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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Nirvana by Autumn so unique?

Forget trying to treat acne with everything under the sun. I will work with you and dive deep into your skin type and lifestyle to design the best treatment and regimen plan for your specific skin needs. When you start your journey on The Path to Skin Nirvana, you will get real results without prescriptions and drugs.



How does the acne program work?

The Path to Skin Nirvana combines the magic of clinical-grade products that are formulated for your type of acne. Along with a series of bi-weekly treatments that are enhanced with different skincare modalities. I take your journey a little further and teach you about other acne triggers - foods, medication, cosmetics, stress, and common ingredients that are found in other products that may contain pore-clogging ingredients. During your first visit, I will do a thorough skin analysis to determine the best path and home-care regimen for your skin journey.



What is acne?

For most people, acne is an inherited condition of the pores. When someone is prone to acne, their pores clog with dead skin cells much faster than normal. Healthy pores shed about one layer of dead skin cells per day inside the pore, but acne-prone pores shed up to five layers of dead skin cells per day. The body just can’t keep up with keeping the pore clear.



If my skin is sensitive can I still join the acne program?

Absolutely, at Nirvana by Autumn, I know that all skin is not one size fits all. There are different layers of treatment and products. That's the beauty of this program; it is completely customized for YOU. We won't give up until we find the right treatment + products for you.



I have tried everything on my acne, and nothing works, can you still help me get clear?

Girl, yes! This program is designed for you! Just like you, I have tried everything until I found esthetics. I promise if you follow the program religiously and give it your all, you will be amazed by your results.



My acne isn't too bad and I don't want to join the acne program, can you still help me?

Nirvana by Autumn only treats acne and breakouts under the full acne program. If committing to bi-weekly treatments and the recommended products than Nirvana by Autumn may not be the best fit for you.



What is the cost of the acne program?

Your initial investment in products is $150-$200, most of the products will last you roughly 8-12 weeks depending on your specific regimen. The active ingredients are purposefully put into smaller containers as they will be strengthed at different points in your treatment plan. ​ The cost of treatments is $75. It typically takes about six treatments over three months. If you come in for just a consultation, the price is $50. If you come in for the consultation + treatment, which most people do, the cost is $90.



What is going to happen at my first appointment?

I will consult with you regarding your experience and any prior treatments that you have had (if any). I will analyze your acne and help you figure out what is causing your particular condition. You will receive useful information regarding products, diet recommendations, medications, etc., I will take some pictures to track your progress about once a month. Your skin will be tested for sensitivities. You will receive a routine suited for your acne type, and I will show you how to use the products. If you are getting a treatment, we will perform the treatment, which includes a mild corrective peel with extractions or a gentle enzyme treatment with steam and extractions. *Generally speaking, neither of these are uncomfortable. You may or may not experience some mild peeling after these treatments.



What are extractions?

A manual form of cleaning out blackheads and comedones from your pores. I apply gentle pressure with my fingers, q-tips, or my ultrasonic skin spatula.



Do extractions hurt?

Extractions may not be super comfortable but the process is tolerable and crucial for the processing of acne to promote the healing process.



Why do you perform extractions?

It’s the fastest way to get you clear – I extract the current lesions out and the home care prevents the new ones from forming. It takes up to 90 days for acne to form and reach the surface of your skin, so in the 3-6 months that I'm working with you, you will see breakouts. These are just old lesions coming to the surface that I will extract every two weeks.



Will extractions make my face red?

It's normal for most people to get pretty red after extractions – there is no way around it. So, you really need to plan ahead and make sure you do not plan on being out in the sun or have a special event within 24 hours of getting a treatment.



Will I breakout after my treatment?

Getting a breakout after a treatment is very common. Extractions can cause your skin to purge because they remove toxins that are just hanging out below the skin's surface. It's normal to have a new acne lesion or two pop up, when this happens I recommend icing to reduce any inflammation and redness.



How long will the appointment take?

Your first consultation + treatment is scheduled for about 90 minutes, and your bi-weekly treatments are 30-45 minutes. When you start to get clearer, there will be fewer extractions to do, treatments will take less time.



Do I have to use your products?

Yes, yes, and yes! My products are a large part of the program. There are too many products on the market that have pore-clogging ingredients in them. To ensure clear skin, I require only using my products alone. Acne is tricky enough to treat – I do not want to take any chances with other potentially harmful or comedogenic products. ​



Can I combine your regimen with one that I've been using?

Acne is challenging enough to get under control. To eliminate the variables, I require that you use only my products. I don’t want to have to wonder if an outside product is causing a problem. ​



Will I have to use your products forever?

You will need to use products to control your acne or until you outgrow acne, and no one knows when that is. Many people do outgrow acne, but we cannot predict when, so you may have to use the products for a while to manage your acne, but not forever.



Are your products all-natural?

The product line that I use for the acne program is a pharmaceutical-grade product, which means that all of the ingredients are naturally sourced and 99% pure. Unlike products that you might find in a beauty store or retail store, professional products go through more testing and contain pure and potent ingredients. Face Reality is a clean product that is cruelty-free.



Can I still join the acne program if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

You can! You will just need a note or list from your doctor with a list of ingredients that they would like you to avoid.



How long will it typically take for me to get clear?

If you do your home care twice a day and come in every two weeks for a treatment, you will most likely be clear in about three to four months. Some people might take a little longer depending on the nature of their acne and how closely they follow the recommended home care guidelines that they are given.



What is a peel?

I like to call peels advanced exfoliation. Advanced exfoliation is superficial peels that mildly removing the top layer of dead skin and kills bacteria. This process allows new, healthy skin to be present and unclog your pores to prevent future breakouts.



Do you treat acne scarring?

It depends on what you mean by scarring? If you have dark spots, then yes, those will be treated along with the acne. If you have pitted scars, then no that is treated by a medical doctor.



What other skin conditions do you treat?

At Nirvana by Autumn, I only treat acne, but I can also treat rosacea. ​



Do I have to receive treatments every two weeks?

Yes, bi-weekly treatments are apart of the protocol of the program. Bi-weekly treatments are required because this is the quickest way to get clear skin, and it also helps me monitor your home care to get you clear in the safest and fastest way possible.



What can I expect after my treatment?

After a treatment, you may experience some redness from extractions. If a peel is performed, you might have some dryness and peeling, which is completely normal. New breakouts are even possible after your treatment.



Can I continue to use my prescriptions while doing the program?

I require you to stop your prescription products, two-four weeks before starting on our program. I have found that they make the skin much too sensitive to use my system. Therefore I generally do not recommend the use of any of them with our regimen. You would have to choose between my program or the prescription products you are using.



Why do I leave my credit card information while booking?

This is one of Nirvana by Autumn's business policies to hold your appointment with a credit card number. I want to know that you are serious as we are about helping you achieve clear skin. ​ ​



Why do you only offer online booking?

Nirvana by Autumn is a home-based studio that requires online booking for security and liability reasons. I am the only person that runs the studio, and online booking acts as my receptionist. It's easy and convenient with 24/7 access. Online booking also allows you to cancel appointments and reschedule.