Acne Treatment in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Common areas Face, chest

Appearance Pimples, blackheads, cysts

Primary causes Oil, hormones, inflammation

Treated with Laser, peels, facials, skincare

How is acne treated at Dermagnify?

Short answer

Acne treatment starts with finding the cause, because acne is driven by several factors at once: excess oil, clogged pores, hormones, genetics and inflammation. Dr. Cappel then builds a plan that may combine Aerolase Neo laser, chemical peels and Bela MD+ facials in the office with a prescribed medical-grade skincare regimen at home.

Acne is one of the most common and emotionally challenging skin conditions, at any age. Blackheads, whiteheads, painful cysts and persistent nodules can affect your confidence and quality of life.

What works for one person may not work for another, depending on the underlying cause. Hormonal acne may need hormonal therapy, for example, while bacterial acne may respond better to antibiotics or topical treatment. That is why the plan starts with a thorough diagnostic evaluation.

Treating active acne promptly is also the best way to prevent scarring. The sooner acne is under control, the less likely it is to cause deep inflammation and permanent damage to the skin.

Treatment options

How we treat active acne

Combining treatments is often the most effective strategy. Dr. Cappel tailors the mix to your skin type and the severity of your acne.

Aerolase Neo laser

A 650-microsecond laser that targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, without pain or damage to the skin's surface. Safe for all skin types, with no downtime.
Chemical peels

A customized solution exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, reduces bacteria and speeds cell turnover. Also fades the dark marks acne leaves behind. See chemical peels.
Bela MD+ advanced facials

A multi-step facial that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and infuses serums, for immediate clearing of clogged pores. About 60 minutes. See medical facials.
Medical-grade skincare

Higher concentrations of active ingredients than over-the-counter products, prescribed as a daily regimen. The foundation of long-term control. See medical-grade skincare.

A woman with clear skin and blue eyes beside green leaves

What causes acne?

Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Excess oil production, hormonal fluctuations (particularly androgens such as testosterone), genetics and inflammation all contribute.

Hormonal acne is especially common in teenagers, in women around menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause, and in people with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What makes acne worse?

Several everyday factors can trigger or worsen breakouts. Knowing yours is part of the plan.

Hormonal fluctuations: androgens stimulate the oil glands, clogging pores and feeding bacteria
Stress: cortisol increases oil production and inflammation, and poor sleep weakens the skin's defenses
The wrong skincare: harsh products and over-washing trigger more oil, while heavy products clog pores
Picking and squeezing: pushes bacteria deeper, increases inflammation and can cause permanent scars
Diet: in some people, high-glycemic foods such as white bread and sugary snacks may increase oil and inflammation

A young person with closed eyes touching their face in front of palm leaves

Aerolase Neo for active breakouts

The Aerolase Neo delivers energy deep into the skin to target the bacteria behind acne and calm inflammation and redness, all without pain. No numbing cream is needed: the handpiece is held just above the skin and moved over the treatment area.

There is no downtime, and you can wear makeup right away. Most patients notice fewer breakouts and less inflammation within a few days to weeks, and pairing Aerolase Neo with a customized skincare regimen gives both immediate and long-term control.

Treating acne now to prevent scars later

Acne scars form when an inflamed, clogged pore ruptures and the skin repairs the damage with too little collagen, leaving a depressed or pitted mark. Clearing active acne early, and not picking, is the best protection.

Scars that have already formed need a different approach, built on treatments that stimulate collagen and remodel the skin.

For existing scarring, see acne scar treatment.

Treatment overview

What to expect, from first visit to clearer skin

01
Consultation

Dr. Cappel reviews your acne history, examines your skin and identifies what is driving your breakouts.
02
Your plan

A personalized combination of in-office treatments and a prescribed skincare regimen, matched to the cause and severity.
03
In-office treatment

Aerolase Neo or Bela MD+ with no downtime, or a chemical peel that may bring a few days of mild redness and flaking.
04
Skincare at home

Detailed instructions on order and frequency. New products are introduced gradually so your skin can adjust.
05
Adjustment

Some initial dryness, peeling or irritation is normal as skin adapts to active ingredients, and usually settles within a few weeks.
06
Results

In-office treatments can clear skin within a few weeks. With skincare, most patients see fewer breakouts in 6 to 12 weeks.

Suitability

Is our acne treatment right for you?

A good fit if

You are a teen or adult with blackheads, whiteheads, cysts or nodules
Your breakouts follow your menstrual cycle, pregnancy or another hormonal change
You have acne-prone skin and want to prevent future breakouts
You have dark marks left behind by acne
Over-the-counter products have not worked for you

Not the right treatment if

Your breakouts have cleared and your main concern is the scarring left behind
Your redness, flushing and acne-like bumps may be rosacea, which is treated differently
You want a single quick fix rather than a consistent plan

See acne scar treatment or rosacea and facial redness.

Compared

Acne treatments compared

Treatments for active acne offered at Dermagnify
Treatment	Primary target	How it works	Best for
Aerolase Neo	Active acne, redness	Laser energy targets bacteria, reduces oil and calms inflammation	Pain-free treatment for all skin types with no downtime
Chemical peels	Active acne, dark marks	Chemical exfoliation unclogs pores and kills bacteria	Customizable depth for clearing acne and evening tone
Bela MD+	Active acne, clogged pores	Deep cleansing, extraction and serum infusion	Immediate clearing and prevention of breakouts
Medical-grade skincare	Active acne, prevention	Daily active ingredients at higher concentrations	The foundation of long-term control

Who performs this

Dr. Mark A. Cappel, MD

Double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist

Dr. Cappel evaluates your acne history and skin to identify the root cause of your breakouts, then selects your peels and prescribes your skincare regimen himself, with specific instructions for every treatment.

Read full profile

Questions

Questions about Acne Treatment

It depends on the treatment and the severity of your acne. In-office treatments such as Aerolase Neo and chemical peels can clear skin within a few weeks, and most patients see fewer breakouts within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent medical-grade skincare.

Yes. Treating active acne promptly is the best way to prevent scarring, because the sooner it is controlled, the less deep inflammation and damage it causes. Avoiding picking and squeezing is also critical.

Yes, and it is often the most effective approach. Combining in-office procedures with medical-grade skincare and lifestyle changes typically gives the best results, such as Aerolase Neo with a customized regimen.

After Aerolase Neo or a Bela MD+ facial, usually right away. After a medium-depth chemical peel, avoid makeup for 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Cappel gives you specific instructions for your treatment.

Androgens such as testosterone stimulate the oil glands. Hormonal acne is common in teenagers, around menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause, and with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

For some people. High-glycemic foods such as white bread, sugary snacks and processed foods can spike blood sugar and insulin, which may increase oil production and inflammation.

Where