Acne

What Is Acne?

Acne arises when sebaceous glands, which secrete a protective oily substance called sebum, become blocked and inflamed. This leads to various types of acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, cysts, pustules, and papules—all of which disrupt the skin’s surface.

• Whiteheads: Appearing as firm bumps on the skin with white tops, whiteheads are closed comedones commonly appearing in oil-prone regions such as the T-zone—the forehead, nose, and chin.
• Blackheads: Blackheads are open comedones, meaning the pore is unobstructed. Dead skin cells and debris are exposed to air, and this oxidization turns them black.
• Pustules: Essentially inflamed whiteheads, pustules appear red and swollen.
• Papules: These acne lesions are small, inflamed, and often tender to the touch.
• Cysts: Often developing deeper within the skin, cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that can cause discomfort.
• Nodules: Among the most severe forms of acne, nodules are large, hard, and painful lumps that develop deep under the skin’s surface.

In addition to facial acne, many patients experience outbreaks on the upper legs, upper arms, neck, shoulders, back, and chest.

What Causes Acne Outbreaks?

Our skin has millions of pores—tiny holes in the tissue that allow oil to escape the body and lubricate the skin. These pores contain hairs. When a pore becomes clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and hair, it creates a perfect medium for bacteria to grow and cause pimples to form.  

Hormone level fluctuations, heredity, some medications, and certain cosmetic or skincare products can contribute to acne breakouts. People with oily skin are more likely to have more severe acne. Skin irritation, humidity, pollution, and friction or pressure can exacerbate acne flare-ups.

Adolescents, typically from ages 10 to 13, often experience acne, with the condition persisting for about 5 to 10 years. While teenage boys are more likely to face severe acne, up to 20% of adults continue to have episodes, with adult women being affected more frequently than men.

Acne has often been considered a rite of passage into adulthood. However, since society places great value on appearances, even mild acne can carry negative emotional consequences, including:

• Social withdrawal
• Decreased self-esteem
• Poor body image
• Embarrassment
• Depression
• Anger
• Frustration
• Preoccupation
• Negative impact on academic or professional performance

Fortunately, effective treatment options are available. If you are experiencing an acne outbreak, we offer numerous treatment methods to clear up your skin.

Acne Treatment Options

Treatment at Heights Laser Centre begins with a private consultation. Our acne expert will guide you through a detailed skin assessment, focusing on your concerns and goals. Together, we will find the best acne solution for you. Our personalized approach enables us to create a targeted treatment strategy to help you achieve a clearer, smoother complexion.

Based on your skin assessment and goals, your treatment protocol may involve one or a combination of the following:

Chemical Peels

Applying a specialized chemical peel solution to the skin’s surface promotes exfoliation—shedding dead and compromised skin cells to clear pores and reduce acne outbreaks.

Glacial® fx

Harnessing the power of CryoAesthetics®, Glacial® fx treatments use precision cooling to combat inflammation and create calmer, clearer skin. Glacial fx can be used on all skin types and is safe and effective on facial and back acne.

Cosmeceuticals

For those considering topical treatments, cosmeceuticals can be an excellent choice. These products combine the aesthetic appeal of cosmetics with the healing properties of medications in easy-to-apply lotions, creams, and ointments. They’re designed to alleviate acne and moisturize and enrich the skin as part of a regular at-home care regimen.

Blu-U Light Therapy

This therapy offers an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, providing a convenient alternative to topical ointments. This blue light therapy targets acne-causing bacteria on the skin, potentially clearing your acne with regular 20-minute sessions. Proven safe and requiring no recovery time, Blu-U has helped over 90% of patients improve their skin’s tone and texture, with a majority finding it gentler than other treatments.

Financing Options

To put your aesthetic goals within reach, we accept Medicard, which offers a variety of financing terms with convenient monthly payments.

See financing options