Acne & Scar Care

Acne & Acne Scar Treatment in Burnaby

Calm the breakouts. Improve the marks and texture.

Acne comes from excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria and hormones; scars form when inflammation damages deeper skin. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, BC, flat red or brown marks often respond to Sylfirm X or PicoSure, while pitted scars need several collagen-stimulating sessions. A physician assesses active or severe acne first.

PIE / PIH
Red and brown marks are treated differently
MD
Physician-led assessment
Dual
Options for active acne and scars
Self-Check

What Do You See?

Effective treatment starts with identifying the specific type of acne or aftermath you are dealing with. Select all that apply:

Most people have a mix of these. After assessment, your physician will suggest a plan that addresses each concern in a sensible order.

The Science

Why Does Acne Keep Coming Back?

Acne is a dysfunction of the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicle + oil gland). Understanding the causes helps us target the right treatment.

1

Excess Sebum Production

Hormones trigger oil glands to produce sticky sebum, which traps dead skin cells inside the pore.

2

Clogged Pores

Dead skin cells accumulate and mix with sebum, blocking the follicle opening and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

3

Bacterial Overgrowth

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria thrive in this oxygen-free, oily environment, causing inflammation and pus.

4

Hormonal Fluctuations

Androgens, stress hormones, and menstrual cycles can intensify oil production and trigger flare-ups.

5

Genetic Factors

Pore size, oil production rates, and healing response are largely hereditary. It's not your fault.

6

Delayed Treatment

Prolonged, inflamed acne raises the risk of lasting scarring. Seeing a family doctor or physician early can help limit this.

Why Us

Physician-Led Approach

MD
Physician-led
3
Languages: EN · 中文 · 粤语
Metrotown
Burnaby clinic
1

Physician-Led Assessment

Acne is a medical condition. A physician assesses your skin and history, and may suggest your family doctor or a dermatologist when medication is the better route.

2

Layered Scar Approach

Scars differ in depth and shape. We combine RF microneedling for collagen, laser for color, and filler for some depressions.

3

PIH-Aware Laser Choices

We avoid overly aggressive ablative approaches when PIH risk is higher, and we choose settings and modalities that protect tone and support recovery.

4

Long-Term Management

Skin care between visits matters as much as treatment, so we explain how to maintain results with a medical-grade skincare routine.

FAQ

Clear Skin Q&A

Marks are flat: red or pink (PIE, vascular) or brown (PIH, pigment), and they can fade over time and with treatment. Scars are changes in texture, such as ice pick, boxcar or rolling pits, and need collagen-stimulating treatment. We use Sylfirm X for redness and texture, and PicoSure for brown pigment.
Sometimes. A physician will check how inflamed your skin is first. Sylfirm X may be used while mild to moderate acne is present, but severe or cystic acne is usually calmed first, often with your family doctor or a dermatologist. Treatment is also usually postponed during pregnancy or with a skin infection in the area, and the physician needs to know about isotretinoin use in the past 6 months or a tendency to keloids.
Collagen rebuilding is gradual. Many people have 3-6 Sylfirm X sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, and texture changes build across the course as remodeling continues for months. Deep ice pick scars may only improve partially, and results are not guaranteed.
Mild acne may respond to skincare and facials. Moderate to severe, nodular or scarring acne often needs medical treatment, so we recommend a physician assessment. A physician can discuss options with you and may coordinate with your family doctor or a dermatologist.
Expect temporary redness, mild swelling or tiny pinpoint marks for a few days after microneedling or laser; most people resume normal activities the same day. Strict sun protection is important, especially if you are prone to PIH.
Scrubbing and squeezing can inflame skin and raise the risk of marks and scars, and strips only remove surface debris. A physician can help treat the underlying cause.
It can be, with suitable settings. Medium and darker skin tones are more prone to brown marks after inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), so energy levels are chosen conservatively, a test area may be suggested, and strict sun protection before and after matters. A physician reviews your skin type and history before planning. Every treatment still carries some risk of pigment change.
Usually not. Treatment aims for a visible improvement in depth and texture rather than skin that looks as if it never had acne. Rolling and shallow boxcar scars often respond well to collagen-building treatment, while deep, narrow ice pick scars usually change less. Depressed scars that remain may be softened with filler. Realistic goals are set at consultation, and results vary.
No. You can book a consultation at the clinic directly. If your acne is severe, cystic or not responding to treatment, your family doctor can also manage prescription treatment and, when needed, refer you to a specialist, since specialist visits in BC usually need a referral. We are happy to work alongside your family doctor.
They can help mild acne. Medical facials and light peels clear congestion and calm oiliness, and are often used alongside home care or prescription treatment. They do not replace medical treatment for moderate, cystic or scarring acne. Inflamed cysts are not squeezed, and peel strength is adjusted for sensitive or darker skin to lower the risk of marks.

Ready to Plan Your Acne and Scar Care?

Book a consultation with the physician-led team to build a personalized plan for your acne and scars.

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