Acne and Scars
Acne is a skin condition in which oil, dead skin cells and bacteria block the pores, triggering the immune system and causing breakouts. Acne scars are the marks and dents left when breakouts heal.
At Desert Bloom in Scottsdale, we calm active acne first with acne facials, including the teen facial ($55) and the Detox acne treatment ($110), then treat scars with microneedling, RF microneedling, Bellafill, Erbium YAG laser or CO2 laser.
What are the signs of acne and acne scars?
- Whiteheads, blackheads and red breakouts that keep coming back
- Red or brown marks that stay for weeks after a spot heals
- Dented scars: ice pick, boxcar or rolling scars
- Breakouts on the back, shoulders or chest
What causes acne and acne scars?
- Extra oil (sebum) that mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the pore
- Hormones, especially in the teenage years, around periods and in perimenopause
- Lifestyle, especially chronic stress
- Inflammation from bacteria trapped inside the blocked pore
- Picking and squeezing, which spreads inflammation and raises the risk of scars and dark marks
- Heavy, pore-clogging skincare and makeup
How we assess it
How does Desert Bloom assess acne and acne scars?
At your consultation, Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD looks at the type of breakouts, how inflamed they are and whether scarring has started. Mild to moderate acne usually responds to a series of acne facials and a home routine. Cystic or painful acne often needs prescription treatment alongside facials, and Dr. Borakowski will tell you if that applies to you. Scar treatment starts once active breakouts are under control.
Book a consultation or call (480) 567-8180
At home
How can you care for acne and acne scars at home?
Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer and a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every morning, because sun makes post-acne marks darker. Change pillowcases twice a week. Avoid picking or squeezing breakouts during the day, because you are very likely to cause a secondary infection. To learn how to safely extract your breakouts yourself and use a medical-grade spot corrector, schedule a consultation at our clinic.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can acne scars be treated while I still have breakouts?
Acne scar treatment works best once active acne is under control, because microneedling and lasers are not done over inflamed breakouts. Desert Bloom usually treats active acne first with a series of acne facials and/or chemical peels, then starts scar treatment. Red or brown marks often fade on their own in 3 to 6 months with daily sunscreen.
How many acne facials will I need?
Most people need a series of 4 to 6 detox acne treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by monthly maintenance. A consistent home routine between visits makes the results last.
Which treatment is best for acne scars?
The best acne scar treatment depends on the scar type and your skin tone. Shallow rolling scars respond to microneedling. Deeper boxcar scars respond to Virtue RF microneedling, which suits all skin tones. CO2 laser resurfacing treats the deepest scars in lighter skin types. Ice pick scars are the hardest to improve and typically can never be fully removed.
Do you treat teenagers?
Yes. The teen facial at Desert Bloom is a 30 minute, $55 treatment for clients aged 12 to 19. No injectables or aggressive peels are used for teens. For clients under 16, a parent is recommended at the first visit.
When do I need prescription treatment?
You may need prescription treatment if your acne is cystic, painful, leaving new scars or has not improved after 3 months of consistent care. Prescription treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics or isotretinoin can be combined with professional facials, and Dr. Borakowski will tell you when that is the better route.
Not sure where to start? Book a consultation and we will look at your skin, explain your options and help you choose care that fits you.