Acne Solutions in Winnipeg
Acne is a common and natural condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil or dead skin cells causing whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
At Total Wrapture Medical Spa, we perform a wide selection of non-invasive treatments to help control active acne and diminish post-acne scars. Discover our guide to anti-acne treatments here.
Which acne treatment is right for me?
We offer a comprehensive selection of different advanced treatments to treat active acne and diminish acne scars in Winnipeg. Scroll down to our FAQ section for information on treatments for mild, moderate, and widespread acne.
You are also welcome to a skin consultation with one of our expert skin technicians. This will help determine the perfect treatment for you based on your:
- Active acne and acne scarring
- Skin-perfecting goals
- Timeline and Budget
Our Treatments
Triple Action Acne Clearing (Fusion Facial Treatment)
This customized, three-step method for acne is designed to target and treat acne by combining three effective treatments in one powerful session.
1. This fusion treatment session begins with hydradermabrasion to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing impurities and unclogging pores.
2. Next, LED light therapy is used to soothe the skin and kill acne-causing bacteria, accelerating the healing process and enhancing the overall efficacy of the treatment.
3. Finally, an acne-specific peel is applied to target active breakouts and prevent future blemishes, working to reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin.
This multi-faceted approach not only treats existing acne but also helps prevent future breakouts, leaving your skin clearer, smoother, and healthier.
Chemical Peels
For lasting results, you will also receive a take-home kit to perform post-treatment care.
Facials
Perfect for treating oily, acne of all grades and acne-prone skin.
HydraFace Treatment
This exfoliating and hydrating treatment can help improve the overall texture, tone and appearance of the skin.
Ultimate Acne Defence Trio (Fusion Facial Treatment)
This advanced acne treatment system is designed to target and treat stubborn acne at its root while enhancing skin clarity and health.
1. This powerful combination treatment begins with hydradermabrasion to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing impurities and unclogging pores.
2. Next, LED light therapy is applied to calm the skin, kill acne-causing bacteria, and accelerate the skin’s natural repair process.
3. Finally, the Mesotherapy acne treatment delivers active ingredients directly into the skin to reduce inflammation, control oil production, and promote healing.
This powerful treatment combination tackles acne with precision, offering a comprehensive approach to achieving a clearer, smoother complexion.
Mesotherapy Cocktail Facials
We use Dermedic’s MesoAcne serum to penetrate the dermis and treat active acne and oily skin. It reduces bacterial colonization and helps to regulate sebum production.
Microneedling
This triggers collagen production and causes the skin to produce smooth new skin cells. The surface of the skin is renewed and acne scars are significantly smoothed.
OxyGeneo Facial
It harnesses the potency of activated bamboo charcoal to clear toxins and bacteria, purify clogged pores, and mattify oily skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes acne?
Clogged Pores: When dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria accumulate within the pores, it can result in blockages and the formation of comedones, such as blackheads or whiteheads.
Bacterial Infection: The presence of the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on the skin can lead to inflammation and the development of inflammatory acne lesions, including papules, pustules, and nodules.
Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during puberty, menstrual cycles, or hormonal disorders, can trigger acne breakouts.
Genetic Factors: Some individuals are more genetically predisposed to developing acne, making them more prone to experiencing recurring breakouts.
What is a Fusion Face Treatment for acne?
A Fusion Face Treatment combines multiple advanced skin care services into one session. Achieve faster and more noticeable results, addressing both surface issues and deeper skin layers simultaneously.
We offer two Fusion Face Treatments for Acne:
If you have moderate acne and want a comprehensive session, choose Triple Action Acne Clearing:
- This customized three-step acne treatment combines hydradermabrasion, LED light therapy, and an acne-specific peel in one powerful session. It targets existing breakouts, helps reduce future blemishes, and leaves your skin clearer, smoother, and healthier.
