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09.18.2025 What Facial Is Best For Acne? Tips and Treatments for Clearer Skin

Rachael Gallo
By Rachael Gallo

Rachael leads Operations at Silver Mirror Facial Bar while driving the growth and expansion of locations in New York City, Washington D.C, and Miami. Her skin care expertise stems from prior roles as a licensed esthetician and manager at Disney Spas and a medical day spa group, along with National Spa Director at Exhale Spa.

Acne affects so many people at various stages in life and is one of the most common skin concerns that people deal with. There’s a wide range of different types of acne that people struggle with, from occasional breakouts to hormonal acne to cystic acne. It can be incredibly frustrating especially when the solution is hard to find, taking a toll on self-confidence. While topical treatments and at-home skincare routines are essential, many individuals wonder: what facial is best for acne?

In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common causes of acne, the importance of a consistent facial care routine for acne, and the recommended facials and treatments that can help clear up breakouts, reduce scarring, and restore confidence in your skin.

Understanding Acne and Its Impact on the Skin

Causes of Acne

Excess sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria are all the most common culprits in clogging pores resulting in acne. The most common factors that contribute include:

  • Excess oil production from overactive sebaceous glands
  • Clogged pores due to dead skin buildup
  • Bacteria on the skin, commonly linked to acne flare-ups
  • Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and dietary issues

Effects on the Skin

Clogged pores lead to visible breakouts such as:

  • Whiteheads and blackheads (clogged pores at different stages)
  • Inflamed, red pimples (papules and pustules)
  • More severe, painful acne (nodules and cysts)

Emotional Impact

Self-esteem and confidence can be greatly affected by acne. Many people feel discouraged or overwhelmed by persistent breakouts without a solution. Discovering effective solutions, like targeted facials and treatments, can be a game-changer and provide hope for people who have been struggling.

The Importance of a Facial Care Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Consistency plays a huge part in achieving healthy, acne-free skin. Professional facials are so important as they offer a deeper treatment, but maintaining a strong facial care routine for acne at home is just as important.

Core Components of an Acne-Safe Routine

  1. Cleansing Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove oil and dirt while avoiding stripping the skin. We recommend the Silver Mirror Everyday Cream Cleanser.
  2. Exfoliating – Incorporate mild exfoliants (like salicylic acid) to prevent clogged pores.
  3. Toning – Balances skin’s pH and removes remaining impurities.
  4. Moisturizing – Even acne-prone skin needs hydration, which is sometimes a misconception; choose oil-free, lightweight moisturizers. We recommend the Silver Mirror Everyday Cream Moisturizer.
  5. Sun Protection – Daily SPF prevents hyperpigmentation and protects skin while it heals.

Best Facials for Acne: Expert Recommendations

If you’re wondering what facial is best for acne, the answer depends on your skin’s specific needs. At Silver Mirror, we have facials and treatments specifically designed to treat acne:

Acne-Fighting Facial

This is our best-selling treatment for acne-prone skin because it’s specifically designed to target acne at its root while calming inflammation and restoring balance.

  • Process: This begins with a double cleanse and double exfoliation, followed by extractions to clear clogged pores and prepare your skin for treatment. Next, we use PCA Exfoliation to deeply resurface and target congestion. To further calm and heal, a PCA inflammation-reducing mask works to soothe irritation and minimize inflammation. High-frequency and blue LED light therapy then eliminates bacteria, while a boost of vitamins and oxygen nourishes the skin.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Targets acne at the source with advanced exfoliation
    • Clears and refines pores through extractions and ingredients / technology that kill bacteria
    • Reduces redness and pore inflammation with a calming PCA mask
    • Leaves skin balanced, hydrated, and visibly clearer

BioRePeel Chemical Peel

This is an extremely effective yet gentle chemical peel working to renew and revitalize the skin with minimal downtime.

  • Process: Using a unique blend of acids, enzymes, and vitamins, this non-invasive peel works beneath the surface to refresh and restore skin health.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Targets acne, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation
    • Improves signs of aging and dullness
    • Promotes a brighter, smoother complexion
    • Minimal to no downtime, making it ideal for regular maintenance

LED Light Therapy 

Light wavelengths are used to target acne at its source by being able to reach below the surface.

  • Process: Blue and red LED lights are used to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Non-invasive and pain-free
    • Reduces redness and swelling
    • Has the ability to be performed in-spa or at home with an LED device

Other Beneficial Treatments

  • Microchanneling

This treatment creates purposeful micro-injuries to the skin, which work to produce more collagen, accelerating the healing of your skin. This process helps improve acne scars, smooth uneven texture, and enhance overall skin clarity.

  • Hydradermabrasion

A gentle yet effective treatment that uses water-based exfoliation to deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin. By removing impurities while infusing nourishing serums, it leaves acne-prone skin refreshed, balanced, and glowing.

  • Antioxidant Peel

A gentle peel infused with antioxidants that target impurities, calm inflammation, and support skin healing. Ideal for acne-prone or stressed skin, this treatment helps reduce redness while promoting a clearer, healthier complexion.

Pro tip: Always consult a licensed esthetician or dermatologist before trying new facial treatments to ensure they match your skin type and acne severity.

Choosing the Right Products for an Acne Skincare Routine

Professional facials provide powerful results, but daily maintenance at home ensures those results last. Choosing products that are acne-safe is key.

Ingredients to Look For

  • Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that reaches deep into pores, dissolving oil and helping to prevent breakouts.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces inflammation and bacteria that causes acne.
  • Niacinamide: Calms redness and strengthens the skin barrier.

Skincare Routine Essentials

  1. Cleanser: Use a gentle, sulfate-free, non-comedogenic cleanser (ideal for daily use).
  2. Exfoliation: Rather than using physical exfoliants like scrubs, look for chemical exfoliants like AHAs/BHAs because they will be a lot gentler on your skin.
  3. Moisturizer: To prevent dry and irritated skin while still avoiding clogging your pores, choose an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer.
  4. Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ daily to protect against any sun damage and acne scarring.

At Silver Mirror, our product line is designed to support all skin types with effective, clinically proven ingredients. Pairing professional facials with the right products ensures that you see lasting results and healthier skin.

Take a look at the products we recommend if you’re not sure where to start: Silver Mirror Skincare

Next Step: Personalized Skincare at Silver Mirror

If you’re ready to take control of your acne journey, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our estheticians. Our experts will analyze your skin, recommend customized facials, and guide you toward products that work best for your needs.

Book your Acne-Fighting Facial today and start your journey to clearer, healthier skin with confidence.

By Rachael Gallo