Best Treatments for Getting Rid of Acne
Acne is a common skin concern that can be frustrating and challenging to treat
The best treatments for getting rid of acne combine a professional, in office approach with a consistent daily skincare routine. For most people, the most effective options are Aerolase laser therapy, chemical peels, the HydraFacial, and a tailored skincare regimen. Used together, they target the real causes of acne, excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation, which leads to clearer, calmer, healthier skin over time. In this guide we explain how each treatment works, who it suits, what results to expect, what it costs, and how to keep breakouts from coming back.
What causes acne?
Acne forms when pores become clogged with a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When a pore is blocked, oil builds up behind it, bacteria multiply, and the surrounding skin becomes inflamed, which produces a breakout. Several factors influence how often this happens. Hormones can increase oil production, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, and periods of stress. Genetics affect how reactive your skin is. Skincare habits, certain products, diet, and friction from masks or equipment can all make breakouts more likely. Because acne has more than one cause, the most effective plans address several of them at once rather than focusing on the surface alone.
What are the different types of acne?
Knowing your type of acne helps you choose the right treatment, since not every breakout responds to the same approach.
- Whiteheads form when a clogged pore stays closed at the surface, creating a small white bump.
- Blackheads form when a clogged pore stays open, and the trapped material darkens as it meets the air.
- Papules are small, red, tender bumps caused by inflammation.
- Pustules are similar to papules but contain visible pus at the tip.
- Nodules are larger, firm, painful lumps that sit deep within the skin.
- Cysts are deep, painful, pus filled lesions that carry the highest risk of scarring.
Whiteheads and blackheads are noninflammatory acne and often respond well to exfoliation and pore clearing treatments. Papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are inflammatory acne and usually need treatments that reduce oil, bacteria, and inflammation, such as the Aerolase laser.
What are the best professional acne treatments?
The most effective professional acne treatments work by reducing oil, clearing pores, calming inflammation, and renewing the skin. Below are four of the best options, including how each works, who it suits, and what to expect.
Aerolase Laser: Advanced Technology for Acne
The Aerolase laser targets acne at its source using a 650 microsecond laser that reaches the sebaceous glands beneath the skin and reduces inflammation. It treats many types of acne, including cystic acne, papules, pustules, whiteheads, and blackheads, and it is known for being safe and effective on all skin tones.
Why Aerolase is effective:
- Deep penetration: it reaches the source of acne deep in the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Reduces oil: by targeting the sebaceous glands, it lowers sebum production, a key cause of acne.
- Calms inflammation and bacteria: the laser energy reduces inflammation and helps destroy acne causing bacteria, clearing active breakouts and helping prevent new ones.
What to expect: Aerolase is a comfortable, touch free treatment with little to no downtime, so most people return to normal activities the same day. A course of several sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, usually gives the best results, and the laser heat also helps build collagen, which can soften the look of acne scars over time.
Chemical Peels: Exfoliate and Renew
Chemical peels apply a professional grade solution that exfoliates the top layers of skin to reveal fresh skin underneath. This helps unclog pores, fade the dark marks acne leaves behind, and improve overall texture and tone.
Types of chemical peels:
- Salicylic acid peel: ideal for oily, acne prone skin, it exfoliates inside the pore and reduces excess oil.
- Glycolic acid peel: a good fit for mild to moderate acne, it brightens skin and reduces discoloration.
- TCA peel: trichloroacetic acid provides deeper exfoliation for more significant acne scarring and texture.
What to expect: downtime depends on the depth of the peel. A light salicylic or glycolic peel may cause only mild flaking for a few days, while a deeper TCA peel involves more visible peeling. A series of peels often works better than a single treatment, and daily sun protection afterward is essential to protect the fresh new skin.
HydraFacial: A Comprehensive Approach
The HydraFacial is a noninvasive treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration in a single session. For acne prone skin, it unclogs pores, lifts away impurities, and infuses the skin with nourishing serums.
Benefits of the HydraFacial for acne:
- Deep cleansing: gentle suction clears impurities and oil from pores and lowers the chance of new breakouts.
- Exfoliation: a mild exfoliation step removes dead skin cells and promotes healthy cell turnover.
- Hydration: unlike treatments that can leave skin dry, it leaves skin balanced, plump, and healthy.
What to expect: the HydraFacial has no downtime, which makes it a popular maintenance treatment between stronger procedures. Many people schedule one every four to six weeks to keep pores clear and skin looking fresh.
A Tailored Skincare Regimen: The Foundation
A consistent, personalized skincare routine is the foundation of clear skin. Professional treatments like Aerolase and peels do the heavy lifting, but daily care prevents new breakouts and protects your results between visits.
Key steps in an acne fighting routine:
- Cleanser: use a gentle, noncomedogenic cleanser that removes oil and dirt without stripping the skin.
- Exfoliant: add a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic or glycolic acid a few times a week to keep pores clear.
- Moisturizer: even oily skin needs hydration, so choose a lightweight, oil free moisturizer.
- Sun protection: use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, especially while using peels or laser, since these treatments make skin more sensitive to the sun.
A medical grade skincare line recommended by your provider is often more effective than over the counter products, because it uses higher quality, better formulated ingredients suited to your skin.
Which acne treatment is right for you?
The best starting point depends on your skin and the type of acne you have. This quick guide points you toward the most suitable option, which a provider can confirm at a consultation.
| Your skin concern | Best starting treatment |
|---|---|
| Oily, acne prone skin | Salicylic acid peel or HydraFacial |
| Cystic or inflammatory acne | Aerolase laser |
| Whiteheads and blackheads | Aerolase laser or HydraFacial extractions |
| Acne scars and uneven texture | TCA peel or laser, often with microneedling |
| Dark marks and discoloration | Glycolic acid peel plus daily SPF |
| Prevention and maintenance | Daily skincare routine plus periodic HydraFacials |
How much does acne treatment cost?
