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Acne can affect confidence, comfort, and long-term skin health. Whether you are dealing with teen acne, adult breakouts, or persistent hormonal acne, Healthy Skin Centre offers physician-directed treatment plans designed to control acne, prevent scarring, and restore healthy skin.
Book a consultation by calling us at
604.553.7546 (SKIN) or by booking your appointment online.
What Is Acne?
Acne develops when pores become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and inflammation. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, redness, and tenderness. Acne affects teenagers and adults of all genders. In many cases, breakouts can continue well beyond adolescence or begin for the first time in adulthood. Without proper treatment, acne may leave dark marks, uneven texture, or permanent scarring.
Understanding Different Types of Acne
Acne is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Different types of acne lesions develop for different reasons and often require different treatment approaches. Understanding the type of acne you have can help determine the most effective treatment plan and improve your chances of achieving clear, healthy skin.
Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
Whiteheads are small, flesh-colored or white bumps that form when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, the pore remains closed at the surface of the skin.
Appearance: Small white or skin-colored bumps that may feel slightly raised.
Severity: Mild acne.
Treatment: Whiteheads often respond well to medical-grade skincare products containing salicylic acid, retinoids, or other exfoliating ingredients that help keep pores clear. Regular professional treatments such as chemical peels may also improve congestion and prevent new whiteheads from forming.
Blackheads (Open Comedones)
Blackheads occur when a clogged pore remains open. The dark appearance is not dirt; it results from oxidation when the trapped material inside the pore is exposed to air.
Appearance: Small dark spots, commonly found on the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks.
Severity: Mild acne.
Treatment: Blackheads can often be improved with salicylic acid, retinoids, professional extractions, and treatments designed to reduce oil buildup and improve skin cell turnover.
Papules
Papules develop when clogged pores become inflamed. These small, red bumps do not contain visible pus and can be tender to the touch.
Appearance: Red, inflamed bumps that may feel sore or sensitive.
Severity: Mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
Treatment: Papules often require treatments that target both inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. Prescription medications, medical-grade skincare, and certain laser or light-based therapies may be recommended.
Pustules
Pustules are inflamed acne lesions that contain pus. They are commonly referred to as “pimples” and often develop from papules that have become more inflamed.
Appearance: Red bumps with a visible white or yellow center.
Severity: Moderate inflammatory acne.
Treatment: Pustules may respond to topical prescription medications, oral treatments, and professional acne therapies designed to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Picking or squeezing pustules can increase the risk of scarring and should be avoided.
Nodules
Nodules are large, painful acne lesions that develop deep beneath the surface of the skin. Because the inflammation extends into deeper layers of the skin, nodules are more likely to cause permanent scarring.
Appearance: Firm, painful lumps beneath the skin without a visible head.
Severity: Severe acne.
Treatment: Nodular acne often requires medical intervention. Prescription medications and physician-directed treatment plans are typically necessary to control inflammation and prevent long-term skin damage.
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. These lesions develop deep within the skin and are filled with inflammatory fluid. Cystic acne can be painful, persistent, and highly prone to scarring.
Appearance: Large, red, swollen, painful lesions beneath the skin’s surface.
Severity: Severe acne with a high risk of permanent scarring.
Treatment: Cystic acne usually requires comprehensive medical treatment under the supervision of a physician. Early intervention is important to minimize inflammation, reduce discomfort, and help prevent permanent acne scars.
Why Identifying Your Acne Type Matters
The most effective acne treatment depends on the type and severity of acne present. While mild whiteheads and blackheads may improve with professional skincare and topical treatments, inflammatory acne such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cystic acne often requires a more comprehensive approach. During your consultation, our medical team will assess your skin, identify the underlying causes of your acne, and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Common Causes of Acne
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Excess oil production
- Clogged pores
- Inflammation
- Bacteria on the skin
- Stress
- Genetics
- Cosmetic products
- Dietary triggers in some individuals
- Improper skincare routines
Acne is usually caused by multiple factors at once, which is why personalized treatment is often more successful than trial-and-error products.
Hormonal Acne in Children and Adults
Hormonal acne is one of the most common forms of acne seen in adults, particularly women. While acne is often associated with the teenage years, many people continue to experience breakouts well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. Hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores, inflammation, and persistent acne that may not respond to traditional over-the-counter treatments.
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne occurs when changes in hormone levels stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands to produce excess oil. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, creating an environment where acne develops.
Hormonal acne can affect both men and women, but it is particularly common in women due to hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, and certain medical conditions.
Common Signs of Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne often has a distinct pattern compared to other types of acne.
Common signs include:
- Breakouts concentrated on the chin, jawline, cheeks, and neck
- Deep, painful cysts beneath the skin
- Acne that flares before or during menstrual periods
- Persistent adult acne that continues beyond the teenage years
- Acne that improves and worsens in predictable hormonal cycles
- Breakouts that are resistant to standard skincare products
Many patients notice that their acne appears in the same areas month after month, particularly along the lower face.
