DiamondGlow facial in Mount Pleasant: what to expect and who it's for
By Samantha Katz, BSN, RN | Skin Glow Collective, Mount Pleasant, SC | Published October 2026
If you have been searching for a DiamondGlow facial in Mount Pleasant or anywhere near Charleston, you have probably seen it described as a "3-in-1 facial" without much detail about what actually happens in the treatment room. This guide fills that gap. It covers what DiamondGlow is, which skin concerns it helps most, who should wait, how your serum is chosen, what your appointment looks like from start to finish, and how to build DiamondGlow into a skin plan that holds up to Lowcountry sun and humidity.
At Skin Glow Collective, every DiamondGlow is performed personally by Samantha Katz, BSN, RN, a Registered Nurse and Licensed Aesthetician with more than 20 years in healthcare and Allergan DiamondGlow device training. Our private, one-room studio sits just off Chuck Dawley Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, about 10 minutes from downtown Charleston and minutes from Old Village, Shem Creek and Sullivan's Island.
Key takeaways
DiamondGlow exfoliates, extracts and infuses SkinMedica serum in a single pass, using a diamond-tipped wand and closed-loop suction.
Samantha always uses two serums: one targeted to your skin's main concern for the face and neck, plus the HA5 hydrating serum for the delicate eye area and lips.
It is best for dull, congested, sun-stressed, uneven or dehydrated skin, for women and men.
There is no downtime. Skin may look slightly pink for 1 to 2 hours.
Most clients start with 1 to 2 sessions a month for the first few months, then move to a maintenance plan.
It is not right for compromised skin, and a skin consultation comes first.
At Skin Glow Collective, it is always one-on-one with a Registered Nurse.
What is a DiamondGlow facial?
DiamondGlow is a medical-grade, noninvasive skin resurfacing treatment from Allergan Aesthetics, designed to work with SkinMedica professional skincare. You may also have heard it called by its former name, Dermalinfusion. Its patented 3-in-1 system does three jobs at the same time:
Exfoliate. A diamond tip gently resurfaces rough, dry skin and lifts away the dead skin cells that make a complexion look dull and tired.
Extract. A closed-loop vacuum suctions oil, dirt and debris from within your pores.
Infuse. A condition-specific SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serum is delivered into the freshly exfoliated skin, where new skin cells are developing. At Skin Glow Collective, you always receive two: a targeted serum plus HA5 for hydration.
Because all three happen in the same pass, the serum reaches skin that has just been cleared and resurfaced. The gentle suction also provides lymphatic drainage with every pass of the handpiece, which helps reduce the look of puffiness and congestion. That combination is why we describe DiamondGlow on our DiamondGlow facial page as a clinical treatment rather than a purely cosmetic one.
The diamond tips come in different grit levels, so the depth of exfoliation can be matched to your skin's sensitivity and goals. DiamondGlow can treat delicate areas like the skin around the eyes and lips, and the device can also be used on the neck, décolleté, arms and back. If you would like to add an area, mention it when you book.
How DiamondGlow compares with other treatments at our studio
A hands-on facial relies on cleansing, manual extractions, masks and massage, and a great one, like our Skin Glow Essential Facial, can do a lot for your skin. DiamondGlow adds a device-based step that resurfaces and extracts while it infuses, with precise control over depth. Here is how it fits alongside the other treatments on our menu:
| Treatment | What it does | Best for | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiamondGlow facial | Resurfaces, extracts pores and infuses serum in one pass | Dull, congested, sun-stressed, uneven or dehydrated skin | None; slight pinkness for 1 to 2 hours |
| Facial dermaplaning | Removes dead skin and peach fuzz with a sterile surgical-grade blade | Instant smoothness, a flawless makeup base, before photos | None; slight redness fades within hours |
| Customized facials | Cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, massage and hydration tailored to each visit | First-timers, maintenance, reactive skin | None |
| Chemical peel | Professional chemical exfoliation, offered as a series of 6 | Acne, texture, pigmentation and dullness | Little to none |
| Medical microneedling | Collagen induction therapy | Acne scarring, fine lines, texture | Redness like a moderate sunburn for 24 to 48 hours |
Not sure where you fit? Our guide to choosing the right facial for your skin walks through every option, and a one-on-one skincare consultation in Mount Pleasant is the fastest way to know.
