How to Get Rid of Acne Effectively

If you suffer from acne, you’re not alone. A large number of people across the US suffer from this skin condition, and although it’s most common in adolescents, it can also affect adults into their 20s, 30s, and beyond. Acne can be quite a difficult condition to treat using over-the-counter medication or skin creams. However, there are cosmetic treatments available for acne that are very effective.

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when several factors converge in the skin’s pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and attached oil glands). Find out more about what causes acne below:

– Excess oil (sebum) production: The oil glands over‑produce sebum, which can contribute to clogged pores

– Clogging of hair follicles by oil + dead skin cells: The mix of sebum and dead skin cells plugs the follicle opening, forming comedones (blackheads or whiteheads).

– Bacterial growth: The blocked follicle creates an environment where acne‑related bacteria (such as Cutibacterium acnes) multiply, triggering inflammation.

– Inflammation: The body’s immune response to the bacteria and clogged follicles causes redness, swelling, and pimples.

– Hormonal influences: Hormones (especially androgens) increase oil production and can worsen acne, particularly during adolescence or in adults with hormonal shifts.

Due to its multi‑factor nature, acne often doesn’t respond fully to simple over‑the‑counter treatments, especially when deeper factors (hormones, inflammation, blockage) are present.

Why Are Some Cosmetic Treatments Helpful for Acne Removal?

When topical creams and medications don’t get the job done, cosmetic treatments can offer more intensive and targeted results.

Cosmetic procedures can reach deeper layers of the skin than surface treatments, accessing the sebaceous glands and the follicle environment where excess oil, bacteria, and inflammation often reside. For example, light- and laser-based therapies are designed to reduce bacteria, normalize oil production, and soothe inflammation in ways that topicals can’t always achieve.

These treatments also combine multiple effects. For instance, they exfoliate dead skin cells, stimulate the skin’s natural healing and renewal mechanisms, and improve overall skin texture and tone.  As a result, they do more than just prevent breakouts. Instead, they contribute to healthier skin structure, better appearance, and fewer visible signs of past acne.

When acne has left behind pigment changes, scars, or uneven texture, cosmetic treatments often deliver the improvement that topical treatments alone cannot.

In short, for someone who has not achieved the desired results using only topical medications or over-the-counter products, cosmetic treatments can open a new avenue of improvement in both active acne and the aftermath of acne.

They complement medical or prescription therapies rather than replace them, broadening the toolkit for achieving clearer, smoother skin.

The 3 Most Effective Treatments for Acne Removal

If you’ve tried taking medication or using any of the many skin creams for acne that are on the market but haven’t found them to be effective, then below are some of the best cosmetic treatments to get rid of acne.

1. BBL Treatment

Broad Band Light (BBL) therapy is particularly effective for treating acne since it penetrates the skin on a deep level and therefore gets rid of acne bacteria both on the surface and in the sebaceous gland.

A treatment session of BBL therapy lasts for around 20-30 minutes, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.

2. Microneedling

Microneedling is another effective treatment for acne. During these treatments, a roller that’s covered with tiny needles is applied to the affected areas.

The tiny needles that come into contact with the skin trigger the production of collagen in the body and, therefore, allow the skin to heal itself naturally. Microneedling also helps topical treatments absorb better into your skin.

Microneedling for acne treatment should always be carried out by a professional since it can be very easy to spread bacteria when using this treatment and make the acne worse.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be very effective at treating and improving the appearance of acne. By removing the top layer of skin, a chemical peel helps to improve the skin tone and smooth out any scarring and bumps that are on the face.

A chemical peel alone is usually not effective for treating acne in the long term, however. Typically, it’s best to combine chemical peels with other treatments, such as microneedling or laser therapies, to address both active acne and its residual effects.

Schedule an Acne Removal Consultation in Raleigh at Feel Synergy Face + Body

If you’re looking for cosmetic treatments for acne in Raleigh, Synergy Face + Body can help. At our locations, we routinely provide BBL therapy, corrective peels, and microneedling. After a consultation, our team will be happy to provide recommendations on the right treatment options for your needs before beginning treatment.

Learn more about our cosmetic acne treatments today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.