitive.
Can microneedling help acne?
Microneedling is not used on active, inflamed breakouts. It is mainly used later to improve texture and early scarring once acne is under control.
How often should I come in?
Many people with acne-prone skin book a DiamondGlow® facial about once a month. Peels are often done as a series of 3 spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will suggest a schedule for your skin.
Is there downtime?
DiamondGlow® has no downtime. The Perfect Derma™ Peel causes about a week of peeling. Microneedling usually causes redness for 1–2 days.
What can I do at home?
Cleanse gently twice a day, don’t pick or squeeze breakouts, and choose products labeled non-comedogenic (less likely to clog pores). Wear sunscreen daily, since marks can darken with sun exposure.
Start with a consultation.
Your provider assesses your skin and goals and gives you a written plan with the total price before anything is booked.