Acne & breakouts,
cleared without stripping your skin.
Clinical treatments to clear active acne, reduce bacteria and normalize oil production — without stripping or over-drying the skin. And because every breakout can leave a mark on deeper skin tones, your plan accounts for that from day one.
Every breakout
starts in a pore.
Acne is a chain reaction. Treating it well means interrupting it at more than one point.
Clearing breakouts early matters more on deeper skin tones: an inflamed spot can leave a dark mark (PIH) that outlasts the pimple, and severe acne can scar.
Why deeper skin tones
need a different approach.
Acne disproportionately affects people with Fitzpatrick types IV–VI, and inflammation in melanin-rich skin often leaves dark marks long after a breakout clears. Harsh, over-drying treatments irritate the skin and can make those marks worse.
- ✦Breakouts calmed without stripping or over-drying the skin
- ✦Salicylic and mandelic acids, chosen for low darkening risk
- ✦Active acne controlled first — then dark marks and scarring are treated
- ✦Your skin's response reviewed at every visit
Your treatment options.
Your personalized plan.
Every plan is customized at your consultation — often a combination of in-clinic treatments and home care, matched to your skin type and goals.
From consultation
to lasting results.
Acne & Breakouts FAQ.
Why do I still get dark spots after my acne clears?
Those marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — the skin’s pigment response to inflammation, especially common on deeper skin tones. PIH fades with sun protection and the right care, and clearing breakouts early means fewer new marks.
Is salicylic acid safe for dark skin?
Yes. Salicylic acid is generally well tolerated in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. It is oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore, and it has natural anti-inflammatory properties — which is why it is a go-to for acne-prone dark skin.
Do retinoids help acne?
Yes. Retinoids keep the cells inside pores from clumping and clogging, so they treat acne at the source rather than just the surface. Start slowly — two nights a week, a pea-sized amount — and always pair them with daily SPF.
Can I get microneedling or scar treatment while I have active acne?
Not over active breakouts. Microneedling over active acne can spread bacteria, and ongoing inflammation keeps creating new marks. Breakouts are treated first, then scarring.
Does washing with hot water open my pores?
No — pores have no muscles, so they cannot open or close. Warm water and cleansing can loosen what is inside a pore, and keeping pores clear is what actually helps.
What about acne on my back and chest?
Body breakouts follow the same process as facial acne. A salicylic acid body spray covers larger areas to help clear and prevent them, and your provider can include body acne in your plan.
right diagnosis.
Book a consultation at our South Loop clinic, or take the 5-minute Skin Assessment and our clinical team will build your personalized skin summary.