Gentle skin care
Cleanse without scrubbing, and choose products that suit acne-prone skin.
Skin & Complexion
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages and skin types. Our physicians assess what is happening in your skin and help you choose an appropriate medical treatment, maintenance and preventive plan as well as your at-home skincare.
Book an Acne ConsultationContinue to the full consultation form below.
Physician assessment · face and body acne · care for different skin tones
Acne at Any AgeCare for teens and adults
Face and Body AcneAssessment beyond the face
Physician AssessmentYour skin assessed in person
Personalized CareOptions suited to your skin
Understanding Acne
Understanding acne
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and deeper nodules or cysts. It can affect people of all ages and skin types.
Bacteria and inflammation then contribute to breakouts, and the pattern ranges from occasional congestion to persistent or painful cystic acne. For most people several factors act together, and the aim of care is to calm what is active, limit new breakouts, and reduce the risk of marks or scarring.
Excess oil
Oil production can increase, often in response to hormonal changes.
Blocked follicle
Oil and dead skin cells collect within the follicle.
Bacterial activity
Bacteria within the follicle can contribute to inflammation.
Visible breakout
The result may be a whitehead, blackhead, inflamed spot or deeper nodule.
Products, friction and stress may aggravate acne for some people. They do not explain every case.
- Acne is a common skin condition caused by blocked, inflamed hair follicles, and it can affect any age or skin type.
- Hormones, oil and bacteria, and inflammation are the main drivers; diet is rarely the main cause.
- Treatment ranges from skincare and prescription options to in-office procedures, chosen after assessment.
- Treating persistent or deep acne early helps lower the risk of marks and scarring.
Types of Acne
Common types of acne
We treat all types of acne. It can look and behave differently from person to person, and the pattern you have helps guide the right approach.
We also assess blackheads, whiteheads, inflammatory and nodular acne, and acne affecting the chest or back.
Causes and Contributing Factors
What are the causes for acne?
Several factors are usually involved at once. For most people, diet is not the main cause, and changing diet alone is unlikely to clear acne. Hormones are a common driver, and factors like stress can make it worse.
Hormones
Oil and blocked follicles
Inflammation
Family history
Products and friction
Certain medications
Prevention and Ongoing Care
Daily care for acne-prone skin
Consistent home care supports your treatment plan. We can help you choose a manageable routine and review it as your skin changes.
Daily sun protection
Protect your skin from the sun, particularly if acne has left dark marks or your treatment increases sun sensitivity.
Avoid picking
Picking can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of marks or scarring.
Treatment Options
How is acne treated?
Your plan may include prescription treatment, supportive skincare, or selected in-clinic procedures. We discuss the expected benefits, limitations, costs, and follow-up before you decide.
Medical Acne Treatment
Prescription options selected according to your acne, medical history, and previous response to treatment.
AviClear
A laser option that may be considered following assessment. Your physician will explain suitability, the treatment course, and realistic expectations.
Forever Clear BBL
A light-based option that may be considered as part of an individual acne care plan.
Supportive Skincare and HydraFacial
Selected products and cleansing treatments to help address oil and congestion alongside appropriate acne care.
Corticosteroid Injections
A targeted option for selected large, painful acne lesions, following physician assessment.
Medical Assessment
When should I seek a medical assessment for acne?
It is worth booking a physician assessment if you notice:
- Deep or painful acne, such as nodules or cysts
- Persistent marks or scarring
- Breakouts that are worsening quickly
- Acne alongside irregular periods or increased facial or body hair, which can point to an underlying hormonal condition
Whether your acne is new, persistent or changing, an in-person assessment can help clarify what is contributing to it and which treatments and at-home skincare may be appropriate for your skin.
Your Consultation
What we assess
Your appointment includes a review of your breakouts, skin sensitivity, current products, medical history, and previous treatments. We also discuss any marks or scarring and what you hope to improve.
See a real life example
Before
After
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Acne
Acne develops when oil, dead skin cells and bacteria block hair follicles, with inflammation adding to breakouts. Hormones, family history, some products and certain medications can all contribute. For most people, diet is not the main cause.
Acne is most common in adolescence, but it can continue into or begin in adulthood, and it affects every skin tone. Adult acne often appears on the lower face and jawline.
Deeper, inflamed or picked-at acne can leave marks or scars. Treating acne early and avoiding squeezing lowers the risk, and established scars can be treated in their own right once acne is controlled.
Yes. Hormonal shifts, stress, some products and picking can worsen it, and untreated inflammatory acne can deepen over time.
Options may include prescription topical or oral treatment, medical skincare, and in-office options such as AviClear or Forever Clear BBL. Suitability is confirmed at an in-person assessment.
Most acne treatments take several weeks to show a meaningful change, and results vary from person to person. A clinician can set realistic expectations based on your acne type and the approach chosen.
Yes. Acne can be an ongoing tendency, so maintenance skincare and follow-up are often part of keeping it under control.
The link is not fully settled. Some people find their acne reacts to certain dietary factors, but the effect varies and diet is not a reliable single cause.
Generally not. Picking or squeezing can worsen inflammation and raise the risk of marks and scarring.
Usually, yes. Calming active inflammation is generally an important first step before treating established scarring, since ongoing breakouts can create new marks.
Not necessarily. Whether AviClear or any device suits you depends on your skin and the type of acne, and it is confirmed at an in-person assessment.
Book an assessment if acne is deep or painful, is scarring or leaving marks, is worsening quickly, or comes with irregular periods or increased facial or body hair, which can point to a hormonal cause.
Acne Care in Vancouver
Book an Acne Consultation
Meet with one of our physicians to understand your acne and discuss suitable care. Bring your questions, current skincare routine, and details of treatments you have tried.
Visit Our Clinic
Visit our clinic in Vancouver, BC.
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic combines medical assessment, individualized planning, physician oversight, and a broad range of treatment options in its Vancouver clinic.
Plan your consultation.
Bring your questions, treatment history, and goals. Your provider can help you understand appropriate options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes.
Make an Appointment
Step into your next plan with confidence.
Use our consultation form below and the clinic can guide you toward the appropriate starting point.
HoursOpen 7 Days / Week from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Closures Announced on Google Business
Phone(604) 261-9121
Email[email protected]
Why Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic?
- A medical clinic with physicians and experienced medical-aesthetic providers on the team.
- Science-informed assessment, treatment planning, and realistic expectations.
- Laser, injectables, skin, body, hair, wellness, and medical services available in one clinic.
- Complimentary aesthetic consultations are available for appropriate cosmetic and laser services.
- Personalized skincare and product consultations based on your goals and routine.
- Home-care guidance to support your skin between in-clinic appointments.
- Professional skincare products available through the Anti-Aging Vancouver shop.
- Clear guidance on treatment options, preparation, downtime, aftercare, and next steps.
- Ongoing follow-up so your plan can evolve as your needs and goals change.
