Acne Treatment in Edmonton

Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre is a leading medical spa in Edmonton that offers advanced acne treatments. Under the leadership of Dr. Kamal Alhallak (Ph.D.) and Dr. Tomi (MD), the clinic provides customised care using innovative procedures and state‑of‑the‑art technology. Clients receive personalised consultations and tailored treatment plans that focus on non‑pharmaceutical approaches and medically supervised therapies. The centre’s professional team treats mild to severe acne and aims to restore clear, healthy skin while reducing scarring and pigmentation.

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Understanding Acne

acne treatment Edmonton
acne treatment 1
acne treatment Edmonton

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged. In healthy skin, follicles lined with keratinocytes allow sebum (oil) to flow onto the surface. In acne the hair, sebum and cells stick together, blocking the pore and preventing the sebum from reaching the surface. This plug creates an environment where bacteria – particularly Cutibacterium acnes – proliferate, causing inflammation and leading to lesions such as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. Acne usually affects the face, chest, back and shoulders, where oil glands are abundant.

Factors that Influence Acne

  • Excess sebum and clogged follicles: Over‑production of oil and dead skin cells that plug follicles can form whiteheads (closed comedones) or blackheads (open comedones).
  • Bacteria and inflammation: The clogged environment allows bacteria to grow and triggers an inflammatory response that produces redness, swelling and pus.
  • Hormonal changes: Rising androgens during puberty and hormonal fluctuations later in life (such as menstrual cycles) can trigger breakouts.
  • Genetics: A family history of acne increases the likelihood of developing it.
  • Triggers and lifestyle factors: Stress, certain medications, high‑glycemic foods and dairy can worsen acne. Physical pressure from helmets or headbands, cosmetics that clog pores, excessive sweating, overwashing, hormonal contraceptives, and squeezing pimples also exacerbate breakouts.
  • Climate: Edmonton’s dry winters may cause skin to produce extra oil to compensate for lost moisture, while humid summers increase sweating and bacterial growth – both can contribute to flare‑ups.

Impact on Well‑Being

Acne does not only affect teenagers; it can persist into adulthood and affect people of any gender. Chronic breakouts often lead to low self‑esteem and frustration, especially when over‑the‑counter products fail to provide relief. Early, effective treatment is important because persistent acne can cause scarring and post‑inflammatory pigmentation.

Acne Treatment Summary

Cost And Pricing

Acne treatment at Albany Laser Centre starts around $300, depending on severity and chosen methods.

Procedure Duration

Each session lasts 30 to 60 minutes, with multiple sessions recommended for optimal improvement.

Treatment benefits

Reduces active acne, prevents new breakouts, and improves overall skin texture and tone.

Expected Results

Noticeable reduction in acne and inflammation after a few sessions; clearer skin over time.

Side Effects And Downtime

Possible redness, dryness, or mild irritation; typically subsides within a few hours to days.

Discomfort and Pain Level

Mild discomfort may occur during laser or chemical treatments but is generally well tolerated.
Acne Treatment Infographic summarizing treatment cost, duration, comfort level, downtime, and results at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre.

Acne Treatment Options at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre

  • Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre offers evidence‑based treatments tailored to each client’s skin type and acne severity. Services range from medical‑grade facials and chemical peels to advanced light therapies and microneedling.

    In‑Clinic Therapies

    • HydraFacial®: A non‑invasive procedure that cleanses, extracts and hydrates congested pores. It leaves skin radiant and is ideal for acne‑prone and congested skin. Albany uses medical‑grade serums to enhance results and there is no downtime.
    • Isolaz® Deep Pore Therapy: Combines vacuum suction with broadband light to deep‑clean pores, reduce oil and kill bacteria. This treatment is painless and requires no anaesthesia or downtime, though several sessions are recommended.
    • Custom Chemical Peels: Luminous peels at Albany are tailored to individual skin needs and help exfoliate acneic and congested skin, improve pores and infuse antioxidants. They draw out impurities and balance the skin; some purging may occur as the skin clears.
    • Hydradermabrasion and Microdermabrasion: Bela MD and other hydradermabrasion treatments combine exfoliation with serum infusion to clear pores, calm and hydrate skin, and even pigmentation.
    • Fraxel® Laser and Radiofrequency Microneedling: For more severe acne and scarring, Albany offers Fraxel laser resurfacing and Fractora RF microneedling, which stimulate collagen production, improve texture and reduce cystic acne.
    • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Blue‑light therapy with agents like Levulan® targets bacteria and decreases oil production. It is effective for inflammatory and cystic acne.