If your acne is persistent and you’re looking for a deeper treatment to tackle the underlying causes, the Ultimate Acne Defense Trio would be the better choice:
- This advanced acne treatment targets stubborn acne at its root while improving skin clarity and health. Combining hydradermabrasion, LED light therapy, and mesotherapy, it deeply cleanses, calms, and delivers active ingredients to reduce inflammation and promote healing for a clearer, smoother complexion. Experience more noticeable results sooner by targeting both surface concerns and deeper skin layers at the same time.
What treatment should I get for moderate to widespread acne?
Single-Treatment:
The needle-free mesotherapy facial, MesoAcne, is ideal for individuals with moderate to severe acne, as it targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. It is beneficial for those who have stubborn acne breakouts, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH – dark spots or discoloration left behind after the acne has healed).
Here’s how the active ingredients in a MesoAcne facial treatment work:
- Oleanolic Acid: A natural compound found in various plants with antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
- NDGA Acid: Helps control sebum production, which is a contributing factor in the development of acne.
- Fleischer’s Willowherb: A plant extract that soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and alleviates inflammation associated with acne.
- Phenolic Acids: Help neutralize free radicals and aid in calming acne lesions.
By utilizing specialized serums, the MesoAcne facial delivers potent ingredients deep into the skin, targeting acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. This non-invasive technique promotes healing, balances sebum production, and improves the overall appearance of acne-prone skin, resulting in a clearer and healthier complexion.
Watch a MesoAcne facial here.
Three-Treatment Session:
Ultimate Acne Defense Trio
This advanced acne treatment system is designed to target and treat stubborn acne at its root while enhancing skin clarity and health.
1. This powerful combination treatment begins with hydradermabrasion to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing impurities and unclogging pores.
2. Next, LED light therapy is applied to calm the skin, kill acne-causing bacteria, and accelerate the skin’s natural repair process.
3. Finally, the Mesotherapy acne treatment delivers active ingredients directly into the skin to reduce inflammation, control oil production, and promote healing.
This powerful treatment combination tackles acne with precision, offering a comprehensive approach to achieving a clearer, smoother complexion.
Are there different types of acne?
Adult vs. Adolescent Acne:
Adolescent acne typically begins during puberty, around the ages of 11 to 14, as hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands.It commonly affects the T-zone area of the face, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.
In contrast, adult acne can occur at any time during adulthood, even if you did not experience significant acne during your teenage years. It can appear on the lower face, jawline, neck, and even the chest and back.
Regardless of your age, many solutions exist, allowing you to regain confidence and achieve healthier skin.
What is a good treatment for mild to moderate acne?
Single Treatment:
The OxyGeneo superfacial, OxyBalance, is perfect if you are seeking both skin rejuvenation and to address mild to moderate acne. It oxygenates the skin, gently exfoliates, reduces inflammation, and infuses nutrient-rich serums, promoting cellular renewal and improving skin texture.
Key benefits of the activated bamboo charcoal contained in Oxy Balance:
- Mattifies oily skin
- Purifies Clogged Pores
- Clears toxins & bacteria
Here’s how an OxyGeneo facial works:
- Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation of the skin’s surface removes dead skin cells as well as dirt and impurities.
- Infusion: A capsule releases active ingredients, such as activated bamboo charcoal and antioxidants, deep into the deeper layers of the skin to treat acne.
- Oxygenation: The OxyGeneo device emits carbon dioxide bubbles onto your skin’s surface. These bubbles react with a treatment gel, causing a natural oxygenation response. As the CO2 bubbles burst, they create a gentle massage-like effect on your skin. This process stimulates increased oxygen levels in the skin, promoting blood circulation and delivering essential nutrients to the cells. This oxygenation step helps to revitalize your skin and improve its texture, leaving you with a radiant and dewy glow.
Three-Treatment Session:
Triple Action Acne Clearing
This customized, three-step method for acne is designed to target and treat acne by combining three effective treatments in one powerful session.
1. This fusion treatment session begins with hydradermabrasion to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing impurities and unclogging pores.
2. Next, LED light therapy is used to soothe the skin and kill acne-causing bacteria, accelerating the healing process and enhancing the overall efficacy of the treatment.
