Acne facial in Melbourne, FL
The menu at Karisma Esthetics has no facial named for acne. For breakout-prone skin, Kay Woodson works from the $125 Signature Customized Facial, about 60 minutes, or the $225 Advanced Glow Facial, about 90, aimed at blackheads, whiteheads and small breakouts. Deep, painful nodules or cysts go to a dermatologist first, because they often scar.
Published · Written by Kay Woodson · Results vary.
Which breakouts can a facial help?
Acne is not one thing. The AAD sorts it by what forms in the pore, and that decides where you start.
| What you see | What is happening, per the AAD | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Whiteheads | Oil and dead skin cells plug the opening of a pore | A facial and a steady home routine |
| Blackheads | The buildup widens the pore opening, so the plug shows | A facial and a steady home routine |
| Pimples, with or without pus | Oil, dead cells and bacteria are trapped inside the pore. With pus it is a pustule, without it a papule | A gentle facial; benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid at home |
| Deep, tender bumps | Nodules or cysts that reach deep into the skin and often leave permanent scars | A dermatologist, before any facial |
| Cyst-like bumps in the underarms or groin | May not be acne at all. The AAD names hidradenitis suppurativa as one look-alike | A dermatologist |
AAD, Acne: Signs and symptoms, and How to treat different types of acne, read October 29, 2026.
Signature or Advanced for breakout-prone skin?
Each one has its own page: the Signature facial and the Advanced anti-aging facial.
| Signature, $125 | Advanced, $225 | |
|---|---|---|
| When it fits | Breakouts are active, or skin is red and reactive | Breakouts have calmed and rough texture or marks remain |
| What it adds | A consultation, Circadia products chosen for your skin | One exfoliation chosen that day: microdermabrasion, a superficial peel or an enzyme |
| Check first | Tell Kay every acne product and medicine you use | Not for anyone who took isotretinoin in the past 6 months |
Cleveland Clinic asks people with acne, or taking acne medicine, to talk to their provider before microdermabrasion. The AAD links isotretinoin within 6 months to a higher risk of scarring from it.
What happens at an acne facial with Kay?
It starts with questions: how long you have had breakouts, where they show up, what you wash with, and what a doctor has prescribed. That part comes with the Signature at no extra cost, and it tells Kay which products to keep away from your skin.
What goes on your skin depends on what Kay sees. For breakout-prone skin, that might be a cleanser with mandelic or salicylic acid to gently unclog pores and keep oil in check, a purifying toner, a spot corrector serum and a moisturizer that cuts shine.
Clogged pores are softened with an enzyme before Kay extracts them, and she works with a light hand. Some redness where a blemish was cleared is typical. The Signature facial page explains the extraction step in more detail.
Squeezing is the part to leave to someone else. The AAD warns that picking at or squeezing a nodule or cyst can make it more noticeable and raise the risk of infection, discoloration and scarring.
From a client with ingrown hairs
Not acne, but a close cousin: bumps from ingrown hairs under the chin and neck. Excerpt from a Google review, quoted as written. Individual results vary.
“Came in for a men’s facial because I was dealing with ingrown hairs, and Kay did an awesome job. She was super patient getting the tough ones under my chin and neck […] I thought facials would hurt, but honestly it’s so relaxing I usually end up taking a nap.”
When acne needs a doctor, not a facial
Book a board-certified dermatologist if you have deep, painful nodules or cysts, if over-the-counter products have not helped after 6 to 8 weeks, or if breakouts are leaving dips in the skin. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger medicine and inject a very painful cyst. An esthetician can do neither. Once acne is under a doctor's care, a facial can sit alongside it, with your dermatologist's agreement.
Questions about acne facials
How much should an acne facial cost?
At Karisma Esthetics, $125 for the Signature Customized Facial, about 60 minutes with the consultation included, or $225 for the Advanced, about 90 minutes. Every price is on the pricing page.
Can a facial cure acne?
No. A facial can clear the surface of clogged pores and help skin feel calmer, but it does not treat the cause of acne. Acne that keeps returning needs a steady home routine, and a dermatologist when home care stops working.
Should I stop my acne medicine before a facial?
Never stop a prescription on your own. Keep taking it, tell Kay exactly what you use, and ask your prescriber if anything should pause around a facial.
Do you see teenagers with acne?
Yes, from age 11, and a parent must be present. The teen facial page has the details.
What about the dark marks acne leaves?
Flat marks often fade with time and sunscreen. The acne scars page explains which marks a facial can help and which need a dermatologist.
- Acne: Signs and symptoms, American Academy of Dermatology, read October 29, 2026
- How to treat different types of acne, American Academy of Dermatology, last updated September 12, 2023, read October 29, 2026
- Tips to treat a deep, painful pimple, American Academy of Dermatology, last updated October 17, 2023, read October 29, 2026
- Microdermabrasion: FAQs, American Academy of Dermatology, read October 29, 2026
- Microdermabrasion, Cleveland Clinic, last updated July 12, 2023, read October 29, 2026
- Karisma Esthetics services and Signature length, GlossGenius, read October 29, 2026