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Published: August 12, 2016
Updated: January 2, 2026
Written & Verified By: Dr. Craig Crippen MD CCFP FCFP

In this blog:

Skin Regime
Laser Treatments
Chemical Peels
Light Therapy
Blue-Light Therapy
Red-Light Therapy
Steroid Injections
Book a Treatment

It is that time of year again. Time to start the Back to School planning! For many people, particularly teenagers and young adults heading back to high school, college or university, it can be a very stressful time, especially if they have a breakout in acne and blemishes. Therefore, NOW is the time to take preventative steps to have a glowing complexion on the first day of school.

1. A Good Skincare Regime

Although the above acne treatment options are great, we highly recommend following a proper skincare regime to reduce whiteheads and blackheads, maintain a clear and more unified skin tone, and decrease the frequency and severity of acne breakouts. Using a cleanser and toner that deep cleans pores and removes surface impurities such as dirt, oil and bacteria will help prevent new acne pimples. Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores. Incorporating products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also help reduce acne breakouts.

2. Laser Treatments

A significant number of people who suffer from acne end up with visible acne scarring, which can be just as stressful as acne itself. Acne scars can vary from being small and barely noticeable to large and prominent. Discolouration is also quite common, often highlighting the problem. Laser treatments can be used to dramatically reduce the appearance of these scars. Treatments are comfortable and can leave the skin smooth, even-toned and, of course, much improved. Most patients will require more than one laser treatment or a combination of laser treatments for optimal results.

Fractional lasers and pulsed dye lasers target the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation. This treatment can improve skin texture and tone, making scars less noticeable. Laser treatments are effective for reducing redness and pigmentation associated with acne scars, offering long-term benefits with minimal downtime.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels have been used for many years in medical cosmetology. They work by chemically removing the outermost layer of the skin to give a healthier appearance – decreasing acne breakouts, reducing the appearance of acne scars, and shrinking the size of pores. Peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid are particularly effective for acne-prone skin, as they help unclog pores and reduce oil production. Chemical Peels can be used as a stand-alone acne treatment or in combination with other procedures.

4. Light Therapy

Blue-Light Therapy

Blue-light acne treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses light to kill the Propionobacterium acnes, or P-acnes bacteria, in the skin that causes acne. The procedure simply involves a patient sitting in front of a blue light lamp for 15-30 minutes weekly. Studies have shown that blue light acne treatment appears to improve acne vulgaris with a reduction in inflammation and the number of pustules and papules. Blue-light treatments help get control of acne, but a complete acne care system helps to maintain that control.

Red-Light Therapy

Red-light therapy can help clear acne and is most effective when used alongside other treatments, such as blue light therapy. Red light plays a different role in the healing process. Unlike topical creams that sit on the surface, red light penetrates deep into the skin to target the root causes of breakouts while reducing inflammation by influencing how cells release healing molecules. Red light therapy has also been shown to accelerate healing by stimulating collagen production and boosting cellular energy, which helps existing pimples heal faster and can reduce scarring. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to regulate sebaceous glands and promote skin regeneration, which helps fade red or dark spots sometimes left behind after a breakout.

5. Steroid Injections

Often, injections are used to treat acne that causes painful lumps beneath the skin (nodules and cysts). This cystic acne can take months to heal on their own. After steroid injections, the lumps flatten, and the skin can clear up in a few days. Steroid injections are typically used as a temporary or occasional fix for stubborn cysts and nodules.

If you have acne, it is best not to wait for the problem to disappear by itself. Early treatment may offer great results in the short term and prevent complications later on. Patients who chose to ignore their acne and let it resolve on its own regretted not dealing with it sooner. Don’t be one of them!

Book Your Acne Treatment Today

While we are proud to be located in the beautiful Kelowna, BC, DermMedica is renowned across Canada and beyond. Our commitment to patient-friendly care and professional excellence is why clients frequently fly in from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and more to receive treatments from Dr. Crippen and our team. Dr. Crippen has been practicing since 2003 and has devoted his practice exclusively to cosmetic skin treatments due to rising demand. Whether you’re a local to Kelowna or traveling from afar, we welcome you to book a call or consultation to learn more about our acne scar treatment options.

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Back to School Acne & Acne Scar Treatments