Why DiamondGlow works so well for Charleston and Lowcountry skin
Charleston's climate is humid, hot for most of the year and relentlessly sunny. That combination leaves a recognizable pattern on skin by the end of summer, even with a diligent routine:
- Sun damage and uneven tone from cumulative UV exposure on the beach, the boat and the school pickup line.
- Congestion from heat, sweat and the daily sunscreen you (rightly) never skip.
- Dehydration, which surprises a lot of people in a humid city, often made worse by long hours in air-conditioned homes and offices.
- Dullness and rough texture as dead skin cells build up faster than they shed.
- Salt, wind and UV stress for clients who live on Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms year-round.
DiamondGlow addresses every one of these in a single appointment: it exfoliates the buildup, clears the pores and infuses a targeted serum, such as a brightening formula, plus HA5 hydration right where it is needed. That makes a post-summer reset in the fall a natural time to book DiamondGlow in Mount Pleasant. If sun spots are your main concern, read our guide to fading sun spots and hyperpigmentation after a Charleston summer, and for a full seasonal plan see the best skin treatments to book before fall.
Who is DiamondGlow for?
DiamondGlow is a strong fit for women and men who want visible results without downtime. It tends to shine for these concerns:
Dull, tired-looking skin
If your skin has lost its brightness, exfoliation plus a targeted serum is often the quickest way to bring it back. After just one treatment, clients can expect their skin to appear brighter, fresher, healthier, smoother to the touch, clearer and more even in tone.
Clogged pores, blackheads and congestion
For congestion, clogged pores or blackheads, we most often recommend the DiamondGlow facial or the Skin Glow Essential Facial. The vacuum extraction clears pores while a pore-clarifying serum targets congestion. Clients with acne-prone skin often benefit from DiamondGlow for deep extraction and pore clarity. If you have active, inflamed breakouts, Samantha may start you on a different clearing approach first.
Sun damage, pigmentation and uneven tone
DiamondGlow is an excellent option for combating the visible effects of sun damage and pigmentation with minimal to no downtime. Paired with a brightening serum, it helps skin look more even. For deeper or stubborn pigmentation, a professional chemical peel series may be the better main treatment.
Dehydrated skin
Exfoliation removes the dry surface layer and the HA5 serum, with five types of hyaluronic acid, replenishes the skin underneath, which is why DiamondGlow suits skin that feels tight or rough even when you moisturize.
Early signs of aging
DiamondGlow is a simple yet highly effective treatment for clients who want to prevent or soften early signs of aging, such as fine lines, crepey texture and dullness. For deeper lines and collagen loss, medical microneedling in Mount Pleasant works at a structural level, and the Glo2Facial adds radiofrequency and oxygenation.
Busy schedules and big events
Because there is no downtime, many clients stop in between errands, after work or on the way to school pickup, then carry on with their day. It is also one of the best treatments before an event: book it three to five days out so any pinkness has settled and your glow is at its peak.
Who should wait or choose a different treatment
The DiamondGlow treatment is not for everyone, and a good provider will tell you when to wait. You should not have DiamondGlow if your skin quality is compromised, for example by a sunburn, open cuts, an active rash or irritation from another treatment. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have any medical conditions, including allergies, and if you use any topical medications on the area to be treated.
If you are in the middle of a rosacea or eczema flare, it is better to postpone until your skin barrier is calmer. Our Sensitive Skin Facial is designed for rosacea-prone, eczema-affected and reactive skin and is often the better starting point. For acne scarring or stubborn texture, medical microneedling, with or without a chemical peel, is usually the most effective long-term approach. You can read more in our guide to microneedling and chemical peels together.
This is exactly why a skin consultation is required before your first DiamondGlow at Skin Glow Collective. As Samantha puts it: "Your safety is the most important concern of ours."
