ACNE FACIALS + TREATMENTS IN SANTA CRUZ

Clearer skin starts with figuring out what your skin actually needs

HELLO CLEAR SKIN

Acne treatments at Ace are performed by Katie and Ashly, trained acne specialists with advanced education in corrective skincare, chemical peel protocols and at-home acne care. We combine customized treatments, strategic peel layering and realistic home-care plans to treat acne without destroying your skin barrier in the process.

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ACNE FACIAL

45MIN | $125

Your facial is customized to what your skin can handle that day and may include deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extractions, calming or clarifying treatments, LED or high frequency when appropriate, hydration and barrier support.

We’ll also go through what you’re using at home and help simplify your routine if your skin needs it.

Best for: active breakouts · congestion · blackheads · oily skin · hormonal breakouts · teen skin · sensitized acne-prone skin

ACNE PEEL

30MIN | $120

Not every breakout needs a peel. We’ll choose the treatment based on your skin, current routine and barrier health—and if your skin isn’t ready for one, we’ll tell you.

For breakouts, congestion, oily skin and clogged pores that may benefit from more targeted exfoliation.

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OUR APPROACH TO ACNE:

CALM IT. CLEAR IT. DON’T DESTROY THE BARRIER

Acne-prone skin doesn’t automatically need harsher skincare.

Sometimes the first step is actually doing less.

If your skin is red, tight, flaky, irritated or you’re using multiple acids, scrubs, retinoids and spot treatments at once, we may focus on calming inflammation and rebuilding your barrier before pushing correction.

Once your skin is ready, we can incorporate targeted exfoliation, extractions, peels and professional treatments as appropriate.

The goal isn’t one aggressive facial. It’s getting your skin functioning better over time.

Clarity Backed by Expertise

What can we help with?

ACTIVE BREAKOUTS

Calming inflammation while treating congestion without unnecessarily irritating the skin.

CLOGGED PORES + BLACKHEADS

Professional extractions and exfoliation customized to your skin.

HORMONAL BREAKOUTS

Treating the skin we can see while helping you build a routine that supports it between appointments.

TEEN ACNE

Simple, approachable skincare and treatments without overwhelming young skin with unnecessary products.

POST-ACNE MARKS

Once active breakouts are controlled, we can shift the plan toward lingering discoloration and uneven tone.

SENSITIVE + ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Because having acne doesn’t mean your skin can tolerate aggressive treatment.

What should I book?

I HAVE ACTIVE BREAKOUTS, BLACKHEADS OR CONGESTION

Start with the Acne Facial.

MY SKIN IS BREAKING OUT AND ALSO BURNING, FLAKING OR REALLY IRRITATED

Still start with the Acne Facial. Your first treatment may focus heavily on calming and barrier repair.

MY ACNE IS MOSTLY CONTROLLED BUT I HAVE DARK MARKS LEFT BEHIND

We may recommend a Pigment Facial, chemical peel or Korean Clear Glass treatment depending on your skin.

I WANT DEEP PORE CLEANING + EXTRACTIONS AND I’M NOT VERY INFLAMED

A HydraFacial or Hydro Glow may also be a good option.

I HAVE ACNE SCARRING OR TEXTURE

First we get active inflammation under control. Then we can talk about treatments designed for texture and post-acne changes.

Acne isn't a one-time facial problem.

And we’re not going to pretend it is.

Some clients need an occasional deep clean. Others benefit from consistent treatments and changes to their home routine.

We’ll help you figure out which one you are without selling you a pile of products you don’t need.

ACNE TREATMENTS AT ACE ESTHETICS + FAQ

Acne treatments at Ace Esthetics are offered by Katie and Ashly, trained acne specialists with advanced education in corrective skincare, chemical peels and at-home acne protocols. Treatments are customized to your skin and may combine professional facials, extractions, chemical peels, HydraFacial and barrier-supportive treatments with a personalized home-care plan.

Ace Esthetics is an award-winning skincare studio in Santa Cruz specializing in acne treatments, corrective facials, chemical peels, HydraFacial and Korean-inspired skincare.

  • We can treat the skin manifestations of hormonal breakouts—congestion, inflammation, dehydration and post-breakout marks—and help build a supportive skincare routine. Persistent or severe hormonal acne may also need evaluation by a dermatologist or medical provider.

  • Yes, when appropriate. We don’t force extractions that aren’t ready or aggressively pick at inflamed skin.

  • Yes. Teen, even tweens, treatments can focus on congestion, clogged pores, inflammation and simple home care without overwhelming younger skin.

  • Yes. Avoid strong exfoliants, acids and retinoids for a 1-2 days before your appointment unless your provider tells you otherwise. Let us know about prescription acne medications when you book.

  • It depends on the type and severity of your breakouts, your home routine and how your skin responds. After your first appointment, we’ll recommend a schedule that makes sense for your skin rather than automatically putting everyone on the same plan.

  • A facial can improve congestion, inflammation and hydration, but acne usually requires consistency. Our goal is to create a treatment and home-care plan that improves your skin over time.