Active acne and the marks it leaves need different plans. At our New Braunfels and Spring Branch clinics, we treat breakouts with an Anti-Acne Treatment Facial (on our pricing menu), VI Purifying and other medical-grade peels, and Agnes RF when oil glands need a more targeted approach. If you live in Bulverde, Spring Branch is a short drive away.
For texture, dark marks, or acne scars after the skin has calmed, we may add microneedling, Morpheus8, CoolPeel, or DOT Therapy. Your nurse practitioner builds the plan at a consult after looking at your skin and your health history.
What does acne treatment try to do?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) frames acne care around three goals: clear the breakouts you have now, stop new ones, and lower the chance of scars. There is no single best treatment for every person. Mild acne often starts with gentle cleansing and products you put on your skin. Stubborn or cystic acne may need in-office care, prescription medicine from your doctor, or both.
We focus on the in-office options on our menu. If you already see a dermatologist for oral medicine, bring that list to your consult so we can time peels, facials, and device treatments safely around it.
Which acne treatments do we offer?
Anti-Acne Treatment Facial
Our Anti-Acne Treatment Facial is listed on the pricing menu for people who want a facial visit aimed at congested, breakout-prone skin. You can compare related facial visits on our spa services page, including a Custom Facial and HydraFacial. Our HydraFacial vs. facial guide explains how those two experiences differ if you are choosing between a cleansing facial and a more targeted acne visit.
Your provider will tailor the visit to your skin that day and tell you what to put on afterward and how soon you can wear makeup.
VI Purifying and other chemical peels
A chemical peel uses an acid solution to remove damaged outer layers so newer skin can grow in. The AAD notes that peels can help some types of acne and the marks left behind. On our menu, VI Purifying is the VI Peel formula made for active acne and acne marks. VI Peel, VI Precision, the Pigment Balancing Peel, and the Advanced Corrective Peel can also help tone and texture once breakouts settle.
Our chemical peels guide compares those peels, downtime, and aftercare. Your consult and the pricing page cover peel cost.
Agnes RF for acne
Agnes RF delivers radiofrequency energy through a micro-insulated needle. For acne, that energy can target overactive sebaceous glands while limiting heat in the surrounding skin. A topical anesthetic may be applied first. Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes. Mild redness or swelling is common for a few hours to a few days.
The AAD notes that laser and energy devices can reduce acne for many people, but they rarely clear it alone, and most people need a series. We set session count and spacing at your consult based on how your skin responds.
Facial vs peel vs Agnes: how do we choose?
We match the tool to what your skin is doing that month.
- Fresh, clogged pores and mild inflammatory acne often start with an Anti-Acne Treatment Facial or a HydraFacial-style cleanse, plus a home routine.
- Diffuse congestion, oily shine, and acne marks often point toward VI Purifying or another peel your provider selects.
- Stubborn, recurrent breakouts tied to oil-gland activity may call for Agnes RF, alone or sequenced with peels and facials.
- Once active breakouts are calm, we can add microneedling, Morpheus8, CoolPeel, or DOT for texture and scars.
Many people combine steps over time rather than picking one option forever. We would rather start where your skin can tolerate treatment than push a device too soon.
What about acne marks and scars?
Dark spots after a pimple (post-inflammatory marks) and true indented scars are not the same problem. Marks often fade with time, sunscreen, peels that target pigment, and careful product use. Indented scars may need collagen-stimulating treatments.
Options we offer for texture and scars include:
- Microneedling and Morpheus8 (see our comparison guide)
- CoolPeel and DOT Therapy for resurfacing paths listed on our treatments page
- Peels that help pigment and surface roughness, covered in the peels post
We do not treat active, inflamed cysts with aggressive scar lasers on the same day. Clearing comes first.
If leftover redness or brown spots are part of what bothers you, our IPL photofacial guide covers another light-based option your provider may discuss once your skin is ready.
What happens at an acne consult?
Your first visit starts with questions and a close look at your skin. We ask about:
- How long you have had acne and what you have already tried
- Every medicine and product you use, including isotretinoin now or in the past
- Cold sores, scarring easily, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your goals: fewer breakouts, fewer marks, smoother texture, or all of the above
Then we recommend a starting path, explain downtime, and go over home care. The AAD reminds patients that acne plans often take six to eight weeks before you see fewer breakouts, and picking at skin raises the risk of scars and dark marks. We will give you a realistic timeline for the plan we choose together.
Who should wait?
Tell us before any peel, acne facial, or Agnes RF session if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have taken oral isotretinoin recently (timing matters for peels and some procedures)
- You have an active cold sore, open wound, or sunburn where we would treat
- You have an infection or a flare that needs medical care first
Your nurse practitioner decides candidacy. If we should wait, we will say so and help you plan the next step.
Home care that supports in-office treatment
In-office visits work better when your daily routine is gentle. The AAD suggests:
- Wash with a mild cleanser up to twice a day, using your fingertips rather than scrubbing tools
- Skip picking and popping
- Use a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher once your provider says your skin can wear it
- Give each plan enough time before you switch products every few days
We can recommend clinic-appropriate products at your visit. Bring what you already use so we do not stack irritating actives by accident.
What does acne treatment cost?
Cost depends on whether you start with a facial, a peel, Agnes RF, or a series that mixes more than one. We review the total at your consult before you begin, and our pricing page lists each service.
If you want to spread out the cost of a series, we offer payment plans through Affirm and Cherry. You can read about both on the pricing page.
Common questions about acne treatment
How soon will I see clearer skin?
Most people need weeks, not days. The AAD notes that many acne plans take at least six to eight weeks before breakouts slow down. Energy treatments often look their best weeks after a series, not the next morning.
Can I wear makeup after an acne facial or peel?
After a facial, your provider will tell you when makeup is fine, often the same day or the next. After a VI-style peel, wait the time in your aftercare kit before you put anything on your skin.
Does Agnes RF hurt?
You may feel heat or a prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic is usually applied first to keep the visit comfortable. Mild redness or swelling afterward is common and typically settles within hours to a few days.
Will one treatment fix acne forever?
Usually not. Acne is ongoing for many people. Maintenance facials, peels, home care, and occasional Agnes RF touch-ups keep results steadier than a single visit.
Can I combine acne treatments with Botox or fillers?
Often yes, with spacing. We time peels, Agnes RF, and injectables so one does not interfere with the other. Tell us everything on your calendar at the consult.
Book an acne treatment consult in New Braunfels or Spring Branch
If you live in New Braunfels, Spring Branch, Bulverde, or nearby and want fewer breakouts or softer marks, start with a consult. We will look at your skin, go over your history, and recommend a facial, peel, Agnes RF, or a staged plan. You can book online or call (830) 608-9989.
This article is for education only. Individual results vary. Your provider will review your health history before recommending any treatment.