How your two SkinMedica serums are chosen
This is where DiamondGlow becomes a clinical treatment instead of a menu add-on. SkinMedica makes a family of Pro-Infusion serums for DiamondGlow, each designed around a different concern:
| Pro-Infusion serum | Designed for |
|---|---|
| TNS Advanced+ | Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, overall tone and texture |
| HA5 Hydra Collagen | Instant and long-lasting hydration, with five types of hyaluronic acid. Samantha uses it in every DiamondGlow for the delicate eye area and lips. |
| Even & Correct Advanced Brightening | The look of hyperpigmentation and uneven tone |
| Pore Purifying | Congested pores and post-acne marks |
| Vitamin C | A concentrated dose of antioxidants |
Most providers use a single serum in a DiamondGlow, largely because of the cost. Samantha always uses two. First, she selects one serum to treat your face and neck based on her assessment of your skin that day, not a preset menu: a brightening serum where summer has left uneven tone, for example, or a pore-clarifying serum where pores are congested. Then she always adds the hydrating HA5 serum, which contains five types of hyaluronic acid and is ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes and lips.
In her words: "Personalization is key. Most providers will only use one serum because of the cost, but I want to provide you with the very best treatment, so I always use two serums."
“No two treatments are ever the same, but will always be what your skin needs at that specific time.”
What to expect at your DiamondGlow appointment in Mount Pleasant
Before your visit
You can book your DiamondGlow online or call or text (843) 606-0402. Every treatment at Skin Glow Collective comes with a comprehensive skin health consultation, where we build a personalized plan around your needs and concerns. If you would like a deeper first look, our in-person skincare consultation includes a SkinCeuticals Skinscope LED skin analysis, which uses a daylight mode for visible concerns and an LED-UV mode to reveal sub-surface sun damage you cannot see in the mirror. Prefer to start from home? A virtual skincare consultation is also available.
Samantha takes first visits seriously: "I set aside about 2 hours on your initial visit to ensure we have enough time to discuss and develop a plan of care for you. I don't want to feel rushed and neither should you." Before your appointment, make a note of the skincare products and any prescription topicals you use, so she can review them with you.
Step by step in the treatment room
Skin analysis and consultation. Samantha reviews your skin, history, current routine and goals, and confirms DiamondGlow is the right choice for your skin today.
Cleanse and prep. Makeup, sunscreen and surface oil are removed so the wand works on clean skin.
Exfoliate, extract and infuse. The diamond-tipped wand glides across your face in passes, infusing your targeted serum across the face and neck and HA5 around the eyes and lips. Most clients describe a mild scratchy or stinging sensation and gentle suction, not pain.
Finishing touches. We take the treatment further with targeted topical serums and a cooling alginate masque, then finish with a hydrating eye serum and a lip treatment. LED light therapy is also incorporated to elevate your results.
Mineral SPF. Your skin is protected with a mineral SPF during the final steps, so you can walk straight back out into the Charleston sun.
In our Skin Glow Luxe Facial (90 minutes), DiamondGlow is one of the customized exfoliation options, alongside lymphatic drainage, a sculpting facial massage and brow shaping.
Ready to see what DiamondGlow can do for your skin? Book your DiamondGlow facial >
Right after your treatment
Your skin will feel refreshed, exfoliated, smooth and dry to the touch. After your first session, it may look slightly pink or red for 1 to 2 hours due to increased blood flow. Typical side effects include temporary tightness, redness or slight swelling. Rare but serious side effects, such as severe skin irritation and allergic reactions, can occur, which is another reason your consultation matters. There is no downtime, so most clients go straight back to work, errands or even a dinner reservation.
DiamondGlow results: what you can expect and when
Results start immediately. Here is a realistic picture of how results build:
The same day: brighter, fresher skin that feels smoother, with pores that look clearer.
Over the first few months: with 1 to 2 sessions a month, texture, clarity and tone keep improving as your skin responds to regular exfoliation and targeted serums.
Long term: results last longer when your home routine supports them, which is where medical-grade skincare comes in (more on that below).
DiamondGlow improves how the surface of your skin looks and feels. It is not designed to replace treatments that remodel deeper structure, like microneedling for acne scarring. The right plan often uses both.
How often should you get DiamondGlow?
Our recommendation is 1 to 2 sessions per month for the first few months, then a transition to a maintenance plan. For congested or textured skin, a DiamondGlow every 4 weeks is particularly effective as ongoing maintenance. Here are three common ways to schedule it:
The maintenance client books DiamondGlow every four to six weeks, year-round.
The seasonal client books a series of three to four sessions before a big event, a vacation or a seasonal transition, especially a post-summer reset in the fall.
