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MEDICAL
COSMETIC
ACNE
Derm.ca has helped thousands of patients overcome acne skin conditions with a variety of leading-edge acne treatments
Acne is a chronic, inflammatory medical condition that can cause superficial and deep scarring. This can occur especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. Acne is often associated with a hormonal fluctuation and identifying it is key to a successful treatment. Proper diagnosis by a dermatologist will determine the different type of acne you have, such as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules. Although it is prevalent among teenagers during puberty, it is not restricted to any particular age group.
In fact, many of our patients encounter acne flare-ups and breakouts in their 30’s, 40’s, and even late into their 50’s. Acne doe not discriminate by age.
If you are seeking effective acne treatments, call us today at Derm.ca Dermatology & Esthetics in Calgary to book your consultation.
Explore Our Most Popular Acne Treatment Options
Isolaz: A unique acne therapy that combines vacuum and painless broadband light to deep clean and purify your pores from the inside out.
Prescription and Laser Options: We offer various tailored treatments based on your specific needs. For more information, book a consultation with us.
PRP for Rejuvenation: This natural treatment uses your body's platelets to heal and regenerate damaged skin.
Picolaser: This advanced laser treatment works great for acne and acne scars, providing quick and effective results.
DermaSweep
DermaSweep is an innovative 3-in-1 therapy that uses patented technology to exfoliate, increase circulation and deliver skin specific infusions directly to the skin. Derm.ca has been doing this wonderful procedure for more than ten years; we are one of Canada’s busiest providers of this procedure.
DermaSweep treatments help with the treatment of acne, fine lines, and can reduce pore size, improve skin tone and texture, brighten dull skin and improve hydration. By virtue of its ability to accelerate epidermal turnover and de-clog the skin, it is a remarkable tool to enhance penetration of skin care products and topical prescriptions. It is also beneficial for the treatment of hyperpigmentation and melasma.
DermaSweep is an excellent modality for de-clogging acne-prone pores and therefore enhances penetration of topical skin care products and medications. By extension, it helps prevent future acne breakouts.
DermaSweep is designed for all skin types.
Fresh, Firm and Radiant Skin with DermaSweep Unique Three Step Process; Unsurpassed Results that Last!
This no down-time treatment is fast, pain-free and is highly customizable based on your skin concerns. Dermasweep’s renewing infusions contain powerful, proven skincare ingredients including skin transforming peptides, age reversing growth factors, brightening agents, antioxidants, and soothing botanicals. Skin change is visible in as little as one session, though a series of 6 treatments is recommended for optimum results.
Dermasweep’s ability to promote skin health ranges from gentle to aggressive, based on the patient’s desires and skin health needs.
Mature skin benefits from accelerating exfoliation of stubborn dead skin cells which contribute to a dull, sullen complexion. DermaSweep enhances collagen production and helps minimize small wrinkles,fine lines and irregular pigmentation.
Customized treatments and packages are designed to address each individual’s skin concerns.
Please book a free consultation.
Derm.ca - Comprehensive Acne Care
While acne breakouts are among the most common esthetic concerns, they can certainly be bothersome and may even impact your self-confidence. Virtually anyone experiencing a moderate or severe breakout of acne or swelling from acne may consider our exciting acne treatments. Women who are or suspect they may be pregnant should inform our team during your important, as this may determine the treatment recommended for you.
Before & After
Revoderm Acne Basics Starter Kit
Revoderm Rosacea Acne Kit
Revoderm Essential Acne Control
Revoderm Advanced Acne Control Program
What causes Acne?
There are several factors that stem from acne breakouts including genetics, hormones, excessive oil production, bacterial infection, or clogged hair follicles. Pimples are formed when hair follicles get blocked and the oily substance called sebum builds up under the skin. At least 85 percent of people in North America experience some form of acne between the ages of 12 and 24 years.
Evidence-Based Acne Therapies - Personalized For Your Skin
Mild acne can be treated by using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as gels, soaps, pads, creams, and lotions, that are topically applied. There are steroidal and non-steroidal creams and gels that are effective against them. They help to control the bacteria, slow down sebum formation, and reduce swelling. However, severe or persistent breakouts of acne might require a prescription-strength solution. For highly effective acne treatments, call us today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Alanen and his
professional team can help you find an individual treatment plan that is right for you.
