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Still breaking out long after your teens, or living with marks that won't fade? You're not alone. We'll help you understand what's driving your breakouts and build a calm, realistic plan for clearer skin.
✓ Complimentary consult
✓ Teens & adults
✓ Licensed providers
Medically reviewed by Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C, medical director · Updated October 2026
Rashelle Murray, LMA
Lead aesthetician
The short answer
It depends on the type and severity. Mild to moderate breakouts often improve with the right medical-grade skincare plus in-office treatments like ForeverClear BBL, chemical peels and DiamondGlow. Adult breakouts along the chin and jaw may have a hormone link worth checking with a hormone evaluation. Deep, painful cysts or nodules usually need prescription medicine from a dermatologist, and we'll tell you honestly if that's the right next step.
Understanding your skin
Acne starts in the pores, but what sets it off is different for everyone. Knowing your triggers helps us choose treatments that actually work.
Acne develops when extra oil (sebum) and dead skin cells clog hair follicles (Mayo Clinic).
Bacteria in clogged pores and the body's inflammation response turn plugged pores into red, tender pimples (Mayo Clinic).
Hormones that change with periods, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and starting or stopping birth control can all trigger breakouts (American Academy of Dermatology).
PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affects up to 15% of women of reproductive age and commonly causes acne, extra hair growth and irregular periods (Cleveland Clinic).
In response to stress, the body makes more androgens, hormones that stimulate oil glands and can lead to breakouts (AAD).
Some medicines, including corticosteroids, testosterone and lithium, can worsen acne, and carb-rich foods may too (Mayo Clinic). Pore-clogging skin and hair products are another common culprit.
Know your breakouts
Acne ranges from whiteheads and blackheads to large, painful nodules and cysts under the skin (Mayo Clinic). The type you have decides where to start, and deep cysts often leave scars as they clear (AAD).
Mild to moderate acne
Severe or cystic acne
What you see
Whiteheads, blackheads, small red bumps and pimples
Large, solid, painful lumps (nodules) or pus-filled cysts under the skin
Scarring risk
Lower, especially if you don't pick or squeeze
Higher: scars often appear as cysts clear
What usually helps
Consistent skincare, light-based treatment, peels and facials
Prescription medicine such as isotretinoin, prescribed and monitored by a dermatologist
Where to start
ForeverClear BBL, peels, DiamondGlow, skincare, prescription spironolactone or tretinoin when appropriate
A board-certified dermatologist first; we can help with marks, scars and skincare alongside
We can prescribe options like spironolactone or tretinoin when they fit, but we don't prescribe isotretinoin. If your acne is moderate to severe, cystic or not improving, we'll tell you honestly and point you to a dermatologist.
Your options
We match the treatment to your skin and your triggers. Here's what each option does best, with typical results from leading medical sources.
Best for: active pimples and acne redness
A BBL acne protocol that uses blue light to target acne bacteria, then yellow light for redness and inflammation. The maker suggests a series of 4–6 sessions to start (Sciton). Light treatments work best in a series and alongside good skincare (AAD).
Best for: mild acne, clogged pores, dull skin
Peels are a treatment for mild acne and can improve the look of skin, though results aren't long lasting and repeat treatments are usually needed (Mayo Clinic).
Best for: blackheads, clogged pores, oily skin
DiamondGlow exfoliates, deep-cleans pores and infuses serums in one step. Exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion can help enlarged pores and blackheads with little downtime (Cleveland Clinic).
Best for: leftover marks, uneven tone and texture
Once breakouts are calmer, this gentle fractional laser helps even out the tone and texture acne leaves behind, with about 1 day of downtime (Sciton).
Best for: depressed acne scars
Microneedling is a dermatologist-used treatment for acne scars (AAD). Most people need 3–5 treatments every 2–4 weeks, with minimal downtime (AAD).
Best for: everyone with breakouts
A gentle cleanser, alcohol-free products and a non-comedogenic SPF 30+ are the foundation of acne care (AAD). We'll build a simple routine that works with your treatments.
