Acne Treatment Calgary

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is one of the most frustrating types because it is driven by internal hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens. It typically appears along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, often in a cyclical pattern tied to menstrual cycles.

Our LumiGlow Acne Facial helps manage hormonal breakouts by consistently reducing the bacterial load in your pores and calming inflammation. While we cannot change your hormones, regular monthly treatments keep hormonal acne significantly more manageable and less severe, reducing both the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms, characterized by deep, painful, inflamed lesions beneath the skin surface. These cysts are filled with pus and can leave significant scarring if not properly managed.

The combination of LED blue light therapy and high-frequency treatment in our LumiGlow Acne Facial penetrates deep enough to target the bacteria within cystic lesions while reducing the intense inflammation that makes them so painful. For severe cystic acne, we recommend consistent treatment alongside any dermatologist-prescribed medical therapies.

Comedonal Acne

Comedonal acne consists of blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones). These form when pores become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. While not as inflamed as cystic acne, comedonal acne creates a bumpy, uneven texture and can progress to inflammatory acne if left untreated.

The deep cleansing and extraction component of our LumiGlow Acne Facial is particularly effective for comedonal acne. Our aestheticians carefully extract blocked pores, while LED light therapy prevents new comedones from forming by eliminating bacteria before they can colonize freshly cleared pores.

Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne includes papules (small red bumps) and pustules (red bumps with white tips). This type occurs when bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells become trapped in the pore, triggering an immune response that causes redness, swelling, and tenderness.

LED blue light therapy directly targets the P. acnes bacteria causing the inflammation, while high-frequency treatment calms the immune response and promotes faster healing. The sulfur-based mask applied during the LumiGlow Acne Facial provides additional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, drawing out impurities and soothing irritated skin.

Teen Acne (Ages 12-19)

• •Primary cause: Puberty triggers increased androgen production, which stimulates sebaceous glands to produce excess oil (sebum). This excess oil clogs pores and creates an ideal environment for P. acnes bacteria.
• •Location: Typically affects the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) where oil glands are most concentrated. Can also affect the cheeks and back.
• •Characteristics: Often a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules. The skin tends to be oilier overall.
• •Our approach: Focus on deep cleansing, oil control, bacterial elimination with LED blue light, and building good skincare habits early. We educate teens on proper cleansing, avoiding pore-clogging products, and not picking at breakouts.

Adult Acne (Ages 20+)

• •Primary cause: Hormonal fluctuations (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, PCOS), stress-induced cortisol spikes, medication changes, and environmental factors. Adult acne is more hormonally complex than teen acne.
• •Location: Primarily the jawline, chin, neck, and lower face — the “hormonal zone.” Less commonly affects the forehead compared to teen acne.
• •Characteristics: Deeper, more inflammatory lesions (cysts and nodules). Skin may be simultaneously oily in some areas and dry in others. Breakouts are often cyclical.
• •Our approach: Emphasis on inflammation reduction, bacterial control, and consistent maintenance. Monthly LumiGlow Acne Facials to manage cyclical breakouts. We also address skin barrier health, which is often compromised in adult acne sufferers who have used harsh products.