The cost of acne treatment varies based on the treatment, the number of sessions, and your specific skin needs. A single HydraFacial or light chemical peel is usually the most affordable option, while a course of laser treatments or deeper peels costs more because it involves several sessions. Since most people benefit from a combination plan, the best way to understand your investment is a consultation, where a provider can assess your skin and outline a clear plan and pricing. Many practices also offer treatment packages, which lower the cost per session compared with booking treatments one at a time.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary by treatment and skin type. Many people notice clearer skin within a few weeks of starting a combined plan, while improvements to acne scars and discoloration build gradually over a few months as the skin renews and produces new collagen. Active breakouts often calm first, followed by smoother texture and more even tone. Consistency matters more than intensity, so steady professional treatments paired with daily skincare give the best long term results.
Can you combine acne treatments?
Yes, and the most effective plans usually do. For example, the Aerolase laser or a chemical peel can clear active breakouts while a daily regimen and periodic HydraFacials maintain the results. A provider can layer these treatments safely based on your skin so they support one another rather than working against each other. Combining treatments also lets a plan address several causes of acne at once, which is why a tailored, professional approach tends to outperform any single product or procedure.
When should you see a professional for acne?
Mild, occasional breakouts can often be managed at home, but it is worth seeing a professional when acne is persistent, painful, or starting to scar, when over the counter products are not working, or when breakouts are affecting your confidence. A provider can identify the type and cause of your acne and build a treatment plan that addresses it directly, which usually clears skin faster and helps prevent lasting scars.
How do you prevent acne from coming back?
Clearing acne is only half the goal; keeping it away is the other half. Prevention comes down to a steady routine and a few smart habits.
- Stick to your daily regimen, even after your skin clears, since stopping often allows breakouts to return.
- Keep your hands off your face and avoid picking or squeezing, which spreads bacteria and causes scarring.
- Wash your face after sweating, and clean items that touch your skin often, such as pillowcases and phone screens.
- Choose noncomedogenic makeup and skincare products that will not clog pores.
- Stay consistent with sun protection so dark marks fade and do not linger.
- Keep up with periodic professional treatments, such as a HydraFacial or a maintenance laser session, to stay ahead of breakouts.
Common mistakes that make acne worse
Even with good intentions, a few common habits can keep acne going. Avoiding these helps your treatments work the way they should.
- Over washing or scrubbing too hard, which irritates the skin and can increase oil production.
- Using too many strong products at once, which damages the skin barrier and causes more breakouts.
- Skipping moisturizer because skin feels oily, which can actually trigger more oil.
- Stopping a treatment too soon, before it has had time to work.
- Picking at blemishes, which leads to slower healing and a higher risk of scarring.
Treatments that Work
The Aerolase laser is a revolutionary treatment that targets acne at its source. This laser therapy uses a 650-microsecond laser to penetrate the skin’s surface, targeting the sebaceous glands and reducing inflammation. The Aerolase laser is effective in treating various types of acne, including cystic acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Why Aerolase is Effective:
- Deep Penetration: Unlike other lasers, Aerolase penetrates deep into the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Reduces Sebum Production: By targeting the sebaceous glands, Aerolase helps to reduce oil production, a key contributor to acne.
- Minimizes Inflammation: The laser’s heat energy reduces inflammation, helping to clear active acne and prevent future breakouts.
Conclusion
Treating acne works best with a comprehensive approach that pairs advanced treatments like the Aerolase laser, chemical peels, and the HydraFacial with a solid daily skincare routine. By understanding the type of acne you have, how
each treatment helps, and how they work together, you can manage breakouts, fade their marks, and reach the clear, healthy skin you want. At Palm Beach Anti Aging in Wellington, we create personalized acne plans for every patient
and every skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of acne?
There is no instant cure, but the fastest visible improvement usually comes from pairing a professional treatment such as Aerolase or a chemical peel with a consistent daily routine. A provider can recommend the right starting point for your skin.
Does the HydraFacial help with acne?
Yes. The HydraFacial deep cleans pores, removes impurities, and exfoliates gently, which can reduce breakouts and improve acne prone skin, especially as part of a regular routine.
Does diet affect acne?
Diet is not the only cause of acne, but for some people certain foods, such as high sugar or high dairy items, can worsen breakouts. A balanced diet supports skin health, though professional treatment and a good routine remain the most reliable ways to clear acne.
How do I keep acne from coming back?
Maintenance is key. A daily routine with a gentle cleanser, an exfoliant, an oil free moisturizer, and SPF, plus periodic professional treatments, helps prevent new breakouts and keeps skin clear.
Is laser or a chemical peel better for acne?
Neither is universally better; they suit different needs. The Aerolase laser targets oil and bacteria deep in the skin and suits inflammatory or cystic acne, while peels exfoliate the surface and help with clogged pores and discoloration. Many people benefit from both.
What is the best treatment for hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne, which often appears along the jaw and chin and flares with the menstrual cycle, tends to be deeper and more inflammatory. Professional treatments like the Aerolase laser can reduce oil and inflammation, and a provider may combine in office treatment with a targeted skincare plan. Because hormones are involved, a medical evaluation helps tailor the approach.
Can adults get acne?
Yes. Adult acne is common, especially in women, and can appear for the first time well into your thirties, forties, or later. It often responds to the same professional treatments and skincare strategies used for younger skin, adjusted for adult skin needs such as added hydration.
Are these acne treatments safe for all skin tones?
Aerolase in particular is known for being safe and effective across all skin tones. Peels and HydraFacials can also be tailored to different skin types. A consultation makes sure you get the right choice for your skin.