Acne Treatment in Edmonton: Causes, Options, Aftercare and More
Acne affects millions of people of all ages and can appear on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Hormonal fluctuations, genetics, medications, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to breakouts.
Fortunately, modern dermatology offers a wide range of treatments—from topical products and prescription medications to advanced lasers and peels—to clear existing acne and prevent future eruptions. This guide explains what acne is, explores effective treatments, and provides aftercare tips to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
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What is Acne, and Why is it Common in Edmonton?
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. It develops when excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells accumulate within hair follicles, creating a plug. Bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) proliferate inside the blocked pore, triggering inflammation, redness and pus. Acne severity ranges from mild comedonal breakouts to deep, painful cysts that can lead to scarring.
Types of Acne
Dermatologists classify acne lesions into several categories:
Non‑inflammatory lesions:
Blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones) form when a clogged pore is close to the surface.
Blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones) form when a clogged pore is close to the surface.
Inflammatory lesions:
Papules and pustules appear as red, tender bumps or bumps with a white center. Nodules and cysts are deeper, more painful lumps that can cause scarring.
Papules and pustules appear as red, tender bumps or bumps with a white center. Nodules and cysts are deeper, more painful lumps that can cause scarring.
Hormonal acne:
Often emerges along the jawline, chin and neck, especially in women, and may worsen around menstrual cycles.
Often emerges along the jawline, chin and neck, especially in women, and may worsen around menstrual cycles.
Untreated or severe acne can lead to hyperpigmentation, textural scars and emotional distress. Early intervention and a tailored treatment plan are essential to prevent these complications.
Common Causes and Triggers
Several factors can contribute to acne development:
Hormones: Androgens increase sebum production during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or when taking certain medications.
Genetics: A family history of acne may predispose you to breakouts.
Stress: Stress hormones can exacerbate inflammation and oil production.
Diet: High‑glycemic foods and dairy may trigger or worsen acne in some individuals.
Skincare and cosmetics: Using heavy or comedogenic products can block pores.
Medications:
Corticosteroids, androgens and certain anticonvulsants can cause acne flares.
Corticosteroids, androgens and certain anticonvulsants can cause acne flares.
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Acne Treatment Summary
Cost & Pricing
Acne treatments at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre typically range from $150–$500 per session, depending on severity and type of treatment chosen.
Treatment & Procedure
Treatments include chemical peels, laser therapy, or HydraFacial; customized per skin condition, aiming to clear acne, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation effectively.
Mechanism of Action
Procedures target acne bacteria, reduce inflammation, exfoliate dead skin cells, and decrease sebum production, promoting clearer, healthier skin over time.
Benefits & Results
Noticeable reduction of active acne, improved skin clarity, fewer breakouts, smoother texture, and minimized future acne occurrence with ongoing treatment sessions.
Side Effects & Downtime
Mild redness, peeling, or sensitivity may occur immediately post-treatment, typically resolving within 24–72 hours; generally minimal to no downtime required.
Discomfort & Pain Level
Treatments cause minimal discomfort, often described as mild tingling or warmth; pain levels are low, and comfort measures like cooling gels may be applied.
Acne Treatments at Our Clinic In Edmonton
The most effective acne treatment plans address multiple factors—oil production, bacteria, inflammation and cell turnover. Treatments include:
Topical treatments:
Over‑the‑counter cleansers and gels containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or alpha‑hydroxy acids help exfoliate and reduce bacteria. Prescription retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) normalize cell turnover and unclog pores. Topical antibiotics are sometimes used short‑term to reduce inflammation.
Over‑the‑counter cleansers and gels containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or alpha‑hydroxy acids help exfoliate and reduce bacteria. Prescription retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) normalize cell turnover and unclog pores. Topical antibiotics are sometimes used short‑term to reduce inflammation.
Oral medications:
Antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Hormonal therapies (combined birth control pills or spironolactone) balance hormones in women with adult acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful medication that shrinks oil glands and clears severe or resistant acne over several months.
Antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Hormonal therapies (combined birth control pills or spironolactone) balance hormones in women with adult acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful medication that shrinks oil glands and clears severe or resistant acne over several months.
Procedural treatments:
Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate and unclog pores while reducing discoloration. Light and laser therapies target bacteria and reduce inflammation; blue light kills C. acnes bacteria, while pulsed‑dye lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) calm redness. Photodynamic therapy combines a photosensitizing agent with light for severe cases. Extraction and drainage procedures remove large cysts. Steroid injections can quickly reduce painful nodules.
Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate and unclog pores while reducing discoloration. Light and laser therapies target bacteria and reduce inflammation; blue light kills C. acnes bacteria, while pulsed‑dye lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) calm redness. Photodynamic therapy combines a photosensitizing agent with light for severe cases. Extraction and drainage procedures remove large cysts. Steroid injections can quickly reduce painful nodules.
Skin‑care and lifestyle:
A gentle cleansing routine, non‑comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen help maintain skin health. Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples prevents scarring. Managing stress, eating a balanced diet and regular exercise also support clearer skin.
A gentle cleansing routine, non‑comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen help maintain skin health. Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples prevents scarring. Managing stress, eating a balanced diet and regular exercise also support clearer skin.
Acne treatment is highly individualised. Some people achieve clearance with topical products alone, while others require a combination of medications and in‑office procedures. Your dermatologist will design a regimen tailored to your skin type, acne severity and lifestyle.
Why Choose Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre for Acne Treatment?
Our team offers a comprehensive, evidence‑based approach to acne management. We combine dermatological expertise with advanced technology to treat all forms of acne—from stubborn teenage breakouts to adult hormonal flare‑ups. By choosing Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre, you benefit from:
Experienced Providers:
Our clinicians stay up to date with the latest research and treatment protocols.
Our clinicians stay up to date with the latest research and treatment protocols.
Full‑Spectrum Care:
We offer prescription management, chemical peels, phototherapy, laser treatments and extraction services under one roof.
We offer prescription management, chemical peels, phototherapy, laser treatments and extraction services under one roof.
Personalised Plans:
Each plan is designed around your skin type, severity and lifestyle, with regular assessments and adjustments.
Each plan is designed around your skin type, severity and lifestyle, with regular assessments and adjustments.
Patient Education:
We educate you about skin care, diet and lifestyle factors that influence acne to support long‑term results.
We educate you about skin care, diet and lifestyle factors that influence acne to support long‑term results.
Transparent Pricing:
You receive detailed estimates before starting treatment and can explore package or membership options to save on multiple sessions.
You receive detailed estimates before starting treatment and can explore package or membership options to save on multiple sessions.
Transparent Pricing
Your acne treatment cost will depend on the modalities chosen and the length of therapy. A basic regimen with prescription topicals might cost $100–$200 per month, whereas adding chemical peels or light therapy can increase costs to $300–$600 per month. Comprehensive plans that include isotretinoin, lab testing and regular in‑office procedures may range from $1,500 to $3,000 over six months. During your consultation, we’ll provide a customised quote and discuss financing or membership programs.
Frequently asked questions
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. Hormones and diet may also play a role.
What types of acne do you treat?
Our treatments involve advanced in-clinic procedures complemented by personalized skincare routines.
Who benefits most from acne treatment?
Individuals experiencing mild to severe acne, including scarring or discoloration, seeking clear, healthy skin.
When will I see results?
Results are typically noticeable within 2–4 weeks, improving progressively with further sessions.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Most treatments involve little to no downtime. You may experience mild redness or peeling that resolves within a few hours to a couple of days. Clients can generally resume normal activities immediately.
What if I have severe cystic acne?
Albany offers advanced options like Fraxel lasers, photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency microneedling, and can coordinate prescriptions (e.g., isotretinoin) when necessary. The treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.