Acne
Breakouts aren’t just a “skin issue” — they’re cycles of redness, tenderness, and flare-ups that can show up on the face, chest, or back and linger as dark marks or scars. When over-the-counter products stop working, acne can chip away at confidence at school, work, and in photos, leaving you frustrated by unpredictable skin.
At Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, we deliver a medically guided answer. Our providers use Sciton® ClearV® to calm redness and vascular triggers and ClearSilk® to reduce acne activity while stimulating collagen for smoother texture and fewer scars.
What is acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The result is inflammation beneath the surface that leads to visible blemishes. It can appear on the face, back, chest, and shoulders and ranges from mild whiteheads to deep cystic lesions.
Types of Acne
Acne appears in several forms, from noninflammatory clogged pores to deep, inflamed lesions, and each behaves differently on the skin. Identifying your specific types helps us tailor a precise plan for breakout control, redness reduction, and scar improvement.
- Blackheads & Whiteheads (Comedones): Clogged pores that appear either open (black) or closed (white).
- Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps.
- Pustules: Pimples with white or yellow pus-filled centers.
- Nodules & Cysts: Painful, deep lesions that often cause permanent scarring.
What Causes Acne?
Several factors influence why some people are more prone to acne:
- Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstrual cycles, stress) can raise androgen activity, which increases oil production and inflammation; this often shows up as jawline or chin breakouts in adults.
- Excess oil production from overactive sebaceous glands mixes with dead skin cells and thickens inside the pore, creating a plug; heavy or pore-clogging products can make this worse.
- Bacterial buildup within a clogged pore triggers the immune system, leading to swelling, tenderness, and pus formation.
- Diet and lifestyle factors — like high-glycemic foods, some dairy, poor sleep, and stress — can amplify inflammation, while harsh scrubs or over-cleansing disrupt the skin barrier.
- Genetics shape pore size, oil composition, and how strongly your skin inflames or scars, which is why acne often runs in families.
ClearV + ClearSilk: Advanced Technology for Acne and Scars |
At Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center, we believe treating acne effectively requires more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we use advanced Sciton® laser technology to target acne at multiple levels, reducing breakouts, calming redness, and improving scars for healthier, clearer skin.
ClearSilk® for Breakouts and Scars
ClearSilk is a gentle, non-ablative laser treatment that addresses active blemishes and the scars they leave behind. It works by delivering controlled heat beneath the skin’s surface, which:
- Reduces active acne activity by calming inflammation
- Stimulates natural collagen production to smooth scars
- Refines skin texture and pore size for a more polished finish
- Requires no downtime, often called a “lunchtime treatment”
ClearSilk is safe for all skin types and tones, making it a versatile solution for anyone seeking long-term improvement in both acne and overall skin quality.
ClearV® for Redness and Inflammation
ClearV is a state-of-the-art vascular laser designed to treat visible redness, flushing, and underlying inflammation, factors that often worsen acne. By targeting tiny blood vessels beneath the skin, ClearV helps:
- Calm redness and irritation linked to active breakouts
- Reduce vascular activity that contributes to skin sensitivity
- Even out skin tone for a clearer, healthier look
For patients struggling with persistent acne flare-ups and post-breakout redness, ClearV provides a comfortable, non-invasive way to restore balance and clarity to the skin.
Why We Use Both
While ClearV is excellent for treating redness and vascular factors, ClearSilk directly targets acne lesions and scars. By combining these two advanced technologies, we can:
- Calm current breakouts
- Reduce redness and inflammation
- Improve skin texture and scars
- Deliver long-lasting clarity and confidence
This dual-technology approach ensures patients get the most comprehensive care available, with treatments customized to their unique skin needs.
ClearV & ClearSilk vs. Other Acne Treatments
Over-the-Counter Products
Drugstore cleansers, spot treatments, and creams are often the first line of defense against acne. While convenient and affordable, they usually only work at the surface and rarely address deeper inflammation. Breakouts often return quickly, and these products cannot improve scars.
In contrast, ClearV and ClearSilk go beneath the skin’s surface to calm redness, reduce acne activity, and stimulate collagen for smoother skin. The result is more lasting clarity than what over-the-counter products can provide.
Prescription Medications
Dermatologists often prescribe topical or oral medications to reduce oil production, kill bacteria, or regulate hormones. These can be helpful for some patients, but side effects like dryness, irritation, or systemic issues are common. Results may also take months to appear, and not everyone responds well.
ClearV and ClearSilk, by comparison, are drug-free, non-invasive treatments that deliver visible improvements with minimal risk. They also address scarring and redness, something prescriptions alone cannot do.
Chemical Peels and Harsh Exfoliants
Peels and strong exfoliants can unclog pores and improve texture, but they often come with redness, peeling, and downtime. For sensitive skin, these treatments may even make acne worse.
ClearSilk offers a gentler approach, stimulating healing beneath the surface without harsh peeling or irritation. Combined with ClearV to reduce redness, these treatments provide results that are both effective and comfortable.
Aggressive Scar Procedures (Microneedling, Resurfacing)
Scar-focused procedures like microneedling or laser resurfacing can be effective for improving texture, but they are often uncomfortable, require recovery time, and are not suitable when active acne is still present.