The combination client alternates DiamondGlow with a corrective treatment, usually medical microneedling a few times a year for collagen, with DiamondGlow in the months between for surface polish.
None of these is right by default. Your cadence depends on your skin, your home routine, your calendar and your budget, and Samantha will help you choose one you can keep. For a broader look at timing, see how often you should get a facial.
Building DiamondGlow into your skin plan
DiamondGlow and dermaplaning
DiamondGlow plus facial dermaplaning is one of our featured specialties for deep exfoliation and instant radiance. Dermaplaning removes dead skin and peach fuzz for an ultra-smooth surface, and DiamondGlow clears pores and infuses serum. Both have no downtime, which makes the pair a smart choice before photos and events.
DiamondGlow, microneedling and chemical peels
When the goal is deeper change, such as acne scarring, stubborn texture or pigmentation, medical microneedling and our TCA-based chemical peel do the heavy lifting, and DiamondGlow keeps skin clear and bright between sessions. Samantha will map out the order and spacing for you. Our Registered Nurse's guide to microneedling and TCA peel guide explain each treatment in depth.
Microneedling is also where Samantha's own focus is right now. In her words: "Microneedling is the best facial you will ever receive. The true magic happens by combining microneedling with a chemical peel that targets your specific skin concerns." If deeper change is your goal, read her guide to microneedling and chemical peels together.
DiamondGlow before a wedding, gala or event
For a flawless, photo-ready finish, book DiamondGlow three to five days before your event. If you want sculpting, de-puffing and lift as well as glow, the Skin Glow Red Carpet Facial is our dedicated pre-event treatment. Planning a wedding? Our bridal skin prep timeline shows how DiamondGlow, dermaplaning and the Red Carpet Facial fit together in the months before your date.
DiamondGlow for men
DiamondGlow works for men's skin too, especially for congestion and rough texture. Men who prefer a facial designed around shaving irritation and ingrown hairs can also try our Gentleman's Skin Glow Facial.
DiamondGlow aftercare and home care
Aftercare is simple:
Wear sunscreen every day. Freshly exfoliated skin deserves extra protection in the Lowcountry sun.
Avoid aggressive actives, such as prescription retinoids, for the next 24 hours so your skin stays calm.
Keep your skin hydrated and use gentle products.
If you wear makeup, mineral makeup can be applied right away. We carry Jane Iredale mineral makeup in the studio, with personalized shade matching.
What you do at home decides how long your results last. Samantha recommends that everyone build their routine on what she calls "The Big Three":
Vitamin A, in the formulation that suits your skin (your skin care professional can help you choose).
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
Mineral SPF, with zinc or titanium in the ingredient list.
"These are the foundation to healthy skin and all three are essential!" Our article on DiamondGlow and medical-grade skincare explains why professional treatments and the right home care work better together, and how that can save you time and money over the long run.
“Consistently nourish, repair, protect and repeat. Trust the process, enjoy the glow!”
DiamondGlow vs HydraFacial in Charleston
It is the question we hear most. Both treatments cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate, but they work differently. DiamondGlow uses manual exfoliation with a diamond tip and medical-grade SkinMedica serums, and it is considered a corrective, clinical treatment. HydraFacial uses chemical exfoliation with glycolic and salicylic acids, and its goals are cosmetic; it leaves skin feeling dewy, while DiamondGlow leaves skin smooth and dry to the touch. For a full side-by-side comparison, including which one suits Charleston's climate, read DiamondGlow vs HydraFacial: which is better for Charleston skin?
What does DiamondGlow cost in Mount Pleasant?
DiamondGlow is one of the customized exfoliation options in the Skin Glow Luxe Facial (90 minutes). Current pricing is shown on our DiamondGlow facial page and in online booking. DiamondGlow also makes a thoughtful present: gift cards are available online.
Samantha's approach to cost is refreshingly direct: "Healthy skin should not cost a fortune. We will work with you, your goals and your budget." Pairing professional treatments with a few targeted home care products also means fewer products to buy and longer-lasting results.
Why Mount Pleasant clients choose Skin Glow Collective for DiamondGlow
- A Registered Nurse at every appointment. Samantha spent most of her nursing career in hospitals, caring for patients through complex procedures including cardiac surgery, and completed Allergan DiamondGlow device training in 2023.
