Gold Coast, Chicago
Photodynamic Acne Treatment
Esthemax photodynamic facial · blue light therapy for acne-prone, congested, and oily skin · professional cleanse, extractions, and calming finish · 21 W Elm St, 2nd floor
What is photodynamic acne treatment?
Photodynamic Acne Treatment at Skin and Beyond Spa is a targeted professional facial built around photodynamic LED light therapy and the Esthemax photodynamic acne protocol. It is designed for skin that stays oily, congested, or breakout-prone even when you are careful at home — not a quick express facial, but a structured 75-minute visit with assessment, deep cleansing, extractions when appropriate, corrective professional products, blue-light activation, and a soothing mask to rebalance the complexion.
A photosensitizing professional step prepares breakout-prone areas; blue light activates the protocol to support clearer-looking skin and calmer redness. We explain sun protection afterward and how this service compares to our other acne facials.
Part of our facials in Chicago menu. Full pricing: price list.
Who it’s for — and when to book something else
Book Photodynamic Acne Treatment if you deal with recurring breakouts, stubborn congestion, excess oil, or post-breakout redness and want a light-based professional protocol with cleanse, extractions as needed, Esthemax skincare, and photodynamic LED — not just drugstore spot treatments.
Choose the Acne Under Control Facial when you want a hands-on maintenance facial focused on extractions, calming masks, and LED support without centering the visit on photodynamic blue-light activation.
Choose Professional LED Light treatment for a shorter standalone LED appointment (red and blue wavelengths) when you do not need the full Esthemax photodynamic facial flow.
Choose the Advanced Customized Facial when your goals go beyond acne alone — texture, sensitivity, anti-aging support, or several modalities in one 90-minute correction visit.
Tell us when you book if you are pregnant, nursing, on prescription retinoids or isotretinoin, unusually sensitive to light, had a recent peel or laser, or have an active cold sore so we can adjust timing and technique.
Your photodynamic treatment steps
Typical flow for a 75-minute visit. Products and extractions are selected in the room.
- Skin assessment. We review active breakouts, congestion patterns, sensitivity, and what has helped or irritated your skin so the protocol matches today’s barrier — not a generic acne script.
- Deep cleanse and gentle exfoliation. Makeup, oil, and surface buildup are removed; exfoliation is scaled to your skin so pores can be addressed without unnecessary trauma.
- Extractions as needed. Clogged pores and congestion are cleared with professional technique when your skin is appropriate for extractions — a core step before light-based correction.
- Esthemax treatment and photodynamic LED. Professional Esthemax products support the corrective phase; blue LED light activates the photodynamic portion of the facial to target breakout-prone, oily areas and visible post-acne redness.
- Soothing mask and finishing care. A specialized Esthemax mask helps hydrate and calm skin after corrective steps. Moisturizer, SPF guidance, and home-care notes complete the visit.
What to expect on your visit
Assessment
We discuss your current routine, prescriptions, and prior professional acne care. Your skin is evaluated in treatment light so we know where extractions, gentler exfoliation, or a more calming path makes sense before blue-light activation.
Treatment
Seventy-five minutes focused on your face and neck. Expect thorough cleansing, tailored exfoliation, extractions when appropriate, Esthemax professional products, photodynamic LED, and a restorative mask. The pace stays calm — this is corrective care for persistent breakout-prone skin.
Aftercare
Some redness after extractions or light-based steps is normal and usually settles within a day or two. Treat skin gently for the next several days: hydrate, use SPF daily, and avoid aggressive scrubs or new strong acids unless we cleared them. Sun protection matters after photodynamic-style light work — we will spell out what fits your plan.
Before you come
Arrive with a clean face if you can. If you use prescription retinoids, isotretinoin, or strong at-home acids, pause them for several days before your appointment when your skin tolerates it — tell us everything at booking.
Avoid heavy sun exposure and tanning beds in the days leading up to your visit when possible. Skip picking or at-home extractions the week of your appointment; fresh irritation changes what we can safely do in the room.
New to professional acne options? Our article on teen acne and choosing between spa treatments explains how maintenance facials differ from light-based protocols — then book Photodynamic when you are ready for this service.
FAQ
- How much does photodynamic acne treatment cost?
- $255 for 75 minutes at Skin and Beyond Spa, Gold Coast. Flat price on our facials price list. Book the Photodynamic Acne Facial service link, not a generic salon menu.
- How does photodynamic therapy work for acne?
- We combine professional cleansing, extractions as needed, Esthemax corrective skincare, and blue LED light in a photodynamic protocol aimed at breakout-prone, oily skin. The goal is clearer-looking skin, less visible congestion, and calmer post-breakout redness with consistent professional care — not an instant cure in one visit.
- How is this different from the Acne Under Control Facial?
- Acne Under Control is a hands-on customized facial centered on extractions, masks, and LED support for ongoing maintenance. Photodynamic Acne Treatment is a separate 75-minute service built around the Esthemax photodynamic blue-light protocol for persistent breakout-prone skin. We can help you choose at booking.
- How is it different from standalone LED light therapy?
- Professional LED Light treatment is a shorter appointment focused on LED wavelengths alone. Photodynamic Acne Treatment is a full facial with cleanse, extractions as needed, Esthemax products, mask, and photodynamic LED as one integrated visit.
- Is there downtime or sun sensitivity?
- You may look pink the day of treatment. Protect skin from sun and use SPF afterward — especially for several days following blue-light work. We will give you simple aftercare instructions before you leave.
- Where are you located?
- 21 W Elm St, 2nd floor, Gold Coast, Chicago, IL 60610. Call +1 312 404 7262 or book online.
What clients say
I felt relaxed, comfortable, and left with GLOWING skin. I didn’t experience any negative reactions in the days after.
I’ve had facials done all over the world and Natalia is one of the best! Very knowledgeable and precise. Skin was so calm, clean and glowing post facial.
She put real thought into my initial facial and our plan moving forward… wants to learn about each client’s individual wants and needs.