Jawline and Chin Acne
Acne along the jawline and chin is frequently associated with hormonal fluctuations. These breakouts often appear as deep, tender bumps that can take weeks to heal.
Because jawline acne tends to develop deeper within the skin, it can be more difficult to treat than surface-level blackheads or whiteheads. Without appropriate treatment, these lesions may increase the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and acne scarring.
Hormonal Changes and Menstrual Acne
Many women experience acne flare-ups during specific phases of their menstrual cycle. Hormonal shifts that occur in the days leading up to menstruation can trigger increased oil production and inflammation, resulting in new breakouts.
Patients often report:
- Increased breakouts one to two weeks before their period
- More painful or cystic lesions
- Acne concentrated around the chin and jawline
- Recurring breakouts in the same locations
Understanding this pattern can help guide treatment recommendations and long-term acne management.
Adult Acne in Women
Adult acne is becoming increasingly common. Many women who had clear skin during their teenage years develop acne later in life, while others continue to struggle with persistent breakouts from adolescence into adulthood.
Factors that may contribute to adult hormonal acne include:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Genetics
- Cosmetic or skincare products that clog pores
Adult acne often requires a different treatment approach than teenage acne, making professional assessment important.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Acne
In some women, persistent or severe hormonal acne may be associated with a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS can affect hormone levels and may contribute to acne, excess facial hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, and other symptoms.
While not every patient with hormonal acne has PCOS, individuals experiencing persistent acne along with other hormonal symptoms may benefit from further medical evaluation.
Can Hormonal Acne Be Treated?
Yes. Hormonal acne can often be successfully managed with the right treatment plan. Because the underlying cause is frequently related to internal hormonal influences, treatment may involve more than topical skincare products alone.
Depending on the severity of the acne and the individual’s medical history, treatment options may include:
- Prescription topical medications
- Medical-grade skincare products
- Oral medications
- Chemical peels
- Acne scar prevention strategies
- Lifestyle and skincare recommendations
- Ongoing physician-directed acne management
When Should You See a Physician for Hormonal Acne?
If you are experiencing recurring acne along the chin, jawline, cheeks, or neck, or if your breakouts are painful, cystic, or leaving scars, professional treatment may help prevent long-term skin damage.
Early intervention is particularly important for hormonal acne because deeper inflammatory lesions have a greater risk of causing permanent acne scars and post-inflammatory pigmentation. A physician can identify the factors contributing to your acne and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to improve both active breakouts and your long-term skin health.
Preventing and Treating Acne Scars
For many people, the effects of acne continue long after active breakouts have resolved. Acne scars can affect skin texture, tone, and confidence, making early acne treatment and scar prevention an important part of any comprehensive acne management plan.
The good news is that many acne scars can be improved with professional treatments. The best approach depends on the type of scarring present, the severity of the scars, and your individual skin type.
Why Do Acne Scars Develop?
Acne scars occur when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin. As the skin heals, the body produces collagen to repair the area. If too little or too much collagen is produced, visible scars can develop.
Acne scars are more likely to occur when:
- Acne is severe or deeply inflamed
- Breakouts are left untreated for long periods
- Pimples are squeezed, picked, or manipulated
- Nodular or cystic acne is present
- There is a family history of acne scarring
Because scar formation begins during the healing process, treating acne early is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of permanent scarring.
Types of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars look the same. Identifying the type of scar is an important step in determining the most effective treatment plan.
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep scars that extend into the skin. They resemble small puncture marks and are among the most challenging acne scars to treat.
Appearance: Deep, narrow indentations that look like tiny holes in the skin.
Common Locations: Cheeks, forehead, and temples.
Treatment Considerations: Ice pick scars often require targeted treatments and may benefit from combination therapies to achieve optimal improvement.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are wider depressions in the skin with clearly defined edges. They often develop after inflammatory acne lesions heal.
Appearance: Round or oval depressions with sharp, distinct borders.
Common Locations: Cheeks and temples.
Treatment Considerations: Boxcar scars may respond well to collagen-stimulating treatments designed to improve skin texture and smoothness.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create an uneven or wavy appearance across the skin’s surface. These scars form when fibrous bands beneath the skin pull the surface downward.
Appearance: Broad depressions that create a rolling or undulating skin texture.
Common Locations: Cheeks and lower face.
Treatment Considerations: Treatment often focuses on releasing underlying scar tissue while stimulating new collagen production.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Not every mark left behind by acne is a true scar. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when acne leaves behind brown, tan, or dark spots after the inflammation has resolved.
Appearance: Flat areas of discoloration that remain after a breakout heals.
Common in: All skin types, particularly individuals with medium to darker skin tones.