- Always one-on-one. Skin Glow Collective is a one-room boutique studio with no front desk and no rotating estheticians. You will always work directly with Samantha.
- Two serums in every DiamondGlow. Most providers use one serum because of the cost. Samantha always uses two: a targeted serum for your face and neck, plus HA5 for the eyes and lips.
- No pushy upsells. "I will never sell you something that I do not believe in or that you do not need."
- Skin health first. "I believe you don't have to destroy it to make it healthier."
- 5-star Google reviews. Read our Google reviews.
“My new favorite spot for facials! Sam is very attentive and I left with my skin feeling absolutely amazing. She’s so knowledgeable and creates a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere. It was by far the best Diamond Glow I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to go back!”
Getting to our DiamondGlow studio from around Charleston
Skin Glow Collective is at 1031 Chuck Dawley Blvd, Suite 5, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, near Trader Joe's, with easy, free parking right outside. Get directions on Google Maps.
- Mount Pleasant: minutes from Old Village, Shem Creek, I'On and Belle Hall. See facials in Mount Pleasant.
- Sullivan's Island: less than 10 minutes over the Ben Sawyer Bridge. See facials near Sullivan's Island.
- Downtown Charleston: about 10 minutes over the bridge from Broad Street or King Street. See facials in Charleston.
- Isle of Palms: about 15 minutes.
- Daniel Island and North Charleston: a short drive, and we are proud to serve clients from both.
All services are by appointment only.
DiamondGlow facial FAQs
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DiamondGlow exfoliates rough, dry skin with a diamond tip, suctions oil and debris from your pores with a closed-loop vacuum, and infuses SkinMedica serums into the skin, all at the same time. The result is skin that looks brighter, clearer and more even.
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Two in every treatment. Samantha selects one SkinMedica serum to treat your face and neck based on her assessment of your skin that day, then always adds the hydrating HA5 serum, which contains five types of hyaluronic acid and is ideal for the delicate eye area and lips. Many providers use only one serum because of the cost.
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Most clients feel a mild scratchy or stinging sensation and gentle suction during treatment, not pain. The diamond tip and suction are adjusted to your skin's sensitivity.
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No. Your skin may look slightly pink or red for 1 to 2 hours, and some clients notice temporary tightness or slight swelling. Most people return to work or errands the same day.
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Right away. After just one treatment, skin typically looks brighter, fresher, smoother and clearer. Results build with regular sessions and supportive home care.
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We recommend 1 to 2 sessions per month for the first few months, then a maintenance plan. For congested or textured skin, every 4 weeks works well for ongoing maintenance.
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Yes. DiamondGlow is one of our top recommendations for congestion, clogged pores and blackheads, and acne-prone skin often benefits from its deep extraction. If you have active, inflamed breakouts, Samantha may recommend a different approach first.
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DiamondGlow is an excellent option for improving the look of sun damage, pigmentation and dullness, especially when paired with a brightening serum. For deeper or stubborn pigmentation, a chemical peel series may be recommended.
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It can be adjusted with gentler tips and serums for many sensitive skin types. If you are in an active rosacea or eczema flare, it is better to wait, and our Sensitive Skin Facial may be a better starting point.
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Yes. Mineral makeup can be applied immediately after treatment. Your skin also leaves the studio protected with mineral SPF.
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Book DiamondGlow three to five days before your event. That is close enough for your glow to be at its peak and far enough for any pinkness to settle.
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DiamondGlow uses manual exfoliation with a diamond tip and medical-grade SkinMedica serums and is considered a clinical, corrective treatment. HydraFacial uses chemical exfoliation with glycolic and salicylic acids and is considered a cosmetic treatment.
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Skin Glow Collective offers DiamondGlow at 1031 Chuck Dawley Blvd, Suite 5, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, about 10 minutes from downtown Charleston and less than 10 minutes from Sullivan's Island. Every treatment is performed by Samantha Katz, BSN, RN.
Book your DiamondGlow facial in Mount Pleasant
Brighter, clearer, smoother skin, with no downtime and two serums chosen by a Registered Nurse who will only recommend what your skin needs. Book your DiamondGlow online, start with a consultation if you are not sure it is the right fit, or call or text (843) 606-0402.