Acne Medical (Prescription) Therapies: Our Evidence-Based Approach
First, the bad news: acne cannot be “cured” in the strict sense of that term…. This is very important to be aware of, particularly in the era of misinformation online……
Now, the good news: The approaches that are used by award winning Dermatologist Dr Alanen usually gets this into a sustained remission….
The goals of ALL acne therapeutic regimens are:
- to have as few pimples as possible
- to prevent acne scars – these are permanent
- to have a regimen that is individualized, convenient and as inexpensive as possible.
We strongly believe that successful acne therapy results in part on rapid access to a board certified dermatologist – look for “FRCPC” (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) when you are assessing a physician’s credentials.
It is a time honoured observation that there can be a relatively short interval between the appearance of acne bumps and permanent acne scars. Scars are disfiguring and can be psychologically devastating Hence, here is a compelling desire for access to a formally trained dermatology specialist; that is the driving force behind the acne.ca service.
There are multiple different pharmacologic approaches to acne therapy, including topical creams, antibiotic pills, retinoid pills (such as Accutane), hormonal pills (e.g. birth control pills, spironolactone). Non-pharmacologic procedures can help improve acne as well (e.g. chemical peels, Isolaz laser, Dermasweep etc.).
Here is an overview of commonly used evidence-based pharmacologic approaches to acne:
Acne Medical (Prescription) Therapies: Our Evidence-Based Approach
Retinoid Creams and Gels
Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) are prescription topical medications which are specifically engineered to enter into your skin follicles (pores) and help get and keep them open thereby preventing pimples. They are commonly used in active acne therapy and also as part of an acne relapse prevention routine. They may occasionally irritate the skin (burning, redness and peeling); this is not allergy, but an intrinsic property of all vitamin A preparations. These creams need to go on all acne-prone areas – i.e. these are not “spot” treatments. Common generic names are tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.
Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)
Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing overgrown Cutibacterium (formerly known as Proprionibacterium) bacteria within pores. It also helps to dissolve clogs and loosen coagulated oil as well as environmental debris, dried up makeup etc. BPOs may be combined with clindamycin (an acne-killing antibiotic). On occasion, benzoyl peroxide may cause skin irritation and can bleach clothing and sheets (but not human skin). They are excellent preparations and they also decrease the risk of developing antibiotic resistance (for those who also require antibiotic pills).
Topical Dapsone Gel
Topical dapsone 5% gel is a new topical regimen that is beneficial for inflammatory acne. It is ideal for individuals who do not want or cannot tolerate antibiotic pills and / or those who are unable to use retinoid or BPO medications.
Cosmeceuticals
The term brings together Cosmetic and therapeutic. The non-prescription part of your acne care is very important for your best possible complexion. It is very important to use a cleansing and moisturizing system that will not irritate your skin and not adversely interact with your prescription. The non-prescription part of your skin care routine should work with your prescription. Dr Alanen is co-CEO of a boutique highly effective cosmeceutical skin care line (Revoderm). An individualized acne skin care approach can be put together by Dr. Alanen’s highly experienced team.
Systemic Antibodies (antibiotic pills)
No cream or gel can penetrate sufficiently deep into the skin to treat deep inflammatory acne bumps – you know, the painful red zit which never quite makes it to the skin surface. These types of acne lesions usually respond to antibiotic pills. The use of topical maintenance regimens cannot be overemphasized, but they are often insufficient by themselves.
There are valid criticisms about the use of antibiotics, namely:
- They work great when you are on them, but the acne returns as soon as they are stopped. This underscores the need for the right topical prescription and cosmeceuticals. I prescribe antibiotics with the mindset that they “buy time” for the topicals to open pores, dissolve clogs and, by extension, prevent scarring.
- There is concern about the development of antibiotic resistance. This is a genuine concern – for you and for the general public. Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxides and certain cosmeceuticals have been shown to minimize this important phenomenon.
- There is concern about disruption of the gut microbiome (killing of the “good” bacteria). This is a valid concern as well but use of retinoids, benzoyl peroxides, cosmeceuticals as well as probiotics can mitigate these risks.