Treatment Considerations: Pigmentation often improves over time but may be accelerated with professional treatments and medical-grade skincare.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
Some individuals develop persistent red or pink marks after acne lesions heal. This condition is known as post-inflammatory erythema.
Appearance: Flat red, pink, or purple marks that remain after acne has cleared.
Common in: Fairer skin tones.
Treatment Considerations: Vascular-focused treatments and proper skin care may help reduce persistent redness.
Can Acne Scars Be Removed Completely?
While no treatment can guarantee complete scar removal, significant improvement is often possible. Many patients experience smoother skin texture, improved skin tone, and a reduction in the visibility of acne scars through a customized treatment plan.
The earlier treatment begins, the better the potential outcomes. Newer scars are often more responsive to treatment than scars that have been present for many years.
Acne Scar Treatment Options
A physician can recommend treatment options based on your specific scar type and skin condition. Common approaches may include:
Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. This treatment can help improve the appearance of certain atrophic (depressed) acne scars and enhance overall skin texture.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels help exfoliate damaged skin cells, improve pigmentation concerns, and encourage skin renewal. They may be particularly beneficial for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and mild acne scarring.
Prescription Skincare
Medical-grade topical treatments may help improve pigmentation, support collagen production, and enhance the results of professional procedures.
Combination Treatments
Because many patients have more than one type of acne scar, a combination of treatments often produces the best results. A personalized treatment plan can address texture, discoloration, and ongoing acne concerns simultaneously.
Preventing Acne Scars
The most effective way to treat acne scars is to prevent them from developing in the first place. Consider the following recommendations:
- Seek treatment for acne early.
- Avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching blemishes.
- Follow a consistent skincare routine.
- Protect your skin from sun exposure.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments if you have persistent or severe acne.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
If acne scars are affecting your confidence or if your acne is continuing to leave marks on your skin, a professional assessment can help identify the most effective treatment options. During your consultation, our medical professionals will evaluate your skin, determine the type of scarring present, and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at improving skin texture, reducing discoloration, and helping you achieve healthier-looking skin.
What Is the STOP Acne Program?
Our STOP Acne Program was developed to address acne from multiple angles for better long-term results.
S – Skincare
Medical-grade cleansers, treatment products, and moisturizers selected for your skin type.
T – Topical Medications
Prescription creams or gels to reduce clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts.
O – Oral Prescriptions
When appropriate, internal treatment options may be recommended for moderate to severe acne.
P – Prevention of Acne Scars + Perfect Skin
Focused treatment to reduce future scarring, discoloration, and uneven texture.
Who Is Acne Treatment For?
- Teen acne
- Adult acne
- Hormonal acne
- Recurring chin or jawline breakouts
- Back or chest acne
- Acne marks or scarring
- Patients frustrated with ineffective over-the-counter products
Acne Treatments We Offer
Medical-Grade Skincare
Professional skincare can help unclog pores, regulate oil, reduce inflammation, and maintain results.
Prescription Acne Therapy
Topical or oral medications may be recommended depending on the severity and type of acne.
Chemical Peels
Target congestion, surface oil, post-acne marks, and uneven texture.
Microneedling for Acne Scars
Helps improve acne scarring, texture irregularities, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Light-Based Treatments
Certain patients may benefit from IPL or advanced therapies for redness and inflammation.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
We assess your skin, acne history, lifestyle, triggers, and previous treatments.
Customized Plan
Your treatment program may include skincare, medications, in-clinic treatments, or a combination approach.
Follow-Up Care
Acne treatment evolves over time. Regular follow-up allows us to adjust your plan as your skin improves.
Results Timeline
Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, with continued progress over time.
How to Reduce Acne at Home
- Wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser
- Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes
- Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup
- Keep hair products away from the face
- Use sunscreen daily
- Be consistent with treatment
Home care matters, but persistent acne often requires a medical treatment plan for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults get acne?
Yes. Adult acne is extremely common, especially hormonal acne affecting the jawline and lower face.
How long does acne treatment take?
Improvement usually takes time. Most patients see progress over weeks to months depending on severity.
Will acne leave scars?
It can. Early treatment helps reduce the risk of permanent scarring.
Can diet affect acne?
Some patients notice food triggers. This varies from person to person.
Can acne be treated during pregnancy?
Some options are available, but treatment must be carefully selected for safety.
Acne Treatment in New Westminster
Healthy Skin Centre proudly helps patients from New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, and Vancouver achieve clearer, healthier skin through personalized acne care.
Medically Reviewed
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Lili Nasseri, board-certified Physician and Medical Director of Healthy Skin Centre.
Dr. Nasseri has extensive experience diagnosing and treating acne, acne scarring, hormonal acne, and other medical skin conditions for patients throughout New Westminster and the Lower Mainland.
Start Your Journey to Clear Skin
If acne is affecting your confidence or leaving marks behind, professional treatment can help. Book your consultation today.