ClearV and ClearSilk stand out because they treat both active breakouts and scars simultaneously. This makes them a more versatile choice for patients who want overall skin improvement without extended downtime.
Acne Treatments Before and After
What to Expect for Your Acne Treatment
Before Your Appointment
In the days leading up to treatment, avoid tanning, self-tanners, or harsh exfoliants, as these can make the skin more sensitive. It’s also best to pause any strong acne medications or active skincare products unless directed otherwise.
At your consultation, we’ll review your acne history, current skincare routine, and treatment goals so we can create a plan tailored specifically to your skin.
During the Treatment
We’ll cleanse your skin and provide protective eyewear. Sessions are comfortable and efficient.
ClearV Session (Redness/Inflammation Focus):
A small handpiece targets visible and subsurface redness associated with acne. You may feel brief, warm “snaps” in more vascular areas; integrated cooling helps keep the skin comfortable. Most ClearV appointments take 15–30 minutes, depending on the treatment zones.
ClearSilk Session (Breakouts/Scars/Texture Focus):
Gentle, non-ablative passes deliver controlled warmth beneath the surface to calm acne activity and stimulate collagen. Patients often describe it as a warm, soothing facial. Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes, based on area size.
Some patients receive both in the same visit — often ClearV first to quiet redness, followed by ClearSilk to boost clarity and smooth texture.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following treatment, you may notice mild redness or warmth—similar to a light sunburn—which typically resolves within a few hours. You can return to your normal activities right away, making this an ideal “lunchtime treatment.”
For best results, avoid tanning, hot showers, or active products like retinol for 24–48 hours. Improvements in acne activity and skin clarity will become more noticeable after each session, with results building over the course of your treatment series.
Candidates for Our Acne Treatment
Ideal candidates include teens and adults with active breakouts that haven’t responded to over-the-counter care, persistent redness/flushing that makes acne look angrier than it is, and post-acne marks or textural scars (rolling, boxcar, some icepick).
We treat a wide range of skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–VI) and common areas such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. During your consultation, we’ll match the technology to your goals. ClearSilk® is appropriate when the priority is breakout control, texture, and scars. ClearV® is ideal when lingering redness or visible vessels are the main concern. We implement a combined plan when both are present.
For safety, some patients should delay or modify treatment: those who are pregnant, using photosensitizing medications (e.g., certain antibiotics), currently on or recently off oral isotretinoin (Accutane), or who have active infections/open wounds, a history of keloid scarring, or recent sunburn/tanning in the treatment area. We’ll review your medical history, skincare, and medications to confirm candidacy and timing; minors require parent/guardian consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is treatment safe over tattoos or permanent makeup?
We do not treat directly over ink (tattoos, microblading, lip liner) to avoid unintended pigment interaction. We will outline safe buffer zones and can adjust passes so we comfortably treat adjacent skin without contacting the pigment.
I have eczema, psoriasis, or very reactive skin. Am I eligible?
Possibly. We tailor parameters for sensitive or barrier-impaired skin and may start with a brief barrier-repair phase (gentle cleanser, rich moisturizer, no fragrance) before your first session. Your consultation helps us decide if we proceed now or stage treatment to protect your skin.\
Can I stay on my current acne prescriptions and topicals?
Usually yes, with timing tweaks. Bring your full product and medication list; we’ll advise how to pause and resume specific items around appointments so you keep gains from your routine without provoking irritation.
Will this affect my fillers or Botox?
We simply separate appointments so each treatment performs its best. Tell us when and where you were injected; we’ll avoid recent injection points and schedule lasers far enough apart to keep results stable.
How do you prevent rebound breakouts between visits?
We keep your home routine low-irritation and consistent (non-comedogenic cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, daily SPF). Simple habits (changing pillowcases regularly, wiping phone screens, and avoiding over-cleansing) also reduce flare cycles while in-office care does the heavy lifting.
Why Choose Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center for Acne Care?
At Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center, acne treatment is grounded in experience, transparency, and medical oversight. As the first established medspa in the Cedar Rapids area, we’ve earned our reputation by prioritizing long-term outcomes and a patient-first approach. We listen carefully, set realistic expectations, and tailor your plan to your skin.
Backed by OBGYN Associates, one of the region’s most respected medical clinics, our practice operates to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Your acne care is directed by providers with decades of combined experience in lasers and dermatologic skincare, ensuring each decision is individualized and evidence-informed.
We invest in advanced technology specifically suited to acne. This capability lets us address acne from multiple angles with minimal downtime and protocols adaptable to all skin tones. Trusted by patients across Cedar Rapids and the surrounding 60-mile radius, we’re honored to be your long-term partner in clearer skin and lasting confidence.
Clearer Skin Starts Here With Our Acne Treatments
If you’re ready to calm breakouts, fade acne scars, and reduce redness, our acne-focused laser options can help. At Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, we use advanced Sciton® technology — ClearV® for redness and ClearSilk® for acne activity and texture — to deliver safe, comfortable treatments with minimal downtime and results tailored to your skin.
Your consultation is the first step. We’ll discuss your goals, assess your skin, and design a personalized plan for clear, healthy-looking skin. Call (319) 774-4951 or use our online form to schedule your appointment.
Ready to Transform Your Appearance?
Our top-quality clinicians are here to give you a fresh new look. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
