One of the most frustrating things we hear from acne clients in our Union and Chapin office’s is this: "I’m doing everything right—so why am I still breaking out?" The truth is, sometimes the very products you’re using to help your skin are the ones making it worse. From pore-clogging ingredients to overuse of harsh actives, it’s easy to unintentionally create a routine that’s doing more harm than good. At About Face Aesthetics , our job is to take the guesswork out of skincare. Here’s how to tell if your products might be making your acne worse—and how we can help you reset your routine. 1. You’re Using Comedogenic Products (Even the “Clean” Ones) Not all skincare is acne-safe—even the ones that say “non-comedogenic” on the label. Some of the most common breakout triggers are hidden in moisturizers, sunscreens, and even “clean” or organic products. Watch out for ingredients like: Coconut oil Shea butter Algae extract Isopropyl myristate Lanolin These can block pores and trigger breakouts, especially on acne-prone or oily skin. The hard part? These ingredients are often found in products marketed as nourishing or gentle. When you come in for a consultation, we’ll go through your current skincare lineup to flag what’s helping and what’s hurting. We also recommend only medical-grade skincare proven to support healthy, balanced skin—without the hidden culprits. You can explore the options we trust in our Shop Skin Care store. 2. You’re Over-Exfoliating Scrubs, glycolic pads, AHA cleansers, retinoids… if you’re using all of them at once, you may be damaging your skin barrier. When your barrier becomes compromised, your skin responds with redness, inflammation, flakiness—and often, more breakouts. Over-exfoliation is a major reason adult acne persists, even with a “good” routine. We see this all the time during our custom skincare consultations , especially in clients trying to fix texture or prevent aging. The solution? A smarter, gentler plan tailored to your skin type, your acne pattern, and your lifestyle. 3. You’re Missing Core Acne-Fighting Ingredients—Or Using Them Wrong Not all acne is the same. You may need salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid, or none of those at all. But the order, timing, and balance of your products matter. We frequently see: Retinoids layered with the wrong moisturizer (or none at all) Too much salicylic acid stripping the skin and increasing oil production Spot treatments overused, causing more inflammation When we design your skincare plan, we help you simplify, not complicate. Just a few key steps with the right ingredients can change everything—and we make sure you’re using them in the right way. 4. You’re Not Matching Products to Your In-Office Treatments Your skin responds best when your at-home products are designed to support your in-office treatments. Whether you’re getting microneedling, IPL or chemical peels, your skincare should enhance healing—not delay it. Medical-grade skincare is formulated for exactly this reason. And because we know how your skin will react post-treatment, we’ll walk you through a recovery and maintenance routine that maximizes your results without irritation. 5. You’re Trying to Copy Someone Else’s Routine This is a big one. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially when it comes to acne. Just because a product worked for your friend or your favorite influencer doesn’t mean it will work for your skin. Our Union and Chapin clients often come in after months (or years) of trial-and-error. The biggest difference they notice after working with us? Clarity. Direction. And finally—results. Let’s Build a Routine That Works for You You don’t need 10 steps. You just need the right 3–5 that work together and support your skin through every season, every stressor, and every stage of healing.  If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, book your consultation and let’s create a routine that’s personalized, effective, and designed just for your skin.