3. Finally, an acne-specific peel is applied to target active breakouts and prevent future blemishes, working to reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin.
This multi-faceted approach not only treats existing acne but also helps prevent future breakouts, leaving your skin clearer, smoother, and healthier.
Can I get a chemical peel for acne?
A peel is well-suited to address your clogged pores, blackheads, and somewhat regular breakouts. It exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and reduces acne-causing bacteria.
Peels help improve skin texture, reduce acne blemishes, and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are suitable for various skin types experiencing acne-related concerns. Here are our two favourite peels for addressing acne:
Image Acne Peel: This peel is specifically formulated to target acne-prone skin. It utilizes a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and promote cellular turnover. This peel helps diminish acne blemishes and refine the skin’s texture.
Image Purifying Peel: This peel incorporates antibacterial agents that target the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). By reducing the presence of these bacteria on the skin, inflammation is minimized and the formation of inflammatory acne lesions is diminished. It also helps reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the name for dark spots or discoloration left behind after the acne has healed. This peel contains ingredients that help fade PIH, promoting a more even skin tone.
How can I prevent acne breakouts?
Tips to Help Prevent Acne:
- Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser that contains salycilic acid which effectively penetrates the pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, and helps to reduce acne breakouts, promoting clearer and healthier-looking skin.
- Avoid touching your face excessively, as it can transfer dirt and bacteria to the skin.
- Regular, professional facials: Leave the extractions to the professionals and get specialized deep cleansing, exfoliation, and infusion of acne-fighting ingredients on a monthly basis.
- Keep your hair clean and away from your face to prevent the transfer of excess oils, dirt, and styling products onto the skin, which clog and irritate your pores.
- Clean pillowcases help prevent acne by reducing the accumulation of natural hair oils, dust, and bacteria that transfer and press into the skin during the many hours you spend sleeping on them.
- What is in your pores? Use oil-free and non-comedogenic (ingredients that do not clog or block the pores) skincare and makeup products.
- Avoid squeezing or picking at acne lesions, as it can lead to scarring and further inflammation.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods and sugary snacks with potential acne-triggering ingredients. This helps with stabilizing blood sugar levels and minimizing inflammation in the body, contributing to improved skin health
- Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day promotes proper skin function, reduces sebum production, and helps in the elimination of toxins, leading to a clearer and healthier complexion.
- Incorporate stress-management techniques into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, or practicing hobbies that you enjoy.
By understanding the causes of acne, utilizing targeted facials, and adopting healthy skincare habits, you can effectively address acne concerns and achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Consistency and patience are key in managing acne, and seeking professional guidance from your Total Wrapture skin care experts will provide further guidance and personalized treatment options for your unique skin.
Do you have a back facial for acne on my back?
This comprehensive care leaves your skin revitalized and refreshed, particularly after an acne breakout.
If you are getting this ahead of a special event, we recommend planning to get it about a week before the event.
The Back Treatment can be booked online in the ‘Body’ category.
How can I treat my acne scars?
Pigmented acne scars: areas of discoloration or hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout.
Indented acne scars: characterized by depressions or uneven texture on the skin’s surface caused by the loss of collagen or tissue during the healing process.
Treatments for Indented & Pigmented Acne Scars
Microneedling:
- Uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration.
- It is effective for treating indented acne scars by encouraging collagen remodeling, filling in the depressions and improving the texture of the skin.
- Microneedling also helps reduce the appearance of pigmented acne scars by promoting skin cell turnover and fading hyperpigmentation over time.
Fractional Laser:
- Fractional laser treatments create microthermal zones within the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and skin remodelling for treating both indented and pigmented acne scars.
- Laser energy promotes collagen production, plumping the skin to minimize depressions, and targeting pigmentation, reducing discoloration.
PicoSure Laser for Pigmented Scars & Large Pores
- PicoSure laser delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to the skin, targeting specific pigmented areas or scar tissue.
- It is particularly beneficial for addressing pigmented acne scars, as the laser energy breaks down melanin deposits, reducing discoloration and promoting a more even skin tone.
