1.How are you different from a Dermatologist? 

We do not use harsh medications or irritating topical products to treat acne and unlike most dermatologists, we spend hours of one-on-one time working on your skin and monitoring you closely to make sure that you never suffer from harmful or uncomfortable side-effects like those you may experience with prescriptions.

2.Do you only work with acne?

We specialize in acne, uneven skin tone, and dark marks leftover from acne (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) but our program also usually improves the appearance of Rosacea, Keratosis Pilaris, Melasma, and signs of aging. We also have lots of experience working with people of color and people who are struggling with acne and additional skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, and Perioral Dermatitis.

3.Can you fix acne scars And/or Uneven skin tone?

True acne scars are textural changes in the skin (commonly known as 'pock-marks') caused by tissue damage and we cannot fix these because they usually require more invasive treatments and procedures that we are not licensed to perform.  However, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (dark marks leftover from acne or picking) are often mistaken for acne scars and these can usually be greatly improved through our products and treatments.  Keep in mind that everyones pigmentation varies greatly so we cannot predict to what extent the marks will improve or how long it will take.  Generally, PIH often takes longer than acne itself to lighten and often requires additional peels post-Bootcamp once your acne is clear. For more information, you can check out our blog Acne Scars and Dark Marks Are Two Different Things.

4.Can you make my pores smaller?

No. Unfortunately, pore size is not something we can do anything about since it's determined by genetics and how much sebum is being produced by the oil glands that stretch out the pores on the surface of the skin. Our product regimens can sometimes improve the appearance of big pores by absorbing some of the surface oil but it's simply physiologically impossible to shrink them and make them go away. This is a case where acceptance is really the only cure :)

5.Is AES right for me if my acne is not that bad?

Yes! We work with all grades of acne ranging from mild to severe and whether your have the occasional pimple or constant breakouts, we treat it all the same because it all functions the same way.

6.Can I just come in for a facial treatment without the Initial Consultation?

No.  We are serious about guiding you to clear skin for the rest of your life and treatments alone do not get sustainable, long-term results. Treatments work on the surface of the skin which helps speed up the clearing process but is only a quick fix if that is all you are relying on. Acne is a multifactorial disease and in order to clear it and keep it clear, we attack it using a comprehensive approach.  If you are looking for a quick, short-term fix, this is probably not the right treatment option for you.

7.Do I have to use your products to participate in your program?

Yes.  We want to give you results so in order to participate in our program and receive acne treatments, you will have to simultaneously be using the product kit that your Acne Coach develops for you to insure that your condition is being treated in the most effective way possible.  

8.i have sensitive skin. do i get a refund if your products don't work for me?

We only offer product refunds if there is a defect upon purchase.  Most people have sensitive, irritated skin when they come to us because acne products and topical medications are often too strong or not part of a regimen that is sufficiently balanced with hydrating products.  We make every effort to insure that the products you buy are appropriate for you skin by having you complete a detailed intake form where you list any allergies and sensitivities prior to your first appointment.  We also perform a skin assessment and sensitivity test during the Initial Consultation and customize a regimen based on all of these factors so that the products you buy and the regimen we develop for you provide clear and healthy skin without the irritating side effects of most acne products.

9.Do you perform an actual treatment during the Initial Consultation?

We will be performing a light treatment that might include a mask, chemical peel, and/or light extractions depending on the condition of your skin. We will also be assessing your skin and performing a sensitivity test so we can develop a customized product plan for your unique skin and acne type.

10.Can I be seen if I am pregnant or nursing? 

Yes! We can definitely help you get clearer if you are pregnant or nursing but the clearing process usually takes longer and there might be a limit to how clear we can get you depending on which products, peels, dietary, and lifestyle guidelines that your OB recommends. For example, dairy is a potential acne trigger that we recommend clients avoid while on the program but if your OB advises against avoiding dairy, we might not be able to get you as clear or it might delay the clearing process. Chemical peels also help accelerate the clearing process and some Physicians consider certain peels okay while others don’t so the clearing process can also be delayed or limited. Generally, we are able to get most pregnant and nursing clients much more clear because there is still a lot we can do but please check with your Physician beforehand to ask: which topical ingredients are okay, which dietary and lifestyle recommendations you should or should not follow, and whether or not you can receive chemical peels and, if so, which types. The only definite topical no-nos while pregnant are salicylic acid and retinols which we don't use but only your OB should be advising you on what is safe or unsafe while pregnant because your pregnancy should be considered along with any other pre-existing or current health conditions.

11.will i have to go on a crazy diet and cut out caffeine and sugar? 

