Say Goodbye to Acne: A Guide to Finding the Best Solution for Your Skin

Did you know 1 in 4 moderate to severe acne sufferers has missed over ten important life moments due to acne? And when they show up for those moments, they are often affected by negative feelings and insecurities that prevent them from being fully present. According to Businesswire, acne sufferers shared some of the big moments they missed due to acne: 

• "I missed out on my high school prom because of my acne." 
• "I had a horrendous breakout the day before my cousin's wedding. I chose to stay home due to my insecurities." 
• "I missed a date with my husband for our wedding anniversary." 

If any of these sound like you, it's time to put your skin first. Indulge in this guide to finding the best solutions for your skin from MD Skin Lab, Toronto's destination for bespoke non-surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures by physicians. Our clinic offers treatments to treat all types of acne and acne scarring, whether mild, moderate or severe. 
Before we explain the best skin solutions, let's start with the basics.

What is acne? 

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Although it's most predominant during adolescence, acne can impact people of all ages and be challenging to treat. Severe acne can cause emotional distress and leave scars on the skin, making early preventive treatment essential to preventing long-term difficulties. 

Despite this, consider that treating acne is possible, as many effective treatments can reduce your number of pimples and minimize your chances of scarring. 

"When it comes to acne, unfortunately, there’s no magic wand you can wave to make your acne disappear, you can’t rush acne treatments. It can take on average, 2 to 3 months or sometimes even longer to really start seeing the benefits of acne treatment plans. At MD Skin Lab, we always tell our patients to be patient with the regimen. The regimen that we give you will work, but you have to be patient” Dr. Govan, Aesthetic Medicine Doctor

What are the different types of acne? 

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by various lesion types; whiteheads and blackheads, referred to as comedones, are the most common acne lesions. 

• Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are characterized by a visible opening at the skin's surface. Oxygen in the air (not dirt) makes these pimples look darker. 
• Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, form raised bumps under the skin's surface and remain flesh-coloured.
  

There are also inflammatory lesions, which are more likely to cause scarring of your skin, including:  

• Papules are tiny red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.  
• Pustules are small red pimples that have pus at their tips. 
• Nodules are solid pimples, often painful lumps that develop under the skin's surface.
• Cysts are typically more painful; these large lumps form under the skin and contain pus. 

What are the symptoms of acne?  

Acne can present itself on various body parts, but it is most commonly found on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. Pimples can cause the skin to feel rough and uneven. In addition, acne may lead to skin discoloration, such as dark patches or spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness, as well as swelling and inflammation. Pimples can also be painful and tender to the touch, and popping them can increase the risk of scarring or discoloration. Instead of squeezing pimples, we recommend seeing an aesthetic physician that can provide you with an effective plan to help manage acne breakouts and minimize the risk of scarring.

What are the causes of acne?  

Acne is caused by blockages in the pores of your skin, resulting from a combination of factors, including oil, dead skin, and bacteria. Each pore is connected to a hair and an oil gland known as a sebaceous gland. Sebum, an oily substance that helps keep your skin soft and lubricated, is released by the gland and travels up the hair and out of the pore onto your skin. However, various disruptions in this process can contribute to acne. Factors such as excess oil production, the buildup of dead skin cells, and bacterial accumulation in the pores can all lead to the development of pimples. When bacteria grow in a clogged pore and the oil cannot escape, it can form acne. 

How do I treat my acne? 

If you presume you have acne based on the symptoms mentioned, we recommend getting a diagnosis from a specialist at a reputable clinic, like MD Skin Lab. By consulting with an experienced aesthetic physician, you can receive a thorough assessment of the type and severity of your skin lesions. With this information, your physician can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

“The good news is that there are a lot of options when it comes to treating acne. There are different types of acne and often require a multimodal approach. It isn’t one size fits all when it comes to acne treatments. A physician consultation and personalized acne treatment plan can be created for each patient in order for them to treat the acne and maintain the results.” Dr. Dhanji, Aesthetic Medicine Doctor

Let's break down the treatments available at MD Skin Lab in Toronto.

AviClear for Active Acne  

Imagine a targeted acne treatment that addresses the root cause of your skin condition – this is precisely what AviClear offers. Utilizing safe and non-invasive laser technology, AviClear targets the source of your acne and regulates the oils on your skin. It is the first and only Health Canada and FDA-cleared laser treatment to successfully manage all types of acne, ranging from mild to severe. MD Skin Lab recommends AviClear for individuals seeking a way to treat acne by targeting the bacteria that cause acne and those with very oily skin who want to reduce oil production. It is also an excellent treatment for those who wish to diminish acne inflammation, reduce pore size and improve the skin's appearance.

How does AviClear work? 

AviClear is an innovative laser treatment that utilizes a specialized 1726nm wavelength to selectively target the root cause of acne by regulating the sebaceous glands. The overproduction of sebum, the oily substance on your skin, significantly contributes to acne formation. Sebum provides a favourable environment for bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and the development of painful cystic acne. AviClear effectively reduces sebum production by damaging the sebocytes and reduces sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts and improved skin texture. Following treatment, you can expect to produce less oil and see a noticeable improvement in your skin's appearance.

AviClear treats multiple areas on your body, including:

• Face
• Shoulders
• Chest 
• Back 

We recommend consulting your physician to evaluate your skin and determine if any other problem areas need to be addressed. 