- By promoting collagen remodelling and surface skin tightening, it can also reduce the size and visibility of pores over time, resulting in a smoother and more refined complexion.
Microneedling and laser treatments for acne scars require multiple sessions (we recommend starting with 3 sessions) to be effective as your skin needs time to undergo natural collagen remodelling triggered by the treatment. Gradual improvement is achieved with each treatment session as the scars gradually fill in and the skin texture becomes smoother after each appointment.
This allows new, less marked skin to be generated after each treatment until you reach your desired outcome.
Should I get Microneedling or Laser?
Both these acne scar solutions give excellent results. We offer both types to give you options based on your unique skin type and personal preferences. Every treatment begins with a complimentary consultation with an expert skin technician to determine the perfect solution personalized to your skin.
Typically, microneedling is ideal for those with milder scarring and seeking a gentler approach while laser treatments suit skin with more pronounced scarring. Although more intensive, laser often yields quicker results.
What about chemical peels for acne scars?
Chemical peels for acne scars can work wonders, particularly for lighter-coloured pigmented scars or more shallow atrophic scars. However, their true potential shines when used in conjunction with laser or microneedling treatments for more pronounced scars.
Chemical peels serve as a powerful booster, enhancing the results of these advanced treatments by further promoting collagen production and skin renewal.
They are not just limited to scar reduction! If you are prone to acne, chemical peels make an excellent choice for your regular professional facials. With their ability to exfoliate and unclog pores, they assist in managing breakouts and maintaining clear, radiant skin.
They also minimize new scars from active acne. Whether as a standalone option or a complement to more intensive scar treatments, chemical peels can play a pivotal role in your journey towards smoother, more vibrant skin.
I just want a treatment for mild acne and occasional breakouts. What should I pick?
1. The Purifying Face Treatment focuses on deep cleansing, exfoliation, and extraction to remove impurities and unclog pores. Here’s how the salicylic acid and peptides in this facial help purify the skin and promote a clearer complexion:
Salicylic Acid penetrates into the pores and exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogging pores and preventing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It also dissolves excess oil (sebum) and helps inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Peptides: Wound-healing peptides speed up the skin’s natural healing process, minimizing the duration and severity of acne lesions and strengthening the skin barrier.
2. Our HydraFace Treatment is a non-invasive facial that combines various steps to help improve acne-prone skin, including:
- Deep Cleansing: Vortex technology flushes out dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the pores.
- Exfoliation: A gentle exfoliation process removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores.
- Extraction: Our HydraFace Treatment utilizes a unique extraction technique that uses gentle suction to remove impurities and blackheads from the pores.
- Hydration and Nourishment: After the cleansing and exfoliation steps, a HydraFace Treatment delivers a customized blend of acne-combating serums and hydrating ingredients to maintain skin health and prevent excessive oil production.
How soon can I treat my acne scars?
You can begin treating your acne scars with laser treatments, chemical peels, or microneedling once your open blemishes or active lesions have healed. Having an occasional pimple or a couple of outlying pimples that can be avoided during the scar treatment will not necessarily prevent you from beginning the scar treatment process.
Our expert skin technicians will thoroughly study your skin during the pre-treatment consultation and give you information based on your unique skin. They will also recommend appropriate active acne facial treatments and acne skincare products to help manage your current acne. By addressing active acne effectively, we also minimize future scar removal.
What anti-acne ingredients should I look for in my skincare products?
- Cleansers containing salicylic acid are excellent for unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and targetting the root causes of breakouts.
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that aids collagen production and reduces post-acne pigmentation. Your skin absorbs this particularly well in serum form, layered under retinol and a moisturizer.
- Retinoids: These derivatives of Vitamin A increase cell turnover, improving texture and reducing pigmentation and are often found in retinol creams usually applied between your serum and moisturizer.
- Niacinamide: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide helps with redness and uneven tone. It is often found in sunscreen which you will absolutely need to be wearing every day to fade your scars and support your treatments.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is a non-negotiable product that must be worn every day, regardless of the season or whether you are indoors or outdoors. UV rays are constantly attacking your skin and worsening acne scars.
