Getting Started
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If you're new to professional skincare, navigating a specific concern, or wanting to start acne treatment, the Skin & Treatment Strategy consultation is the best place to start. It's a dedicated 30-minute session to assess your skin, understand your history, and build a clear treatment plan before we ever touch your skin. The $75 fee is applied as a credit toward your first treatment.
If you're new to Alder but experienced with professional skincare, simply book the new client version of the Hydrafacial or Custom Facial. The extra time built into the “new client” appointment allows us to get to know your skin before we begin.
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That's what we're here for. If you're unsure, start with the Skin & Treatment Strategy, you'll leave with a clear recommendation.
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A consultation is always recommended but is only required before your first acne treatment appointment. All other new clients simply book the new client version of their chosen service.
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Online booking requires at least 12 hours advance notice. If you need something sooner, reach out directly by text, if we can accommodate, we'll make it happen.
Preparation
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Yes. To ensure your skin is ready for treatment, please follow these guidelines before your appointment:
Skincare: Discontinue retinols and active ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, physical scrubs, and enzymes at least 5 days prior.
Waxing: Avoid waxing the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before and after your appointment.
Sun exposure: Do not come in with an active sunburn. We recommend avoiding significant sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after your treatment.
Recent procedures: If you've had injectables, laser treatments, or microneedling at another office, please wait a minimum of 2 weeks before booking with us. When in doubt, reach out before scheduling, we're happy to advise.
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Something comfortable, we'll provide a treatment wrap for your upper body.
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You can, though we'll be cleansing your skin at the start of your session. Arriving with a clean face saves time and means we can get straight to work.
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Not everyone is, and that's something we'll determine together before adding it to your appointment. Dermaplaning isn't appropriate for active acne, certain skin conditions (like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis), recent sunburn, active cold sores, or if you've used Accutane in the last 6 months or strong actives like Retin-A or AHAs within the past 2 weeks.
If you're requesting dermaplaning, we'll confirm candidacy beforehand or at the start of your appointment. If it's not the right fit that day, your session time will be used on whatever will benefit your skin most.
Treatment Frequency
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For most clients, once a month is the sweet spot, it aligns with your skin's natural renewal cycle and allows each treatment to build on the last. That said, your treatment plan will include a recommended cadence specific to your skin and goals.
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Acne clients are generally seen biweekly, particularly in the early stages of clearing. Consistency is what drives results, spacing appointments too far apart slows the process. Most clients see significant clearing within 3 to 6 months.
Acne Treatment
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There's no package required upfront. Acne treatments are available per session at $150, with an optional 6-session package available if you'd like to save. That said, acne is a process, single sessions can address a flare-up, but consistent biweekly treatment is what clears skin long-term. We'll be upfront about what your skin realistically needs.
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Yes, a Skin & Treatment Strategy session is required before your first acne appointment. Acne treatment is a structured, progressive process and the consultation is where we build the roadmap that makes every session that follows purposeful.
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Possibly, but not necessarily from scratch. A personalized home care protocol is part of the acne treatment process, we work primarily with Face Reality, a clinical line developed specifically for acne-prone skin. Any products you're already using will be reviewed and taken into consideration. What works for your skin stays. What doesn't, we'll address together. What you're doing between appointments matters as much as what happens in the treatment room.
Payment & Policies
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Yes, a valid credit or debit card is required to hold your appointment. Your card will not be charged at the time of booking. It is kept on file solely to enforce our cancellation and no-show policies if applicable.
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We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to a $50 fee.
Don’t worry, we value your time just as much as ours, so the deal goes both ways. In the rare event that we need to reschedule or cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you will receive $50 off your next service plus priority booking for rescheduling.
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Please let us know as soon as possible. Late arrivals receive the remaining time of their scheduled appointment at the full service price, we're unable to extend into the next client's time. Arrivals more than 10 minutes late may need to be rescheduled, and the $50 no-show fee will apply.
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No-shows are charged a $50 fee. Clients with repeated no-shows may be required to prepay for future services or may be removed from the booking system.
See the cancellation policy FAQ for more details.
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We understand your time is valuable, and are just as committed to holding ourselves accountable.
In the rare event that we need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be offered priority rescheduling and a $50 credit toward your next visit as a thank you for your understanding.
This policy does not apply for scheduling changes outside of the 24 hour window.
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Services are non-refundable once performed. If you have any concerns about your results, please reach out within 48 hours and we'll work with you to make it right.
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Unopened, unused products with all original packaging may be returned for a full refund or exchanged within 14 days of purchase.
Opened or used products are final sale.