When will I see the results from AviClear? 

You can expect a reduction in oily skin and an improvement in acne after undergoing the AviClear laser treatment. Visible improvements should appear around 3-4 weeks after your last session. Clinical studies have shown that 87% of patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in acne within the first six months after treatment (up from 80% at three months). It is also possible to see continued improvement in your skin several months after completing your treatment sessions. To achieve the desired results, you must attend three appointments, each lasting 30 minutes. After your final treatment, you will return for a final assessment 12 weeks later.

Want to learn more about how AviClear can help target your acne and give you the skin you deserve? Book an appointment with MD Skin Lab to get started. 

Vivier Skin Care as an Acne Treatment System 

Now, along with in-office treatments, at MD Skin Lab, we always like to recommend the best skincare products that we sell in our skincare storefront, including products by Vivier, and in this case, the Acne Treatment System. This effective 2-step acne-clearing kit can visibly eradicate existing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads in as little as two weeks while preventing new formations. Your skin will look healthier even with regular use of this dynamic duo, which includes a Medicated Wash and Acne Treatment Lotion in full sizes. This program is designed to cater to your unique skin type and needs, ensuring optimal results. Each pH-balanced product preps the skin for the subsequent step and delivers visible, consistent results at a great value when used as directed. We recommend consulting with our aesthetic physicians if you need clarification on this acne-clearing kit. 

What does the Vivier Acne Treatment System procedure look like? 

First, you have the medicated wash, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is made to dissolve oil and debris in the pores, assisting with preventing whiteheads, blackheads and acne. It should be used in the morning and at night; it's important to rinse thoroughly.  

Next in the kit is the acne treatment lotion, which includes a medical-grade 5% Benzoyl Peroxide. This strong antibacterial medication kills acne-causing bacteria, treating acne breakouts and preventing further eruptions. You'll want to use this one at night after cleansing; it should not be rinsed. 

What are the benefits of using Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne? 

This kit contains two of these essential ingredients, which have antimicrobial properties; however, they serve different purposes in the fight against acne. Salicylic Acid clears debris and dead skin cells; meanwhile, Benzoyl Peroxide kills bacteria in the pores. Together, these key ingredients synergize, promoting clear and glowing skin. 

Get your Vivier Acne Treatment System from the MD Skin Lab Store.

Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum for Acne-Prone Skin

Another fantastic product we love to recommend to our clients features the Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum, also available at the MD Skin Lab Store. This oil-free face serum improves visible signs of aging, while improving acne-prone skin. 

This product is oil-free, and is used as a targeted approach for aging and blemish-prone skin. The Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum is a first-to-market acid blend that combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation, which reduces the formation of acne and clogged pores, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone. 

Get the Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum available at the MD Skin Lab Store.

Radiofrequency Microneedling with Morpheus8 for Acne Scars 

Do you deal with acne scars? We have a solution for this – the famous Morpheus8 Scar Recovery treatment, which will help you say goodbye to your acne scars. Morpheus8 is an invasive skin therapy that employs controlled heat energy and a specialized device to promote skin rejuvenation. Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling is an excellent solution offered by the physicians at MD Skin Lab. Let's get into the specifics. 

How does Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling work?

Morpheus8 is a cutting-edge modular radiofrequency fractional microneedling treatment designed to target skin reconstruction and improve the appearance of acne scars. Utilizing Radiofrequency (RF) technology, Morpheus8 is an innovative microneedling technique that effectively revitalizes the skin by focusing on the underlying dermis layer. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, it promotes tissue regeneration, resulting in reduced lines and wrinkles, minimizing pore size, and improving skin texture and brightness.

Acne scars can take various forms, such as being pitted, discoloured, or having elevated borders due to acne or skin injury. Morpheus8 can be used on any part of the body that requires deep subdermal resurfacing and reshaping, but the most commonly treated areas are the face and neck, which tend to show the most visible signs of aging.

The Morpheus8 treatment is suitable for all skin types and tones and produces a comprehensive resurfacing of subdermal layers and skin contouring with minimal downtime. The gradual yet remarkable results of Morpheus8 treatment have provided acne scar patients with a newfound confidence that has positively impacted their lives.

 

When will I see the results from Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling?

You'll see some short-term results as your skin heals and starts to look smoother and more radiant. Over the next 12-16 weeks, you'll notice fewer wrinkles, tighter skin and pores, and a healthier-looking complexion. You will want to prolong results by being diligent with sun protection, avoiding smoking and using medical-grade skincare from MD Skin Lab's Skin Store.

At MD Skin Lab, we offer the Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling treatment that can be tailored to your specific skin type and address the areas you want to improve to achieve your desired goals. Book an appointment with MD Skin Lab to get started.

How can I start my acne-healing journey? 

Firstly, you will want to book a consultation with the physicians at MD Skin Lab, as our experienced doctors will understand more about your skin and acne history. We highly recommend seeking an experienced clinic with physician injectors that take the time to explain what the procedure entails comprehensively. 

At MD Skin Lab we celebrate each person's unique individuality by offering a bespoke approach to aesthetic treatments. Our skilled physicians are meticulous in maintaining facial balance and proportion, always striving for a natural and beautiful result. Book your appointment at our Toronto-based cosmetic clinic today.