    Medical Management

    Albany’s physicians may also recommend medical management when appropriate:

    • Topical medications: Agents such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics and salicylic acid help reduce bacteria and unclog pores.
    • Oral treatments: Including antibiotics, isotretinoin and hormonal therapy, used for moderate to severe cases. Albany’s team coordinates with your family doctor or dermatologist for prescriptions.

    Personalised Care and Consultation

    At Albany, each treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. The team assesses your medical history, acne type and triggers, and designs a customised plan. Clients often require 3–6 sessions spaced over several weeks to achieve optimal results. Following treatment, staff provide aftercare instructions to ensure long‑lasting improvements.

Lifestyle and Aftercare Recommendations

  • Cleanse gently twice a day using a mild cleanser; avoid harsh scrubs or frequent washing.
  • Shampoo regularly to prevent oil transfer to the face.
  • Don’t pick or squeeze lesions to avoid pushing bacteria deeper and causing scars.
  • Apply sunscreen because many acne medicines increase sun sensitivity.
  • Use non‑comedogenic products and avoid heavy cosmetics that can clog pores.
  • Identify triggers such as stress, diet or hormones and adjust accordingly.

Why Choose Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre

  • Expert leadership: Albany’s acne program is led by Dr. Kamal Alhallak and Dr. Tomi, who bring extensive experience in laser and cosmetic dermatology.
  • Comprehensive treatment portfolio: The clinic offers a full spectrum of therapies – from gentle facials and chemical peels to advanced laser resurfacing and photodynamic therapy – ensuring an option for every acne type.
  • Non‑pharmaceutical focus: While medical management is available, Albany emphasizes non‑pharmaceutical approaches like hydradermabrasion, PDT and microneedling, reducing reliance on long‑term medication.
  • Personalised care: Each client receives a bespoke plan tailored to their skin condition and goals. Treatments are adjusted based on progress and response to ensure optimal outcomes.
  • Minimal downtime: Most procedures cause little to no discomfort and allow clients to resume daily activities immediately.
  • Enhanced confidence: Clients often see results within a few weeks and benefit from clearer, healthier skin and improved self‑confidence.

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.
Our treatments involve advanced in-clinic procedures complemented by personalized skincare routines.
Individuals experiencing mild to severe acne, including scarring or discoloration, seeking clear, healthy skin.
Results are typically noticeable within 2–4 weeks, improving progressively with further sessions.
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.
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.
The cost depends on the type of procedure and number of sessions. For example, a single acne treatment session at Albany is typically priced around $300. During consultation, you will receive a detailed quote.
Yes. Albany uses Health Canada‑approved lasers and devices, and treatments are administered by trained professionals. Safety measures, such as cooling devices and sterile equipment, minimise risks.
Follow the general skincare guidelines outlined above: gentle cleansing, sunscreen, non‑comedogenic products, and avoiding picking or overwashing. Your provider will give specific instructions based on your treatment.
Yes. Combining therapies (e.g., HydraFacial followed by PDT or chemical peels) often enhances results. Your provider will determine the safest and most effective combination for your skin.
Absolutely. Many teenagers benefit from non‑invasive treatments like HydraFacial and IPL. The clinic’s physicians ensure treatments are age‑appropriate and safe.
You can schedule an appointment by contacting Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre directly via phone or their website. During consultation, the team will assess your skin and discuss your goals and budget before recommending a treatment plan.

Author, Review, and References

This page was created by the Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre team. It was most recently reviewed for medical accuracy on 19 July 2025 by Dr. Kamal Alhallak (Ph.D.) and Dr. Tomi (M.D.), who are both trained in laser and aesthetic medicine. We adhere to guidelines for reliable health information and encourage readers to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.

References: [1] [2] [3]

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