No! There is so much conflicting information about which foods are good or bad for acne so if you listened to everyone, you wouldn't be eating anything anymore!  We have all suffered from acne before and know how restrictive most of the advice out there can be.  We truly value mental health and are sensitive to the psychological impact that having acne has on our lives so we want you to have the most freedom possible while on Bootcamp and we want to make the AES method is a sustainable way of life for you.  We have never had to have a client eliminate or even reduce sugar, chocolate, caffeine, gluten, nightshade vegetables, fried foods, spicy foods, or processed foods in order to get clear.  The only foods we will ask you to eliminate for the duration of the program are milk products, peanuts, and soy and you will be able to slowly integrate them back into your diet once you graduate the program :). Our e-course covers ingestible triggers including food and supplements in detail so if you want to learn more, you can check it out.

12.Can I bring my child with me to my appointment?

Yes! We welcome everyone: kids, babies, husbands, wives, and even your pets :)

13.Is there an age requirement?

Absolutely not!  Acne affects people of all ages so there is no minimum or maximum age requirement.  However, if you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign a release for you.

14.What if I am currently using prescription acne medication?

We cannot perform a treatment on your skin until you have been off of all topical medication for at least 14 days and Accutane for 8 weeks (or as otherwise recommended by your Physician). You are still welcome to come in for a Consultation while using topical medication so we can get you started on the program but we would be unable to perform a light treatment.

15.Are there any side effects of the acne treatments?

After acne treatments, you may experience peeling, redness, or light scabbing but these post-treatment side-effects are temporary and usually go away within 1-5 days.

16. what are your hours?

We are typically open 10-4 Tuesdays and Thursdays and we schedule appointments one week at a time since our appointments are limited. We ask that you have consistent availability of at least 3 hours within that window so we can accomodate you.

17.Why do I have to enter my credit card information to book an appointment?

We require a credit card number to insure that our cancellation policy is honored.  Your credit card will not be charged at the time of booking but it will be charged if you do not cancel/reschedule new client appointments and combo treatments with at least 5 days notice and all other services with at least 48 hours notice.

18.What is the total cost of the program?

The cost of the program includes the price of the Initial Consultation which is $364 ($129 for the e-course+$235 for the in-person Consultation), an initial product kit (approximately $225), and an average of 6-8 treatments ($245 each for a total of $1,470-$1,960). For a description of what is included in each service, please take a look at the Clinic Page. The financial investment required for the program ends up being approximately $2,059-$2,549 (less than the price of braces, most lasers and cosmetic procedures, and any plastic surgery procedure….but it’s your face!). The program also usually ends up saving clients a significant amount of money long-term on ineffective prescriptions, products, and procedures.

19.Do you guarantee clear skin with your program?

We cannot guarantee clear skin because there are too many factors that play a part in the acne process.  It just would not be fair to make any promises when the most important factor is completely out of our control because it is mostly depends on you and how compliant you are with the program!  What we can promise you is that we have never failed to clear a compliant client.  Some clients take longer that the average 6-8 treatments due to some factor outside of their control such as allergies, hormonal conditions, pregnancy, work, medications, and scheduling issues which can all impact how quickly we are able to clear acne out of their skin.  Some other clients are unable to attain 95% clarity but, again, this is typically when there is some factor outside of their control such as an allergy or trigger that they cannot avoid. For example, we have some clients who are chefs so they cannot eliminate dairy because they have to consume it for work. We have other clients who have hormonal issues that prevent their skin clearing completely. And then some clients are models and influencers so they cannot avoid pore-clogging makeup. Luckily, there are so many different components of the program so even if there are one or two factors outside of your control, there is still lots of room for other improvements to be made.

20.can i wear makeup while i am on the program?

Of course!  As long as the makeup is acne-friendly (you will learn how to determine this in the e-course), you can wear makeup throughout the program and even after facial appointments.

21.Do your products and treatments need to be continued once results are achieved?

Nope :)  Once you graduate our program and the desired results have been achieved, you are not required to follow our guidelines or use our products unless you want to continue to maintain active status and schedule maintenance treatments.  Each of the products serves a purpose in the clearing process and your Esthetician will explain what each product does so you can make an informed decision once you get clear about how you would like to move forward.

22.Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover services performed by a Licensed Esthetician but some of our clients are able to use their HSA or FSA to pay for our services and/or products.  We are happy to provide you with receipts to submit for reimbursement but we cannot guarantee that the cost will be covered under your particular plan and we do not provide diagnosis codes or letters claiming clinical necessity since we are not Medical Doctors.  We highly recommend  contacting your benefits administrator prior to your appointment to check the details of your plan so there are no surprises.

23.why do i have to complete the e-course prior to the consultation?

Clear skin requires a LOT more than just facials and most of the work it takes to achieve clear skin in a long term and sustainable manner depends on you understanding how acne works and all of the lifestyle, product, and dietary guidelines needed to manage it. The e-course teaches you everything you need to know not just to achieve clear skin but to maintain clear skin so that YOU are able to be your own self sufficient acne manager and we are just here to help speed up the process and reinforce what you learn. Our end goal is for you to get clear and stay clear for life even without our help and the course will teach you everything you need to know to be able to do that. When you come in for the consultation, we want you to already have an understanding of the program and all of the homework sections in the e-course so we can hit the ground running and make the most of our time together in the clinic.

