It happens to almost everybody, male or female, everywhere in the world. It's the bane of our existence in our teenage years, when breakouts occur on the face, back, upper arms, and other parts of the body. For some, it can even occur well into adulthood.

Acne vulgaris, pimples, and zits.

While it is definitely not a fatal condition, it may be painful and harmful to our self esteem and confidence. A breakout of acne vulgaris (also known as common acne) particularly on the face where it cannot be well hidden, can be embarrassing and a source of distress. It is perhaps for this reason that Acne Treatment at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic is one of our most popular procedures.

What is Acne Vulgaris?

With the production of the male hormone, testosterone, an increase in oil production results. While this is beneficial to keep the skin soft, too much oil mixed with dead skin cells and dirt can lead to clogged pores. Acne is an inflammation of the skin, in which clogged pores lead to the multiplication of skin bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, and in some cases the yeast, Malassezia. Scarring may also result after the inflammation subsides, leaving the affected area riddled with permanent pockmarks and/or long term red splotches that may ruin the complexion of the skin.

Acne vulgaris exists at different levels of severity. Milder forms are whiteheads and blackheads, both of which are pores that have been partially or completely blocked with dirt, dead skin cells, oil and bacteria. Other forms that are mild include red conical bumps called papules, and similarly shaped pus filled pustules.

When papules and pustules are larger in size and last longer, they are called nodules and cysts. These are considered more severe forms of acne vulgaris.

Common acne is caused by many factors. Generally, these factors may be grouped according to their relation to the following: hormonal activity, the accumulation of bacteria and dead skin cells in the pores, an irritation, or a reaction to medication or chlorine compounds (chloracne).

If you are unhappy with breakouts of acne vulgaris, or scarring and discolouration of the skin resulting from it, physicians and medical aestheticians at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic can help.The newest device at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic, The StarLux® 500 Laser and Pulsed Light Platform, is an effective system for Acne Treatment.

Other treatments, such as Laser Skin Resurfacing, a Chemical Peel, Photo Rejuvenation, Contour ™ MicroLaserPeel™, or Microdermabrasion are available and may also be suitable.