Doxycycline
This is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication. It has been around for many, many years and it has an enviable track record in terms of effectiveness, safety and price tag. Doxycycline is safe and effective for many people with deep acne bumps. The most important side effect is sun-sensitivity; this can be immunized by taking doxycycline in the evening and using non-comedogenic zinc oxide based sunscreens. Occasional people report gastrointestinal upset (including gastroesophageal reflux – “GERD”) which goes away when the medication is stopped. Low dose, sustained release doxycycline is a new therapeutic option which does not kill “good” bacteria and is safe. Like minocycline, this medication is much better absorbed as compared with tetracycline (and is much more convenient – once per day as compared with four times per day).
Minocycline
As with doxycycline, this is an anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial pill. It is highly effective for many people with deep-seated acne lesions (about 85% in fact). As with doxycycline, sun-sensitivity and gastrointestinal upset may occur. Minocycline has important but rare side effects including transient vertigo / dizziness, skin pigmentation with prolonged use, liver toxicity and drug-induced lupus. These side effects resolve without untoward health effects when the medication is discontinued. Like doxycycline, this is much better absorbed as compared with tetracycline (and is much more convenient – once per day as compared with four times per day).
Sulfa (Sulfonamide) Medications
Several different sulfa (sulfonamide) medications exist (e.g. Bactrim, Septra) which have excellent anti-acne properties. Rare but important side effects including skin rash, bone marrow suppression and liver toxicity can occur. Thus, this class of medications is used as a second line approach (i.e. if doxycycline / minocycline are not helpful or if there is allergy to the tetracycline class of medications).
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)
OCPs are excellent treatment option for many females who have stubborn deep acne lesions – especially acne that worsens just before or during menstrual periods and / or acne of the lower face and chin area. Not all OCPs are the same when it comes to acne therapy, however. OCPs have rare but important side effects including a risk of blood clots (this is more likely in people with a personal or family history of blood clots, patients over age 35 and in individuals who smoke). OCPs don’t work immediately but randomized controlled trials consistently demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in acne treated with OCPs compared to placebo by the end of the third menstrual cycle.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a hormonal therapy (a potent antiandrogen that decreasing testosterone production and by inhibiting testosterone activity in the skin). This medication in older individuals is often used as a therapy for blood pressure as it is also a diuretic (and as such, you may find that urination is more frequent). This medication works best when combined with birth control – i.e. they are more effective when used together as compared with either medication alone…. It cannot be used in men and as it causes feminization type side effects such as gynecomastia.
Isotretinoin (Accutane, Epuris)
Accutane is extraordinarily effective for the treatment of severe acne. Absolutely nothing rivals its effectiveness. However, it has a significant potential side effect profile (including elevation of cholesterol, triglycerides, liver toxicity and – most importantly – birth defects). This necessitates regular visits to the dermatologist as well as bloodwork. Almost everyone on isotretinoin experiences dryness of skin and lips and eyes. Accutane is associated with very severe birth defects (“teratogenicity”) in everyone who becomes pregnant while taking this medication. Thus, at least two forms of contraception are required for sexually active females on this medication. Males on this medication should use condoms.
There are claims that isotretinoin causes depression but no clear-cut link has ever been demonstrated. As you likely imagine, the overwhelming majority of patients are highly satisfied with breakout-free skin once the regimen with isotretinoin is finished. Nevertheless, it is prudent to alert your doctor to any significant mood change with that occurs during isotretinoin therapy. Unless there is a compelling need, isotretinoin should be used no more than twice (i.e. two full courses) because of the inevitability of cholesterol and triglyceride elevation during therapy.
The Isolaz has been specifically designed with the latest in laser technology to safely and effectively treat acne breakouts. Combining vacuum suction with laser energy, this system works to purify pores and promote healthier skin. Vacuum suction works to gently bring debris and other impurities from deep within pores closer to the surface of the skin.
Medical Microdermabrasion For Acne & Skin Rejuvenation. Dermasweep combines 3 therapies in 1 treatment to deliver a radiant, glowing, and younger-looking skin in 30 minutes or less. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet strong enough for fine lines, wrinkles, acne, rosacea, tone, and texture.
The Derm.ca Chemical Peel is a skin revitalizing treatment used to safely and effectively remove the outermost layer of damaged skin, resulting in an improved complexion and healthier looking skin.
Revolutionary dermatologist-developed pharmaceutical-grade skincare made in Calgary for mild acne to deep cystic acne control.
What causes Acne?
If you have issues with acne, whether you are a teen or an adult, book a complimentary consultation by calling us at (403) 202-4038 or completing the submission form on this page.
One of our acne specialists will assess your condition, and provide treatment options.
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