Acne is one of the most common skin condition seen by dermatologists. It results when hair follicles in the skin get clogged by dead skin cells and oil. Acne may involve the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules along with cysts and nodules.
What is acne?
When your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, it acts as a breeding ground for a particular species of bacteria called P. acnes. The bacteria contributes to the formation of inflammation as seen by redness, swelling and pus accompanying acne spots. Acne often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.
What are the symptoms?
Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:
- Blackheads (open comedomes)
- Whiteheads (closed comedomes)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules) - papules with pus at the tip
- Large, solid, and painful lumps beneath the skin (nodules)
Where does Acne appear?
Acne usually appears on:
- Face
- Forehead
- Neck
But may also affect:
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Upper back
- Arms
- Buttocks
When do you get acne?
Acne is most common among teenagers but it can affect people of all ages. When seen in teenagers, it usually starts around puberty and last anywhere between 5 to 10 years or in some cases, continues into adulthood. Some adults may also develop acne.
Acne treatment in Toronto
While acne lesions or pimples may come and go, sometimes they leave unwanted acne scars or pigmentation that can be disfiguring and cause severe stress. To combat this, an aggressive and highly specialized approach to acne treatment is required. At the Canadian Dermatology Centre here in Toronto, our board-certified dermatologists are acne experts with a wealth of experience in a wide range of cutting-edge laser therapies, dermal fillers, and advanced dermatologic treatments to reduce your acne scars.
Why Canadian Dermatology Centre for your acne treatment?
Although acne is widely treated in Toronto area, the Canadian Dermatology Centre in Toronto is considered to be at the fore-front of acne treatment because we understand that acne treatments must be highly individualized and very aggressive when necessary, and more conservative when appropriate, in order to provide the best aesthetic results possible. Despite there being many acne treatment modalities available, there is no simple answer as no two patients respond the same to a treatment. During your private consultation with one of our leading board-certified Toronto dermatologists and the acne clinic team, a complete assessment of your concerned area will be done and a customized treatment plan will be discussed with you in more detail. We want to ensure that you receive a treatment plan that has the optimal combination of efficacy and safety.
Factors that may worsen acne
- Certain drugs such as corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium
- Stress
- Diet comprised of carbohydrate-rich foods
Some things to consider for your Toronto acne treatment
Cleansing
Our highly experienced acne clinic team member may prescribe special cleansing and moisturizing products that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth. At one of the largest and best dermatology clinic in Toronto, the Canadian Dermatology Centre may have many cleanser and moisturizer options for you to choose from to achieve best results possible.
Diet
Diet is one of the highly modifiable factors in acne treatment. It has been confirmed diet high in skim milk, whey protein, nuts, and carbohydrates may aggravate acne and it is best to avoid them to prevent acne from getting worse. In contrast, low glycemic diets and increased fish intake has been shown to reduce acne in some patients, as well as a lower BMI.
Cosmetics
Opting for oil-free cosmetic products that are non-comedogenic, meaning doesn't clog pores, and removing makeup daily can help to keep your skin clean from acne. Our special acne team at the Canadian Dermatology Centre can answer any specific questions you may have about your daily makeup routine and its relevance to preventing acne.
Acne treatment options in Toronto
Acne can be persistent and it is important to remember that the length of treatment must follow suit to improve your skin over time. At the Canadian Dermatology Centre, there are a plethora of treatment options available for our patients.
- Topical creams and ointment
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- Corticosteroid injections
- Antibiotics
Book a consultation today with the best acne treatment dermatology clinic that Toronto has to offer to explore all the available treatment options. We have the experience and the knowledge to deal with a complete spectrum of acne in terms of severity and the type.
For severe acne
In the case of unresponsive or relentless acne, our board-certified dermatologist may recommend isotretinoin as a treatment option. A more frequent appointments for close monitoring may be necessary as this medication has many potential side effects. All the important information will be discussed with you in more detail at your consultation with the acne clinic team.
Acne scarring treatment in Toronto
Your Toronto dermatologist may use a variety of methods for treating acne scars.
- Skin resurfacing with laser and dermabrasion or microdermabrasion
- Scar flattening with chemical peels or electrosurgery
- Soft tissue elevation with a use of fillers
- Removal of brown marks
Our team of professionals, under the guidance of our board-certified dermatologists, can offer a plethora of treatment options. Schedule a consultation today and waste less time in the battle against acne.