Best for: adult women with jawline or chin breakouts
Adult acne in women often shows up on the chin and jawline and can be driven by menopause, pregnancy, PMOS (formerly PCOS) or stopping birth control (Cleveland Clinic). Stephany can check your hormones with comprehensive labs. When it's appropriate, she can prescribe options like spironolactone or tretinoin, case by case.
The inside-out approach
Yes. Menopause lowers estrogen and raises androgens, which boosts oil production, and PMOS (formerly PCOS) can raise testosterone and cause painful cystic breakouts (Cleveland Clinic). As female hormones drop before and during menopause, some women develop teenage-like acne, and teen acne treatments are often too harsh for that skin (AAD).
If your breakouts came with irregular periods, extra facial hair, mood or sleep changes, a hormone evaluation can show what's going on. Some hormonal acne still needs prescription care from a dermatologist, and we'll be honest about that. That's why at Epiphany Clinic, we start with how you feel.
Protect your results
Wash your face up to twice a day and after sweating, with a gentle cleanser and your fingertips, not a washcloth (AAD).
Picking, popping and squeezing increase inflammation, and more inflammation makes acne scars more likely (AAD).
Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, non-comedogenic SPF 30+, since some acne treatments make skin more sun-sensitive (AAD).
Acne treatment can take weeks to show results and months to clear fully, so stick with your plan instead of switching products often (Mayo Clinic).
Your care team
Lead aesthetician
Our laser and skin specialist for MOXI, BBL, SkinTyte, microneedling and skincare plans.
Medical director
Stephany evaluates hormone-related breakouts in adult women and can check your hormones with comprehensive labs.
Real reviews
★★★★★
“It’s plump, soft, dewy and my pores unclogged…”
Carol D. · Google review
★★★★★
“The Diamond Glow is not only relaxing, but has changed the look of my skin overnight.”
Brad W. · Google review
★★★★★
“They took the time to listen to my concerns, answer my questions, and explain everything clearly without making me feel pressured into anything.”
Olia L. · Google review
Your questions, answered
Can BBL clear my acne on its own?
Usually not on its own. Light treatments can reduce acne, but they rarely clear it alone, and most people need a series plus good skincare (AAD). Blue and red light treat pimples but not cysts or nodules, which is why we pair ForeverClear BBL with a home routine.
Do you prescribe acne medication?
We don't prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane), but Stephany can prescribe other options like spironolactone or tretinoin on a case-by-case basis. Isotretinoin is used for moderate or severe acne that hasn't responded to other treatments (Mayo Clinic) and requires a dermatologist visit every 30 days (AAD). If your acne needs it, we'll point you to a dermatologist and help with marks and scars along the way.
Is my adult acne hormonal?
It might be, especially if breakouts cluster on your chin and jawline or flare with your cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause (Cleveland Clinic). Irregular periods or extra facial hair can point to PMOS (formerly PCOS). A hormone evaluation with Stephany can help sort it out.
When can I start treating acne scars?
Scar treatment usually begins once acne is under control, since stopping breakouts prevents new scars (AAD). Then microneedling, MOXI or peels can smooth texture. See texture & tone for more.
Does diet cause acne?
Chocolate and greasy food have little effect, but some research suggests carb-rich foods like bread and chips may make acne worse (Mayo Clinic). Stress and some medicines can play a role too.
How much does acne treatment cost in American Fork?
Consultations are complimentary. Cost depends on the treatment and how many sessions you need, and many patients save with our Beauty Bank membership. Hormone care starts with comprehensive labs ($400). See our price guide for BBL, peels, DiamondGlow and more.
Where can I get acne treatment near American Fork?
Epiphany Clinic is at 119 S Pacific Dr, Suite 102, American Fork, UT 84003, a short drive from Lehi, Pleasant Grove, Highland, Alpine, Cedar Hills, Saratoga Springs and Orem. Call or text (801) 477-7294.
This page was medically reviewed by Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C, medical director of Epiphany Clinic, in October 2026. It's for education and isn't a substitute for a personal consultation.
Ready when you are
We'll look at your skin, talk through your triggers and build a realistic plan, and we'll tell you honestly if a dermatologist is the better first step. No pressure, ever.
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