Acne Treatment in Victoria & Burnaby

What Causes Acne

Acne happens when pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, letting a normal skin bacterium overgrow and trigger inflammation. Hormones influence how much oil the skin makes, which is why acne is common in the teenage years and can flare again in adulthood, particularly around the jaw and chin. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and while some people notice food-related patterns, diet is rarely the main driver. Over-washing and harsh scrubs usually make things worse, not better.

How Acne Is Treated

There is no single treatment that suits everyone - the right plan depends on the type of acne (blackheads and whiteheads, red inflamed spots, or deeper painful nodules), how widespread it is, and whether it is already scarring. Treatment is usually stepwise:

• Topical treatments - retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and other creams or gels that unclog pores and calm inflammation, often used in combination.
• Oral treatments - added when acne is more widespread or inflammatory, or when topicals alone are not enough.
• Isotretinoin - for severe, scarring, or stubborn acne that has not responded to other treatments. It is a powerful option with specific monitoring, and whether it is right for you is discussed carefully. There is more in the isotretinoin handout.

The aim is the simplest effective routine you can actually stick with, adjusted over time as your skin responds.

Treating Early Protects Against Scarring

The most important reason not to wait is scarring. Deep or inflamed acne, and picking at spots, can leave marks and scars that are far harder to treat than the acne itself. Getting on top of active breakouts early is the best way to protect the skin long term.

What to Expect

Your visit starts with a focused assessment of your skin, the pattern and history of your acne, and anything you have already tried. From there, Dr. Baldwin builds a treatment plan and reviews how to use it, what to expect, and when to follow up. Acne treatment takes patience - most approaches take a couple of months to show their full effect - so follow-up is part of the plan.

How to Get Referred

Acne is seen as a medical visit covered by MSP, by referral rather than online booking. Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send a referral to Dr. Baldwin at Hillside Medical Clinic in Victoria or Kensington Medical Clinic in Burnaby, and the clinic will contact you to arrange an appointment.

While you wait, these handouts may help: 11 tips to help with acne and acne treatment during pregnancy.