24.WHAT is your cancellation policy?

New Client Appointments: We kindly ask you to cancel/reschedule Initial Consultations at least 5 days in advance. Cancellations made within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will be charged 100% of the scheduled service cost and cancellations made within 3-4 days of your scheduled appointment will be charged 50% of the scheduled service cost to your card on file and a non-refundable deposit taken for any future appointments.

Return Client Appointments: We kindly ask you to cancel/reschedule Acne Treatments at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will be charged 100% of the scheduled service cost to your card on file and a non-refundable deposit taken for any future appointments.

25.What is the tipping policy?

Great question!  Whether or not to leave gratuity can be confusing since our services may seem closer to those performed in a medical office then a spa or salon.  However, we are licensed estheticians without the benefits of being medical doctors and just like anyone else in the service industry, a large part of our benefits are derived from gratuities.  So just like in any service industry, tipping is never required but certainly appreciated.

26. Will my acne get worse before it gets better?

Depends on what you consider “worse”. The quantity of acne usually increases for the first few treatments as acne underneath the surface of the skin urges up and out. But the quality of the acne should get better fairly quickly: the pimples you get will come up and go away quicker than you are used to and they should be less inflamed and much easier to manage. Also, an initial increase in acne is actually a good sign because clearing your skin from the inside out is basically the point of the whole process! It’s normal and understandable to be worried about the purging process but most people find that the short term increase in breakouts is preferable to dealing with mild or moderate acne forever.

27. do you treat hormonal acne?

Yes! Hormones play a part in most acne conditions (they play a part in everything that happens in our bodies!) and our method accounts for and targets all types of acne triggers including hormones.

28. what is the policy for er extraction appointments?

ER extractions are only available to active clients only (see #23 for details on maintaining active status). Just like the single peel sessions, ER appointments are offered to supplement (rather than replace) a comprehensive skincare plan that includes treatments and a homecare regimen. This service type is only meant for 1-2 pimples and they must be ripe to extract. There is a limit of one ER between treatments.

29. What does it mean to be an 'active client?

In order to keep your spot in our program, schedule advance appointments, and have access to ER and peel appointments, you must maintain 'active' client status. This policy is an effort to be fair to the clients who are putting the time, effort, and financial investment into following the program since we have limited spots available and we typically have a long waitlist at any given time. By adhering to the following program guidelines, we also ensure the safety of your skin and the best results possible:

-Come in for treatments every two weeks if you are less than 90% clear or every four to eight weeks if you have graduated the program AND you have maintained over 90% clarity unless your AES Esthetician advises a different treatment schedule. If you have dropped below 90% clear, you should be scheduling treatments every 2 weeks again even if you have technically graduated.
-It is your responsibility to communicate promptly when we send messages regarding scheduling in order to keep appointments on an active schedule. We understand and respect that everyone is busy so we allow two off-schedule appointments each year (including reschedules, cancellations, and late replies to scheduling messages). If you lapse 12 weeks between treatments, you are automatically considered inactive. Please see notes about inactive prices below.
-We rely on efficient communication to be able to manage a program that is always at full capacity as well as a waitlist that regularly has a long list of people patiently waiting for a spot. We are also a small team without the resources required to repeatedly send additional communication to clients to schedule their appointments for them so we will send up to three text reminders to scheduling emails before your spot in the program is offered to someone on our waitlist.
-Use a full AES product kit and continue to refill it approximately every three months unless you have an allergy or some other contraindication that has been discussed and approved by your Esthetician.
-Follow all of the other dietary, lifestyle, and product guidelines of the program. These guidelines get looser once you graduate the program and you perform various trigger tests as instructed in the e-course. We understand that these guidelines can be challenging and we try to be as flexible as possible but if you continuously disregard them in a way that impedes or stalls the clearing process, we will kindly ask you to leave the program to make space for someone else. Our treatments are meant to supplement and accelerate the clearing process but they do not substitute the work that needs to be done on your part and the primary responsibility is up to you.

We periodically verify that these requirements are being fulfilled and if we find that you have become 'inactive' because you are not maintaining a consistent treatment schedule or you have not been following the guidelines of our program, your spot will be offered to someone else and you will no longer have access to the membership prices listed on our website (inactive service prices are an additional 20%). If you want to reactivate your status, you will then have to wait until someone graduates the program and frees up a spot (this usually takes at least a few months). If you do not want to reactivate your status and you want to come in less frequently or you do not want to follow the other guidelines listed above, you will be placed on an inactive waitlist and offered appointments if/when we have a week-of cancellation. These appointments rarely become available though (the first person on this waitlist has been waiting 9 months) so it might make more sense to find another clinic that has more capacity and flexibility to better suit your needs.