Alina Godz
Founder & Licensed Esthetician at Facials Bar · La Jolla, CA · 2,000+ facials performed
Acne doesn't discriminate. It affects teens and adults, men and women, and it can impact much more than just your skin — it affects your confidence, your social life, and your overall well-being. If you've tried everything from drugstore products to prescription medications without lasting results, it might be time to try a different approach.
At Facials Bar in La Jolla, we use the Face Reality system — a proven, science-based acne treatment protocol that has helped thousands of people achieve clear skin. Here's everything you need to know about our acne program.
What Is Face Reality?
Face Reality is a comprehensive acne management system developed by acne specialists. Unlike treatments that only address surface symptoms, Face Reality works by identifying the root causes of your acne and creating a customized protocol that addresses them systematically.
The system combines professional treatments with a carefully selected home-care routine. Every product in the Face Reality line is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, and your esthetician will customize the combination and strength of products based on your unique skin type and acne severity.
How Our Acne Program Works
Step 1: Initial Consultation ($179, 70 min) — Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation. During this 70-minute appointment, your esthetician will analyze your skin under magnification, discuss your acne history, identify potential triggers (diet, hormones, stress, products), and create your personalized treatment plan. You'll also receive your first treatment and leave with a customized home-care kit.
Step 2: Bi-Weekly Facials ($149, 45 min) — Consistency is key to clearing acne. We recommend bi-weekly Face Reality facials, especially in the first few months. During each visit, your esthetician will assess your progress, perform extractions, apply targeted treatments, and adjust your protocol as your skin improves.
Step 3: Home Care — Your home-care routine is just as important as your professional treatments. We'll provide you with a step-by-step regimen using Face Reality products that work synergistically with your in-office treatments. As your skin changes, we'll adjust your products accordingly.
Step 4: Maintenance — Once your acne is under control, we'll transition you to a maintenance schedule. Many clients continue with monthly facials to keep their skin clear and healthy.
The Acne Boot Camp Option
For clients who are serious about clearing their acne as quickly as possible, we offer our Acne Boot Camp program at $225/month. This includes two acne facials per month, ongoing protocol adjustments, priority booking access, and 10% off all Face Reality products. It's the fastest path to clear skin.
What Results Can You Expect?
Every person's skin is different, but here's a general timeline:
Weeks 1-2: You may experience a "purging" phase where some existing breakouts come to the surface. This is normal and expected — it means the products are working to clear congestion from deep within your pores.
Weeks 3-6: Purging typically subsides. New breakouts become less frequent and less severe. Skin texture begins to improve.
Months 2-3: Significant improvement in acne. Skin is noticeably clearer, smoother, and more even in tone. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation begins to fade.
Months 3-6: Most clients achieve 90%+ clearance. The focus shifts from active acne treatment to refining skin texture and addressing any remaining discoloration.
Why Face Reality Works When Other Treatments Don't
Many acne treatments fail because they take a one-size-fits-all approach. Face Reality is different because it's built on the understanding that acne is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors.
Customized Approach: Your protocol is designed specifically for your skin type, acne type, and severity level. As your skin changes, your protocol changes with it.
Mandelic Acid Foundation: Face Reality products feature mandelic acid as a key ingredient. This alpha hydroxy acid is uniquely effective for acne because it's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and gentle enough for all skin types — including sensitive and darker skin tones.
Professional Guidance: You're never alone in your acne journey. Your esthetician is your partner, monitoring your progress, answering questions, and making adjustments to keep you on track.
Holistic Consideration: We look beyond just what you put on your skin. Diet, stress, hormones, and lifestyle all play a role in acne, and we'll help you identify and address these factors.
Chemical Peels for Acne
In addition to our Face Reality program, we offer specialized chemical peels for acne-prone skin. Our Acne Peel ($150, 30 min) uses 14% Lactic Acid combined with 14% Salicylic Acid to target clogged pores and excess oil, while Kojic and Citric acids brighten the skin and fade acne marks.
Book Your Acne Consultation
If you're ready to take control of your acne, the first step is simple: book an Initial Acne Consultation at Facials Bar. During this appointment, we'll create your personalized plan and start your journey to clear skin.
Don't let acne hold you back any longer. Book online at facials.bar or contact us to learn more about our acne program.
