Acne & Acne Scars, Answered

Acne develops when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, often with bacteria and inflammation involved. Common contributors include hormones, genetics, stress, certain products, and diet for some people. It isn't caused by poor hygiene — in fact, over-washing and harsh scrubbing tend to make it worse.

Yes — when they're part of a consistent plan. Professional treatments like targeted facials, clarifying peels, LED therapy, and careful extractions can reduce congestion, calm inflammation, and help control breakouts over time. They work best alongside a good home-care routine, and for moderate to severe or persistent acne, in partnership with a dermatologist.

Professional extractions can safely clear blackheads and surface congestion when done by a trained esthetician — far more safely than squeezing at home, which can drive bacteria deeper and cause scarring. We don't force extractions on inflamed or active pustules, since that can worsen things; instead we assess your skin and extract only what's appropriate. Learn more about our pore extractions.

If your acne is severe, painful, cystic, scarring, or not improving with consistent care, a dermatologist can offer prescription treatments we can't, such as topical retinoids, oral medications, or isotretinoin. We're glad to work alongside your dermatologist — providing the supportive facials, gentle treatments, and maintenance that keep skin calm between visits.

They're different, and they're treated differently:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks) are flat brown or pink spots left after a breakout heals. These aren't true scars — they're discoloration, and they often fade over time and respond well to brightening treatments.
• True acne scars are changes in skin texture — indented (atrophic) scars like boxcar, rolling, and icepick, or raised scars. These need collagen-stimulating treatments to improve.

Many people have both. Your skin analysis helps us tell them apart and target each correctly.

• Boxcar scars — broad depressions with sharp edges
• Rolling scars — broad depressions with sloping edges that give skin a wavy look
• Icepick scars — small, deep, narrow pits
• Raised scars — firm, raised tissue that sits above the skin

Scar type matters because it determines which treatments help most — and which are better referred to a dermatologist.

For appropriate scarring — especially rolling and boxcar scars and uneven texture — we focus on collagen-stimulating and resurfacing treatments within our scope:

• Microneedling to stimulate collagen and smooth indented scars over a series.
• Light chemical peels to refine texture and improve the look of marks.
• Brightening treatments for the dark marks left behind.

Deeper or raised scars sometimes need medical options like fillers, subcision, or laser resurfacing — in those cases we'll refer you to a dermatologist and can support your results afterward.

Yes — microneedling is one of the most effective in-spa options for indented acne scars. By creating controlled micro-channels, it stimulates collagen to gradually smooth and fill depressed scars, especially rolling and boxcar types. It also has a low risk of pigment change, which makes it a good choice for darker skin tones. Results build over a series of sessions. See our microneedling FAQ for details.

Honestly, complete erasure usually isn't realistic — but significant improvement very often is. Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone; the goal is to make them markedly less noticeable through the right combination of treatments and patience. Most people are thrilled with smoother texture and a more even surface, even if a scar isn't 100% gone.

Prevention is far easier than correction:

• Don't pick, pop, or squeeze breakouts — it's the biggest cause of scarring
• Treat active acne early and consistently
• Get professional extractions instead of doing it yourself
• Wear daily SPF, since sun darkens marks and slows fading
• See a professional promptly for cystic or persistent acne

This matters a great deal. Melanin-rich skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the dark marks after a breakout — and some aggressive scar treatments, including certain lasers and deep peels, carry a higher risk of pigment changes on darker skin. That's why we favor gentle, conservative, lower-risk options like microneedling and carefully chosen light treatments, and why experience with skin of color matters. Caring for diverse and melanin-rich complexions is one of our areas of focus.

For active acne, many people see calmer skin within a few treatments alongside good home care. For dark marks, fading is gradual — often weeks to a few months. For true scars, improvement builds over a series of treatments and continues for months as collagen remodels. Acne care rewards consistency and patience far more than intensity.

It depends on your skin and goals. Active-acne plans often involve regular facials and treatments over several months until skin stabilizes, then maintenance. Scar treatments like microneedling typically need a series of several sessions spaced weeks apart. We'll map out a realistic plan at your consultation and adjust as your skin responds.