Acne & Acne Scar Treatment

Treating acne scars in darker skin tones requires a fundamentally different approach. The risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is significantly higher in Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients — and the wrong laser or peel can worsen discoloration rather than improve it.

Dr. Munib specializes in this. Every treatment protocol at The Pur Health is calibrated for your Fitzpatrick classification — not a one-size-fits-all setting. We use Fraxis Duo RF microneedling, Nordlys Frax 1940, PDRN, and Exosome therapy at energy levels and dosing appropriate for your skin, reducing PIH risk while still delivering real, measurable results.

Patients of South Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African, and mixed heritage regularly seek out Dr. Munib specifically for this clinical expertise.

Two Technologies. One Treatment. Multiple Depths.

The Fraxis Duo combines fractional CO2 laser resurfacing with radiofrequency microneedling in a single system, targeting acne scars simultaneously at the surface and deep within the dermis.

For lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-III): the fractional CO2 component delivers dramatic improvement in scar texture, depth, and skin tone.

For darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI): Dr. Munib uses the RF microneedling component with Fitzpatrick-adjusted settings, maintaining efficacy while protecting against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Most patients see progressive improvement over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms. A series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is typically recommended for moderate-to-severe scarring.

Next-Generation Regenerative Treatments

Exosome therapy uses stem cell-derived vesicles packed with growth factors and RNA signals that instruct damaged skin cells to regenerate and rebuild collagen. Applied to acne-scarred skin, exosomes accelerate tissue repair at a cellular level — particularly effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and shallow textural scarring.

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide): derived from salmon DNA, PDRN stimulates skin cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. It is particularly effective for improving skin tone, reducing PIH, and accelerating healing after laser treatments. When combined with Fraxis Duo or microneedling, PDRN significantly shortens recovery time and deepens results.

Both treatments are minimally invasive, require no downtime, and are safe for all skin tones including Fitzpatrick IV-VI.

The Nordlys system uses Selective Waveband Technology to address the color-related aftermath of acne — persistent redness, dark spots, and uneven tone — without significant downtime.

• VL 555 applicator — reduces post-acne redness and vascular inflammation (post-inflammatory erythema).
• PR 530 applicator — targets post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
• Frax 1940 applicator — non-ablative fractional resurfacing for mild textural scar improvement, safe for diverse skin tones.

Nordlys is particularly valuable as a standalone treatment for patients whose primary concern is PIH or redness, or as a complement to RF microneedling for patients with mixed textural and pigmentation concerns.

Treating scars while acne is still active is counterproductive — new breakouts continually create fresh inflammation before old damage can heal. Dr. Munib addresses both simultaneously.

HydraFacial MD: Multi-step deep cleanse, extraction, and targeted serum infusion for acne-prone skin. Reduces congestion, calms inflammation, and improves clarity. Combined with SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense for at-home maintenance.

ZO 3-Step Peel: Medical-grade chemical peel addressing active acne, post-acne discoloration, and early textural scarring in one protocol. Suitable for patients ready for more significant surface renewal.

As a primary care physician, Dr. Munib also investigates systemic contributors — hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, dietary triggers, and stress response — that drive adult acne and prevent scarring from fully resolving.

Consultation: Full skin evaluation — scar type mapping, Fitzpatrick classification, active acne assessment, and a personalized treatment plan with realistic timeline.

Treatment: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the protocol. Topical numbing applied first. Most patients describe mild heat or pressure, not pain.

Recovery: RF microneedling — 24 to 48 hours redness. Fraxis Duo fractional CO2 — 5 to 7 days of peeling and redness. Nordlys and PDRN — same-day redness only. Exosome therapy — no downtime.

Results: Texture improvement begins at 4 to 6 weeks as new collagen forms. Peak results at 3 to 6 months after the full series. Collagen remodeling continues for up to 12 months.