Active breakouts and the marks they leave behind are two different problems, and they usually call for different treatments. At Michigan Advanced Aesthetics in Royal Oak, our clinical skin care team starts by looking at what your skin is doing right now, then builds a plan around it.

Active Acne, Discoloration and Scars: Why the Difference Matters

Acne concerns tend to fall into three groups:

• Active acne: breakouts, inflammation, redness and excess oil. The goal is to calm the skin and help it clear.
• Post-acne discoloration: flat dark marks that linger after a breakout heals. The goal is a more even tone.
• Textured acne scars: depressed or uneven areas in the skin. The goal is smoother texture over a series of treatments.

Many people have more than one of these at once. Your provider may recommend calming active breakouts before focusing on scars, because the right order can matter as much as the treatment itself.

Treatments for Active Acne

IPL Acne Clearing. IPL Acne Clearing uses light energy to help reduce acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, redness and excess oil. A series of treatments is generally recommended, and a consultation and patch test are required at least one week before your first session. IPL treats active acne. It is not intended to correct deep or textured acne scars.

Skin Health Peels. Our Skin Health Peels combine advanced exfoliation with skin-supportive ingredients and are customized to your skin goals, sensitivity and the downtime you prefer. They are a good fit for acne-prone skin and can help improve acne and congestion, with minimal to no downtime depending on the peel selected.

Treatments for Acne Scars and Post-Acne Marks

The Perfect Derma Peel. The Perfect Derma Peel is a medium-depth, TCA-based medical-grade peel. It is designed to improve overall skin tone and can help improve acne and acne scarring. Expect redness, tightness, dryness and visible peeling during recovery. Peeling typically begins around day 2 to 3 and may continue for about 5 to 7 days. Learn more about all of our chemical peels in Royal Oak.

Enlighten RX. The Enlighten RX Peel is a professional brightening treatment for stubborn discoloration, including post-acne discoloration. A consultation is required first, and your provider customizes both the treatment and your home care plan.

Microneedling with PRP or Exosomes. Microneedling creates tiny channels in the skin to encourage collagen production. For acne scarring, it can be paired with PRP (platelet-rich plasma from your own blood) or with an exosome serum, and each session includes LED light therapy. A series of 3 to 6 sessions about 4 weeks apart is recommended. You may notice a glow within days, while collagen builds over 4 to 6 weeks and continues to improve. Curious about pricing? Read what affects the cost of microneedling with PRP.

Wondering whether a facial can help shallow scarring? Our post on whether facials are worth it for acne scarring covers microdermabrasion and the types of scars it suits.

Acne Treatment Options at a Glance

For active breakouts, redness and oil, we offer IPL Acne Clearing and Skin Health Peels. A series of treatments is usually recommended, and most clients go back to their regular activities after IPL.

For post-acne discoloration, we offer Enlighten RX. A consultation is required first, and mild redness, dryness or flaking may occur afterward.

For textured acne scars, we offer microneedling with PRP or exosomes, and The Perfect Derma Peel. Microneedling usually takes 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. After The Perfect Derma Peel, visible peeling lasts about 5 to 7 days.

How We Build Your Acne Treatment Plan

Every plan starts with a consultation and skin assessment. Your provider looks at your acne type, scarring, skin sensitivity and how much downtime fits your schedule, then recommends a treatment or a series. Skin Health Peels can be used on their own or after most treatments, so your plan may combine more than one approach over time. Results build gradually, and consistent sun protection and home care help protect them.

Is Acne Treatment Right for You?

If you have acne-prone skin, lingering marks or textured scarring, a consultation is the first step, because not every treatment suits every person. IPL may not be appropriate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, recently tanned, taking certain medications, using photosensitizing products, or have melasma or certain medical or skin conditions. Microneedling may not be appropriate if you are pregnant, have an active skin infection or open wounds, or have a history of keloid scarring. Your provider will review your health history and skin before recommending a plan.

Side effects and recovery. Every treatment carries some risk of side effects. After IPL, temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling may occur and typically improves within several hours to a few days. Microneedling can cause sunburn-like redness for 24 to 48 hours. Chemical peels may cause redness, dryness, flaking or peeling, and the Perfect Derma Peel involves several days of visible peeling. Following your post-care instructions and wearing sunscreen are essential.

Before your appointment. Before a chemical peel, stop topical and prescription acne medications at least seven days beforehand, and stop retinoids and retinols seven days before. You should not be taking oral or topical antibiotics, and should have stopped them at least two weeks before treatment unless your provider approves otherwise. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanner for at least seven days. If you are not sure whether to stop a medication or product, call our office before you make any change.

Acne Treatment FAQs

Can acne scars be removed completely? Treatments like microneedling and medium-depth peels are designed to improve the look and texture of acne scars over a series of sessions. How much improvement you see depends on your scar type and skin, and individual results vary.

How many treatments will I need? It depends on the treatment. Microneedling is usually done as a series of 3 to 6 sessions about 4 weeks apart. A series is also generally recommended for IPL Acne Clearing and may be recommended for peels. Your provider will suggest a schedule at your consultation.

Is there downtime? It ranges from almost none to about a week. Most clients return to regular activities after IPL, microneedling redness usually lasts 24 to 48 hours, and the Perfect Derma Peel can involve peeling for about 5 to 7 days.

Can IPL treat my acne scars? IPL Acne Clearing is meant for active acne. It is not intended to correct deep or textured scars. For texture, microneedling or the Perfect Derma Peel may be a better fit.

Do I need to stop my acne medication first? For chemical peels, topical and prescription acne medications should be stopped at least seven days before treatment. Check with our office before stopping any prescription.

Book Your Acne Consultation in Royal Oak

Ready for clearer, smoother-looking skin? Call Michigan Advanced Aesthetics at 248-542-3700 or text 248-218-9970 to schedule a skin consultation. We are located at 924 E Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. Financing and current specials are available.