Custom Facials, IPL, Pico, RF Microneedling and Tixel—What’s Right for Your Skin? If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of breakouts, harsh products, and over-the-counter “solutions” that never seem to work, you’re not alone. Adult acne is complex. It’s influenced by hormones, stress, environment, and genetics—which means your approach to treatment needs to be just as dynamic. At About Face Aesthetics , we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer advanced, in-office skincare devices that go deeper than products alone to help you fight breakouts, fade scars, and restore skin clarity— without damaging your barrier or making inflammation worse . Let’s break down some of our most powerful acne-fighting technologies: Custom Facials, IPL, Pico, RF Microneedling and Tixel —and how we personalize each one to your skin. Custom Acne Facials: A Starting Point for Clarity A professional facial may sound like a luxury, but at About Face, our Hot Snack Facial is designed as a targeted treatment with real results. Each facial is tailored to your skin condition that day—whether that’s breakouts, irritation, clogged pores, or post-acne healing. What we may include: Deep pore cleansing Gentle exfoliation Calming masks Manual extractions (if needed) Medical-grade serums targeted to your skin's current needs Our clients love this option for monthly maintenance, treating hormonal acne flare-ups, or building skin resilience before jumping into more intensive treatments. We also use facials to prepare or recover from deeper device-based treatments like microneedling or IPL. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Redness, Meet Your Match While most people think of IPL for brown spots, it’s also an amazing tool for acne-prone skin—especially for calming redness and reducing inflammation. IPL works by delivering pulses of light energy into the skin, targeting both pigmented and vascular issues . It helps: Calm red, inflamed breakouts Kill acne-causing bacteria Reduce post-acne redness and discoloration Improve skin tone and texture over time This treatment is a great option for acne with a lot of redness, post-acne scarring, or inflammation that doesn’t respond well to topical products. We often recommend IPL in a series of treatments , spaced a few weeks apart, and build it into a larger plan with skincare and lifestyle support. PICO Laser: Gentle, No-Downtime Skin Resurfacing PICO laser technology is an excellent treatment for post-acne discoloration, scarring, and overall skin clarity , especially for clients who don’t want the downtime of more aggressive lasers. Unlike traditional lasers that rely on heat, PICO uses ultra-fast pulses of energy to: Break up excess pigmentation Stimulate collagen production Smooth skin texture Fade dark spots left behind by acne What makes PICO unique is that it’s safe for all skin tones , and it delivers results gradually with minimal redness or peeling. It’s an excellent option for clients looking for clear, even-toned skin without disrupting their daily routine. Tixel: Target Texture, Scars, and Stubborn Breakouts Tixel is a newer skin resurfacing treatment that uses thermo-mechanical energy to create tiny micro-channels in the skin—stimulating collagen, tightening pores, and improving tone and texture. Why we love it for acne-prone skin: Reduces oil production Improves acne scarring and uneven texture Helps with pore size and skin tightening Can be adjusted for gentle or deeper results Unlike more aggressive CO₂ lasers, Tixel gives you many of the same benefits with less downtime and lower risk for irritation , making it ideal for active acne or compromised skin barriers. We typically recommend a series of Tixel treatments combined with medical-grade skincare to extend and enhance your results. Which Device Is Right for You? Every face (and every breakout) is different. That’s why we always start with a comprehensive consultation to evaluate: Your acne type and severity Skin tone and sensitivity Scarring and pigmentation Your goals, timeline, and budget From there, we build a treatment plan that may combine in-office technology with at-home skincare and lifestyle coaching , so you’re supported at every stage of the process. If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, these tools could be the missing piece in your acne journey. You Deserve More Than a Surface-Level Fix At About Face Aesthetics, we serve clients across Union, Chapin, and the greater Midlands & the Upstate who are ready to move beyond the guesswork. Whether your acne is hormonal, stress-related, or purely stubborn, we have the tools and the team to help you clear it—for good. Plus, our lead Esthetician, Kaylee, is "Face Reality" certified which is an entire skincare line dedicated to acne! Book your consultation and let’s talk about what’s actually going on with your skin—and how to treat it with care, expertise, and real solutions.

It’s Acne Awareness Month—and we’re here to set the record straight: acne isn’t just a teenage issue. In fact, we treat just as many adults struggling with breakouts as we do teens. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed about persistent acne in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. At About Face Aesthetics , we take a different approach. We don’t just hand you a product and send you on your way. We meet you where you are, look at what’s actually happening beneath the surface, and build a custom plan that helps you treat the cause—not just the symptoms. What’s Really Causing Your Acne? Breakouts can be caused by more than just hormones or oily skin. In adults, acne is often triggered by a combination of environmental stress, internal imbalances, lifestyle factors, and inflammation . Some of the most common contributors we see include: Chronic stress and high cortisol levels Hormonal fluctuations (even outside of puberty) Gut health and inflammatory foods Undiagnosed product sensitivities Occlusive or comedogenic skincare Pollution, humidity, and sweat buildup in the SC climate That’s why the same spot treatments and teen-focused acne products often don’t work for adults—they’re not treating the root issue. How We Treat Acne Differently When you come to About Face Aesthetics with acne concerns, we don’t just look at your skin—we look at the full picture. That means starting with a consult to understand: Your skin history and product routine Hormonal changes, stress levels, and lifestyle habits Your goals and what has (or hasn’t) worked in the past From there, we build a custom plan that may include a mix of medical-grade skincare, in-office treatments, and supportive education to help you understand your skin and how to work with it—not against it. Treatments That Work With Your Skin, Not Against It Every plan is unique, but our go-to acne-fighting services often include: Radio Frequency Microneedling – Improves texture, reduces acne scarring, and regulates oil production with minimal downtime IPL Laser – Rejuvenates skin for a brighter, more even tone, targeting discoloration, redness, and sun damage with broad-spectrum light energy. Medical-grade skincare – Products that contain acne-safe ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, and anti-inflammatory botanicals—all hand-selected based on your skin type Lifestyle coaching – From how to properly cleanse post-workout to building a skin-safe routine around your job or environment We’re also mindful of the emotional impact acne can have. Our goal is always to support—not shame. Whether you're dealing with deep cystic breakouts or stubborn whiteheads, we’re here to help you feel more confident in your skin without harsh prescriptions or unrealistic promises. You’re Not Too Old for Acne—Or for Clear Skin Many of our clients come to us after years of trying drugstore solutions or bouncing between providers. They’ve been told to “just use this” or “give it time,” but the breakouts keep coming back. If that’s you—we want you to know: it’s not your fault, and you’re not stuck. With the right plan, patience, and expert support, clearer, healthier skin is absolutely possible. Let’s Find What Works for You If you're tired of breakouts that keep returning no matter what you try, it’s time for a new approach. We serve clients throughout Union, Chapin, and the greater Midlands & the Upstate , and we’d love to help you finally get answers—and results. Book your consultation today and let’s get to the root of your acne, together.

