To millions of people worldwide, "acne" may feel like the worst of the four-letter words. Though it is often written off as a momentary misfortune of the teenage years, acne can affect all ages, and its effects can be psychological as well as physical. Clinical acne treatments can minimize the impact and reduce your risk of developing acne scars.
At LIVskin MedSpa, we see patients every week who have spent years trying to get their skin under control on their own. No single solution is right for every patient, which is why we offer a variety of options at our Excelsior location, plus laser-based treatments nearby at our Minnetonka location. Our experienced Advanced Practice Aestheticians can tailor a treatment plan to your needs and help you develop a home acne regimen to take your results further.
What Happens During an Acne Consultation at LIVskin Excelsior?
The first step of your acne treatment at LIVskin is a consultation. You will meet with one of our Advanced Practice Aestheticians, many of whom have specialized training in acne management or personal experience with the condition.
Preparation
Come in with clean skin if you can, though it's not required. Note down the products you're currently using (or snap photos of the products on your phone), as well as any acne treatments you've tried in the past.
Think about whether you've noticed any patterns in your breakouts. Do they tend to flare at a certain time of the month? Or after a certain food or activity? Are they concentrated in a particular area? What do they usually look like? The more context you can share, the more information your Advanced Practice Aesthetician can use to personalize your plan.
The Skin Assessment
Your Advanced Practice Aesthetician will start with a visual examination of your skin. They will assess factors like the type of acne present, the severity of the condition, where your breakouts appear and any co-occurring skin concerns you may have.
The Conversation
After the analysis, your Advanced Practice Aesthetician will ask about your skin history. Come prepared to discuss topics like:
- What products are currently in your skincare routine
- What treatments you've tried
- What's worked and what's made things worse
- Your lifestyle, diet, stress levels and family history
- Environmental conditions you may be exposed to, such as air pollution and high humidity
- Any medications and/or supplements you're taking
- What results you're hoping for
Your Personalized Plan
Based on the assessment and the conversation, your Advanced Practice Aesthetician will walk you through their recommendations. This might be a single treatment, or it might be a combination. They'll explain the reasoning behind each recommendation, how often you'll need to receive treatment, what recovery time to plan for and what kind of results to expect.
Ask questions if you have any concerns or don't understand something. We want you to leave feeling confident in your plan.
What Are My Options for Acne Treatments in Excelsior?
Clinical Acne Facial
This is where many acne patients begin, and it is also what many return to between stronger treatments. A clinical acne facial focuses on deep cleansing, decongesting pores, reducing inflammation and controlling oil production. Each step is designed to target the root causes of acne effectively without irritating sensitive skin.
Hydrafacial™
Hydrafacial™ uses gentle suction to pull impurities out of your pores while simultaneously pushing clarifying serums in. If manual extractions have been uncomfortable for you in the past, Hydrafacial™ may be a better fit. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 100% of participants reported that their skin looked and felt cleaner and that they felt more confident in their appearance after receiving Hydrafacial™ treatments for acne.
Chemical Peels
LIVskin Excelsior offers two chemical peels for acne. VI Peel Purify is typically recommended when active breakouts are your primary concern. VI Peel Purify Precision Plus is intended for patients dealing with active acne and the dark marks it leaves behind, addressing both aspects of the acne cycle simultaneously.
What If I'm Interested in a Laser Acne Treatment?
If your Advanced Practice Aesthetician believes your acne would benefit from a light-based or laser treatment, they may refer you to our Minnetonka location. BBL Forever Clear™ is an advanced IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria, redness and inflammation using multiple wavelengths of broadband light. ClearSilk® is a laser from Sciton that works beneath the skin surface to calm inflammation and refine skin quality.
How Can I Treat Acne at Home?
The first line of defense against acne is good skincare habits and high-quality acne products.
In addition to the professional acne treatments offered at our Excelsior medical spa, we also offer medical-grade skincare products to help you manage your skin at home. Your Advanced Practice Aesthetician will recommend the best products for clearing your complexion after assessing your skin. Remember that these products need time to work. Use a new product for at least a few weeks before evaluating how well it's working for you.
Your aesthetician will also offer guidance on best practices for caring for acne-prone skin. Try to avoid touching your face, washing with overly hot or cold water, scrubbing your skin and using harsh products. Cleanse your skin soon after sweating, as perspiration can make acne worse. Let your breakouts heal naturally; don't pick, squeeze or pop the blemishes.
Ready to Discuss Your Skin With an Expert?
Get the care you need with providers you can trust at LIVskin MedSpa. Whether you have mild, moderate or severe breakouts, we'll design a personalized regimen of treatments and products that puts you on the path to clearer, healthier skin.
Call LIVskin Excelsior at 952-679-6538 or book your consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Excelsior Acne Treatments
Is the acne consultation at LIVskin Excelsior free?
Yes. Your initial consultation and skin assessment is complimentary.
Do I need a referral from a dermatologist to book an acne treatment?
No, you can book a consultation with LIVskin Excelsior directly. Our Advanced Practice Aestheticians are trained to assess and treat acne independently. If your condition requires medical care beyond what we offer, we will advise you of the appropriate next steps.
How do I know if my acne is severe enough for professional treatment?
There is no minimum threshold you must meet. Some patients come in with mild but persistent breakouts. Others come in with more active or inflamed acne. If your skin is bothering you and what you have tried so far is not working, we welcome you in for a consultation.
What is the benefit of receiving professional acne treatments?
Seeking professional help for acne offers many potential benefits, including:
- Getting your breakouts under control sooner
- Preventing mild acne from becoming severe
- Reducing the risk of scarring or other skin damage
- Making existing scars less noticeable
- Decreasing the likelihood you'll need more aggressive treatments
Do you also treat acne scars and dark spots?
Yes. SkinPen® Microneedling is FDA-cleared for improving the appearance of facial acne scars. Dermal filler can soften the appearance of pitted acne scars by restoring volume beneath them. For dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), your Advanced Practice Aesthetician may recommend the VI Peel Purify Precision Plus chemical peel or a laser treatment at our Minnetonka location.
