Acne & skin · Columbia City, IN
Acne Facial in Columbia City, IN
A 60-minute custom facial tuned for acne-prone skin: clarifying cleansers, longer extraction time, salicylic acid or sulfur ingredients, and a calming finish.
Right here in Columbia City
Columbia City is the home location — Makaela's studio sits inside House of Style at 106 N Walnut St, the brick building near the Whitley County courthouse. Most clients are walk-in-distance or a short drive from anywhere inside the city. For Columbia City clients, parking is in the gravel lot in back, and the entrance is the back-left door with a ramp up to the second floor.
What to expect
The acne facial at Groovy Complexions is the studio's 60 Minute Custom Facial protocol adjusted for acne-prone skin. The structure is the standard six steps — double cleanse, exfoliation, steam, extractions, mask, moisturizer — but the time allocation tilts toward extractions (20-25 minutes vs. 5-8 in a relaxation-focused facial), and the products lean clarifying instead of hydrating.
What's on the table during an acne facial: salicylic acid or sulfur cleansers, mandelic or lactic acid for chemical exfoliation, warm steam to soften plugs, manual extractions of blackheads, whiteheads, and surface pustules, high-frequency to kill acne bacteria and reduce inflammation, and a calming clay or sulfur mask. The appointment finishes with a non-comedogenic moisturizer and a mineral SPF.
Common add-ons for acne-prone skin: LED Light Therapy ($20, 20 min) for anti-inflammatory and healing support; Dermaplane ($30, 30 min) for additional manual exfoliation that pairs with extractions; Jelly Mask ($10, 10 min) for a calming post-extraction finish.
For active acne, most clients start with a 4-6 visit series at every 2-3 weeks to bring inflammation under control, then transition to maintenance at every 4-6 weeks. The 60-minute custom facial is $95; the 30-minute version is $65 for maintenance appointments. Makaela also offers Custom Back Facial ($95) for back acne.
Common questions
How often should I come in for acne facials?
For active acne: every 2-3 weeks for the first 4-6 visits. For maintenance once skin is stable: every 4-6 weeks.
Will my skin look worse right after?
There's usually pinpoint redness for 2-6 hours after extractions. By the next morning, the redness clears and the skin looks visibly cleaner. Plan facials for evenings or days off, not before an event.
How long until I see real results?
Surface clearness after the first appointment. Reduction in active breakouts typically by visit 3-4 (around week 6-8). Texture and pigmentation improvements take 3-6 months of consistent care.
Should I see a dermatologist instead?
For mild-to-moderate acne (blackheads, whiteheads, occasional pimples), an esthetician is the right starting point. For cystic, scarring, or deeply hormonal acne, see a dermatologist first; many clients do both.
What products should I use at home between facials?
Gentle cleanser, BPO 2.5-5% or salicylic acid 2% in the morning, retinoid (Differin) at night, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and daily mineral SPF. Makaela recommends specific products at the appointment based on what she sees.
Related answers
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