How to Treat Stubborn Acne: From Breakouts to Clear Skin

Acne can be one of the most frustrating skin conditions to deal with. Whether it’s hormonal breakouts, deep cystic acne, or persistent blackheads, achieving clear skin often feels like an uphill battle. You’ve tried countless over-the-counter products, washed your face religiously, and maybe even cut out dairy or sugar, but those breakouts keep coming back.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to acne. It requires a combination of the right skincare, professional treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. At Rove Wellness & Medspa, we take a holistic approach to acne treatment, combining medical-grade skincare, advanced aesthetic treatments, and expert guidance to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Let’s break down what causes stubborn acne, the best ways to treat it, and the SkinMedica products and in-office treatments that can help.

Why Won’t Your Acne Go Away?

If you’re dealing with acne that just won’t budge, there’s a reason. Acne is caused by multiple factors, including:

• Hormonal Imbalances – Fluctuations in hormones can lead to excess oil production, clogged pores, and deep, painful breakouts.
• Overactive Sebum (Oil) Production – Some skin types naturally produce more oil, making breakouts more likely.
• Bacterial Growth – Acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) thrive in clogged pores, leading to inflammation and pimples.
• Poor Skin Barrier Function – A compromised skin barrier can make your skin more prone to irritation, redness, and breakouts.
• Wrong Skincare Products – Harsh, stripping cleansers or comedogenic (pore-clogging) products can make acne worse.

Understanding the root cause of your acne is key to treating it effectively. A customized skincare plan and professional treatments can make all the difference.

Building an Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine

1. Start with the Right Cleanser

A gentle, yet effective cleanser is essential to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria without stripping your skin.

Recommended Product:
✔ SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser – This cleanser combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids to deeply cleanse pores while gently exfoliating, helping to reduce breakouts over time.

Wash your face twice a day, morning and night, to keep your skin balanced.

2. Use a Targeted Acne Treatment

Acne treatments work best when they target the underlying causes of breakouts, whether it’s excess oil, inflammation, or bacteria.

Recommended Products:
✔ SkinMedica Retinol Complex – Retinol helps increase cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce breakouts while improving skin texture.
✔ SkinMedica Acne Treatment Lotion – Formulated with benzoyl peroxide, this treatment helps fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Apply these treatments after cleansing and before moisturizing to ensure optimal absorption.

3. Hydrate Without Clogging Pores

Many people with acne-prone skin skip moisturizer, but hydration is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing irritation.

Recommended Product:
✔ SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer – A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores.

4. Protect with SPF

Sunscreen is crucial for preventing acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. Many acne treatments, including retinol and chemical exfoliants, make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Recommended Product:
✔ SkinMedica Essential Defense Clear SPF 47 – A lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Professional Treatments for Stubborn Acne

If your at-home skincare routine isn’t giving you the results you want, in-office treatments can help target acne at a deeper level.

1. VI Peel for Acne & Acne Scars

Chemical peels are a great way to resurface the skin, clear out clogged pores, and fade acne scars. The VI Peel Purify is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C to fight breakouts and improve skin clarity.

✔ Best for: Active acne, acne scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
✔ Results: Smoother skin, reduced breakouts, and a more even tone within 7 days.

2. Rove Customized Facial

At Rove Wellness & Medspa, we offer a customized Facial which we can design specifically for acne-prone and congested skin. This treatment goes beyond a traditional facial by combining deep pore cleansing, professional exfoliation, and soothing hydration to rebalance the skin. Our estheticians tailor each session based on your skin’s unique needs, incorporating:

• Gentle extractions to remove blackheads and whiteheads.
• Salicylic acid or enzyme exfoliation to clear out clogged pores.
• Anti-inflammatory serums to calm redness and irritation.
• High-frequency or LED therapy to kill acne-causing bacteria and accelerate healing.

✔ Best for: Clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, oily skin, and acne-prone skin.
✔ Results: Reduced breakouts, smoother texture, minimized pores, and a refreshed, healthy glow.

This facial is an excellent choice for anyone looking to detox the skin, reduce acne, and maintain a clearer complexion with a professional-grade treatment. Pair it with a SkinMedica homecare routine for long-term results.

3. Potenza RF Microneedling for Acne Scars

If you’re dealing with textured acne scars or deep pitted scars, Potenza RF Microneedling can help. This treatment combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration.

✔ Best for: Acne scars, large pores, and overall skin tightening.
✔ Results: Gradual improvement in skin texture and tone over several sessions.

4. LED Light Therapy for Acne

Blue LED light therapy is clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. It’s a great add-on treatment for those dealing with persistent breakouts.

✔ Best for: Reducing active breakouts and calming inflamed skin.
✔ Results: Clearer skin with fewer breakouts over time.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Acne

• Avoid Touching Your Face – Bacteria from your hands can worsen acne.
• Change Pillowcases Weekly – Oil and bacteria build up over time.
• Manage Stress – Stress increases cortisol, which can trigger breakouts.
• Watch Your Diet – Some people find that dairy and high-glycemic foods worsen acne.

Get Clearer Skin at Rove Wellness & Medspa

If you’ve tried everything but still struggle with stubborn breakouts, professional treatments combined with a customized SkinMedica skincare regimen can help you achieve the clear skin you’ve been looking for.

At Rove Wellness & Medspa, we specialize in personalized acne treatments, chemical peels, facials, RF microneedling, and medical-grade skincare to help you take control of your skin once and for all.

Book online or give us a call at (725) 203-1051 to schedule a consultation. Let’s get you on the path to clear, confident skin.