Discover the science, benefits, and transformative potential of Ultherapy, a non-invasive procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin with ultrasound technology. Elevate your beauty journey and unlock youthful radiance at About Face Aesthetics & Wellness.

Discover the AquafirmeXS, the next-level hydrofacial treatment that redefines skincare. Learn how it differs from traditional hydrofacials, its benefits, and more.

Experience the transformative power of Ultherapy, the cutting-edge non-invasive facelift. Stimulate natural collagen production, lift, and tighten your skin for a youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

We’re pleased to introduce DAXXIFY™ – the only long-lasting, peptide-powered frown line treatment. We’re one of the first exclusive providers to offer this innovative treatment.

Are you looking for a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to improve your skin's appearance? Look no further than About Face Aesthetics & Wellness in Union, SC, and our Virtue RF system. As a leader in aesthetics, we are proud to offer the newest generation of radio-frequency microneedling - the Virtue RF system, which is the first-ever microneedling platform! The Virtue RF system is FDA-cleared and uses advanced technology to stimulate the natural production of collagen in the skin, while targeting unwanted scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Our team of aesthetic experts is trained to use all three hand pieces available with the Virtue RF system - the SmartRF, the DeepRF, and the ExactRF - to provide customized treatment that caters to your specific needs. The SmartRF hand piece is ideal for treating fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone. The hand piece uses bipolar radio-frequency technology to target the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin elasticity. The DeepRF hand peice is designed to target deeper layers of the skin, making it ideal for treating sagging skin and deeper wrinkles. The hand piece uses multipolar radio-frequency technology to deliver targeted heat to the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and skin tightening. The ExactRF hand piece is perfect for treating smaller areas of the face, such as around the eyes and mouth. The hand piece uses fractional radio-frequency technology to deliver heat energy to the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. The SmartRF hand piece is perfect for treating fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone. The hand piece uses bipolar radiofrequency technology to target the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin elasticity. The DeepRF hand piece is designed to target deeper layers of the skin, making it ideal for treating sagging skin and deeper wrinkles. The hand piece uses multipolar radio frequency technology to deliver targeted heat to the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and skin tightening. The ExactRF hand piece is perfect for treating smaller areas of the face, such as around the eyes and mouth. The hand piece uses fractional radio-frequency technology to deliver heat energy to the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. So, how does Virtue RF work? The treatment uses radio frequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibers. This results in tighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. The treatment is quick and painless, with no downtime required. Patients may experience mild redness and swelling following the treatment, but this typically resolves within a few hours. Our Virtue RF system is also capable of taking your treatment to the next level by including PRP and Stem cells from Anteage or Xeosomes. These products provide additional rejuvenating benefits to the treatment, helping to enhance the results even further. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is derived from your own blood and contains growth factors that stimulate collagen production and promote tissue regeneration. Stem cells from Anteage or Xeosomes, on the other hand, are derived from stem cells and contain growth factors that help to heal and repair damaged skin. With the Virtue RF system, we can combine these powerful products with our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible results. The treatment is virtually pain-free and requires little to no downtime, allowing you to get back to your daily activities with minimal disruption. In conclusion, if you're looking for a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your skin, Virtue RF at About Face Aesthetics & Wellness is the perfect solution. With advanced technology, customized treatment options, and the SmartRF, DeepRF, and ExactRF hand pieces, we're committed to providing you with the best possible results. Contact us today to schedule your Virtue RF treatment and experience the Virtue RF difference!

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