What is ACS?

ACS stands for autologous conditioned serum. Blood is drawn into tubes without anticoagulants or other additives. These tubes are then kept in a controlled incubator at body temperature for several hours. During this period, the concentration of anti-inflammatory signaling substances and growth factors increases significantly.

The serum is then separated, filtered, and injected into the skin. It consists of 100 percent autologous material.

How does it work?

While a classic platelet concentrate primarily has a regenerative effect, ACS is first and foremost regulatory. During incubation, white blood cells produce increased amounts of natural antagonists to inflammatory substances, including the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

For skin that reacts in a chronically irritated, reactive, or inflamed manner, this can make the difference. Instead of stimulating the skin even further, the underlying inflammatory environment is dampened, making the skin calmer and more responsive to further care.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

• mature skin that recovers slowly
• sensitive, easily irritated, or reactive skin
• skin that does not respond well to classic stimulating treatments
• as part of a combined treatment plan, where ACS is alternated with a platelet concentrate

For mature skin, a ratio of two ACS sessions to one PRP session is often used; for younger skin, it is the other way around.

What happens during a session?

Practically, this treatment differs from others: the blood collection and the treatment take place on the same day, but with several hours in between, as the incubation requires time. You therefore visit in the morning for the blood draw and return later in the day for the administration.

The serum is administered as small intradermal micro-depots using a very fine needle or an auto-injector. A session itself lasts approximately thirty to forty-five minutes.

Number of sessions and results

Typically, three to four sessions are scheduled, every two weeks. Afterwards, the result is assessed and maintenance is discussed.

The change is subtle and primarily concerns calmness, comfort, and a more even appearance of the skin, rather than a visible correction. The result varies from person to person; an obligation of means applies, not an obligation of result.

What this treatment does not do

• ACS does not provide volume and does not correct contours.
• It does not tighten sagging skin and does not replace surgical intervention.
• It is not a treatment for a medical skin condition; that belongs to the dermatologist.
• The effect is not immediately visible.

Safety and contraindications

Because nothing is added to your blood, the risk of a reaction to the product itself is very small. Nevertheless, the treatment will not proceed in cases of pregnancy and breastfeeding, an active infection in the treatment area, coagulation disorders, active cancer, and certain blood disorders.

Aftercare

• No makeup for twenty-four hours.
• No sauna or intensive exercise for forty-eight hours.
• A few days of mild care without acids or retinol.
• Daily sun protection.

Combination with surgery and other treatments

ACS is often alternated with a PRP facial treatment within a single plan. It can also be used to calm the skin before a more intensive treatment such as RF microneedling. See also regenerative aftercare following a procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference with PRP?

PRP is primarily regenerative and stimulates the production of collagen. ACS is first and foremost anti-inflammatory and regulatory. For reactive or irritated skin, dampening is sometimes more sensible than stimulating.

Why does this treatment take a whole day?

The serum must mature at body temperature for several hours before it is usable. Therefore, the blood draw takes place in the morning and the administration later on the same day.

How many sessions are needed?

Usually three to four sessions every two weeks, followed by an evaluation and potential maintenance.

Who is this primarily intended for?

For mature, sensitive, or easily irritated skin, and for those who do not respond well to classic stimulating treatments.

Will I see a difference immediately?

No. The change is subtle and develops over weeks. It primarily concerns the calmness and comfort of the skin, rather than a visible correction.

Read also

• Dull and tired skin