We have solutions for teenage acne, hormonal acne, and cystic acne.

Peels can also: 

• reduce fine lines and hyperpigmentation
• improve wrinkles and other skin imperfections 
• minimize pores 
• soothe scarring 
• balance texture

Salicylic acid is the gold standard for unclogging pores and treating acne. This is because it lingers in the cells and continues clearing them for a few days. VIPeels are strong and very effective at reducing acne, acne scars, and melasma.

Unlike dermatology visits of the ’90s, visible peeling isn’t always the goal. Painful peels are a thing of the past. Many “peels” do a great job at exfoliating while infusing the skin with ingredients that improve skin tone, build collagen, and reduce age spots.

Yes, the same deep steaming, extractions, and peels we use on the face can treat both acne and bacne. Chemical peels also minimize acne scarring on the face, back, neck, and chest.

Our favorite drug-free treatment that treats acne with long-term, lasting results is InMode Morpheus8.

In our experience, Morpheus8 generally helps acne and acne scarring. Unlike microneedling, Morpheus uses radio-frequency (RF) combined with the physical injury caused by the microneedles.

Think of it this way: Microneedling works like a roller, whereas Morpheus8 penetrates the skin like a single stamp.

After the gold-coated pins (microneedles) penetrate the skin and create controlled micro-wounds, RF (via heat) is released into the skin. This double mechanism of action stimulates collagen for tighter, smoother skin and injures the pilosebaceous unit to reduce active acne. As the skin heals, it stimulates collagen and the integrity and structure around the scar improve.

After a series of four treatments, many report improvement in active acne (even deep cystic jawline acne) for years to come. Commonly, a single Morpheus8 treatment offers overall anti-aging benefits and reduced scarring. We see cumulative and more dramatic results with a series of three to four monthly treatments.

For moderate to severe acne, facials spaced two weeks apart over a four-to-eight-week period offer the most dramatic and fastest results. Depending on the severity of the acne and your home skincare routine, maintenance facials are generally every one to three months.

We offer the following skincare product lines: 

• Skinceuticals 
• SkinBetter Science
• Avene 
• ZO Skin Health
• AnteAge
• Obagi

Our Master Aestheticians will build you a customized regimen to help you achieve your skin goals.

CSLC does not offer prescription treatment for acne. Many of our patients have already tried Accutane (isotretinoin), antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin), and prescription creams or medical grade skincare (benzoyl peroxide, Proactiv). Some try birth control or spironolactone to control acne breakouts.

We are happy to refer to work with your dermatologist prescribed medications for acne or refer you to a dermatologist in Petoskey or Traverse City.

CSLC offers acne treatment alternatives that can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments to minimize breakouts or fade acne spots.

Steroid injections can be very effective to calm cystic acne or hormonal acne. We do not inject steroids at CSLC. We do inject acne scars with PRF or PRP.

Morpheus8, our radiofrequency microneedling treatment, is effective at preventing cystic breakouts and fading acne scarring.