Struggling with stubborn breakouts, hormonal acne, or acne scars that won't fade? You're not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in Canada, affecting people of all ages. If drugstore products aren't delivering the clear skin you deserve, it's time to explore professional acne treatments in Calgary. At Lavish Beauty Laser Med Spa, we combine LED light therapy, medical-grade facials, and advanced skin treatments to help you achieve lasting results.
Why Professional Acne Treatment Beats At-Home Products
Over-the-counter cleansers and creams only address surface-level symptoms. They can't penetrate deep enough to target the root causes of acne: excess sebum production, bacterial overgrowth, clogged pores, and chronic inflammation. Professional treatments at a med spa go far beyond what any product on a shelf can accomplish.
Medical-grade treatments use clinical-strength active ingredients, specialized devices like LED panels and microneedling pens, and expert protocols tailored to your specific acne type. A licensed aesthetician can also identify whether your acne is hormonal, bacterial, or cystic, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. That level of customization is simply impossible with a one-size-fits-all product from the drugstore.
Acne Treatments Available at Lavish Beauty Calgary
We offer a comprehensive suite of treatments that target active breakouts, prevent future acne, and fade existing acne scars. Here's what we recommend for Calgary clients dealing with acne:
LED Blue & Red Light Therapy
Our most popular acne treatment. Blue LED light (415nm wavelength) penetrates the skin to kill Cutibacterium acnes bacteria without antibiotics, while red LED light (630nm wavelength) reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Sessions are painless, require no downtime, and produce visible improvements within 4-6 sessions.
Medical-Grade Facials
Unlike spa facials, our medical-grade facials use clinical-strength exfoliants, professional extractions, and antibacterial serums to deeply purify congested skin. Each facial is customized to your acne severity and skin type, targeting blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory papules with precision.
Chemical Peels for Acne
Salicylic acid and glycolic acid peels dissolve the debris clogging your pores, accelerate cell turnover, and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those dark marks left behind after a breakout). We offer light, medium, and deeper peels depending on your skin's tolerance and goals.
HydraFacial for Acne-Prone Skin
The HydraFacial uses patented Vortex-Fusion technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate in one session. For acne-prone skin, we incorporate salicylic acid boosters and blue LED add-ons. It's gentle enough for inflamed skin yet effective at clearing congested pores without irritation.
Microneedling for Acne Scars
Once active acne is under control, microneedling is one of the most effective ways to treat acne scars. Tiny, controlled micro-injuries stimulate your skin's natural collagen production, gradually filling in pitted scars and smoothing uneven texture over a series of sessions. We recommend 3-6 microneedling sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for best results.
How LED Light Therapy Works for Acne
- Blue Light (415nm): Targets and destroys acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) living deep within pores. The bacteria produce porphyrins that absorb blue light, creating a toxic reaction that kills them without harming surrounding skin.
- Red Light (630nm): Penetrates deeper into the dermis to reduce inflammation, calm redness, and accelerate wound healing. Red light also stimulates collagen production, which helps repair skin damaged by past breakouts.
- Combined Therapy: When blue and red light are used together, you get the antibacterial benefits and the anti-inflammatory healing simultaneously. This dual approach is why LED light therapy consistently outperforms single-method treatments.
Treatment Plans: How Many Sessions Do You Need?
For mild to moderate acne, we typically recommend 6-10 sessions scheduled once or twice per week. Most clients see noticeable improvement after the first 3-4 sessions, with significant clearing by session 6. Severe or cystic acne may require a longer treatment course combined with multiple modalities.
Typical Treatment Timeline:
- • Weeks 1-3: LED light therapy 2x/week + medical facial
- • Weeks 4-6: LED light therapy 1-2x/week + chemical peel
- • Weeks 7-10: Maintenance LED sessions + HydraFacial monthly
- • After clearing: Monthly maintenance facials to prevent recurrence
Cost of Acne Treatment in Calgary
Professional acne treatment at Lavish Beauty ranges from $80 to $200 per session depending on the treatment type. Here's a general pricing breakdown:
We offer package pricing for clients committing to a full treatment plan. Ask about our multi-session bundles during your consultation to save on your acne clearing journey.
Hormonal Acne vs. Regular Acne: Different Approaches
Regular (bacterial) acne is driven by clogged pores and bacterial overgrowth. It typically appears on the forehead, nose, and cheeks and responds well to consistent LED light therapy, chemical peels, and proper cleansing. Most clients see steady improvement over 6-8 weeks.
Hormonal acne tends to appear along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. It's driven by fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, which means it often flares cyclically. Hormonal acne frequently presents as deep, painful cysts rather than surface-level pimples.
For hormonal acne, we take a multi-pronged approach: LED light therapy to reduce inflammation and bacteria, medical facials to keep pores clear between flare-ups, and a targeted home-care regimen with ingredients like niacinamide and retinoids. We may also recommend consulting your physician about internal treatments to complement your in-clinic plan.
Skincare Routine to Maintain Clear Skin
Professional treatments deliver dramatic results, but maintaining clear skin requires a consistent home routine. Here's what we recommend to our Calgary acne clients between sessions:
- • Gentle Cleanser (AM & PM): Use a sulfate-free, pH-balanced cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubs that strip your skin and trigger more oil production.
- • Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide Serum: BHA (salicylic acid) unclogs pores daily, while niacinamide regulates oil and fades dark marks.
- • Lightweight Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs hydration. A gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps your barrier healthy without causing breakouts.
- • SPF 30+ Daily: Sun exposure darkens acne scars and can worsen post-treatment sensitivity. Wear a mineral sunscreen every day, rain or shine.
- • Retinoid (PM, 2-3x/week): A retinoid accelerates cell turnover and prevents clogged pores. Start slow and build up tolerance under professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I see results from LED light therapy for acne?
Most clients notice a reduction in active breakouts and redness after 3-4 sessions. Significant clearing typically occurs between sessions 6 and 10. For best results, we recommend starting with twice-weekly treatments and transitioning to weekly sessions as your skin improves.
Is LED light therapy safe for all skin types?
Yes. LED light therapy is non-invasive and safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions. Unlike some laser treatments that carry a risk of hyperpigmentation on darker skin, LED uses gentle wavelengths that do not damage melanin. It's also safe during pregnancy when used externally on the face (though we always recommend informing your provider).
Can I combine acne treatments with other services?
Absolutely. Many of our clients combine LED light therapy with a HydraFacial or medical facial in the same visit for enhanced results. We can also incorporate chemical peels on alternating weeks. During your consultation, we'll create a customized plan that combines the right treatments for your skin without overloading it.
What if my acne comes back after treatment?
Acne is a manageable condition, but it can recur, especially hormonal acne. We recommend monthly maintenance facials and a solid home-care routine to keep your skin clear long-term. If breakouts return, early intervention with a single LED or facial session can stop a flare before it escalates.
Why Choose Lavish Beauty for Acne Treatment in Calgary
Lavish Beauty Laser Med Spa is Calgary's trusted destination for professional acne treatment. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a team of experienced aestheticians, we deliver real, lasting results for clients of all ages and skin types.
- • Personalized treatment plans tailored to your acne type and severity
- • Medical-grade technology including professional LED panels and HydraFacial
- • Women-exclusive, relaxing med spa environment in NE Calgary
- • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or aggressive upselling
- • Ongoing support and home-care guidance to maintain your results
Ready for Clear, Confident Skin?
Book a free consultation at Lavish Beauty Laser Med Spa to start your personalized acne treatment plan. Call us at (403) 815-0150 or book online today.
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