Vivier’s pharmaceutical-grade, effective 2 step acne-treating kit visibly clears and helps with the prevention of the formation of new acne pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Skin looks healthier and more even as early as two weeks into daily use.
Given how common acne and acne scarring is, you can now find entire end-to-end skincare routines designed to fade pigmented scars. Ask your Total Wrapture skin technician to help you pick the perfect products for your lifestyle and unique skin.
Can diet affect acne?
Yes, here’s how:
High Glycemic Load: Processed foods and foods high in sugar, such as sugary snacks, sodas, and refined carbohydrates, have a high glycemic load. These foods cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, leading to a surge in insulin production. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can clog pores and contribute to the development of acne.
Inflammation: Processed foods often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives. These ingredients can trigger inflammation in the body, including the skin. Inflammation can worsen existing acne lesions and promote the formation of new ones.
Hormonal Influence: Certain dairy products, such as milk, may contain hormones that can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance. This hormonal disruption can contribute to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Additionally, dairy products may also contain growth factors that can stimulate the overgrowth of skin cells, further contributing to acne development.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain components present in processed foods, excessive sugar, or dairy products. These allergic reactions can manifest in various ways, including skin inflammation and acne-like breakouts.
Not everyone will experience acne from consuming these foods. Acne triggers can vary from person to person, and individual susceptibility to dietary factors may differ. Pay attention to your own body’s response to your removing of certain foods and make adjustments accordingly.
Maintaining a balanced diet with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods and being mindful of potential triggers can help reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts.
Why shouldn't I pop pimples?
Results of At-Home Extractions:
If you are not a trained skin technician, at-home extractions can intensify or cause dark-spot acne scars , also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Popping without proper prepping triggers skin inflammation, a major factor in PIH development, particularly in darker skin tones.
Extracting without the right preparation and aftercare can push bacteria deeper or spread it, elevating PIH risk through increased inflammation. Pimples popped at home can also heal more slowly, prolonging inflammation and intensifying PIH. The inflammation can prompt melanocytes to produce extra melanin, resulting in darkened skin spots and a higher risk of lasting scars.
How Professional Extractions Minimize Risks:
When extractions are performed by trained skin technicians during a facial, several measures are taken to mitigate the risks associated with popping pimples and to ensure the process is as safe and beneficial as possible:
- Preparation: The skin is usually prepped using a gentle steam treatment or warm towels. This softens the skin and opens up the pores, making extractions easier and reducing the potential for skin trauma.
- Sterilization: skin technicians use sterilized tools and ensure their hands are clean and often gloved. This reduces the risk of introducing new bacteria into the skin.
- Technique: Professionals use specialized extraction techniques that minimize trauma to the surrounding skin. They’re trained to recognize which blemishes can be safely extracted and which should be left alone.
- Aftercare: Post-extraction, soothing and antibacterial products are applied to calm the skin and minimize the risk of infection. This step also aids in reducing inflammation, which can lead to PIH.
- Guidance: If a blemish is deemed too risky to extract (because it’s too deep, for example), the skin technician will typically advise against extracting it and might provide advice on alternative treatments.
- Experience: Skin technicians have seen a variety of skin types and conditions. Their experience enables them to gauge the level of pressure to apply and to determine the best extraction methods for each individual.
- Tailored Treatments: Often, facials are tailored to the client’s specific skin type and concerns. A skin technician can choose products and treatments that not only aid in the extraction process but also help in the healing and prevention of future breakouts.
Why am I getting adult acne?
In contrast, hormonal fluctuations are less pronounced after the age of 40, as menopause approaches or occurs and acne at this age is typically found on your jawline, neck, and chin. Gentle cleansing and skin care focused on hydrating and moisturizing is especially important for treating post-40 skin.
Hormonal Changes:
Fluctuating hormones play a significant role in adult acne. Hormonal imbalances can occur due to the menstrual cycle, oral treatments, factors such as perimenopause, menopause, or changes in hormone levels. These fluctuations can stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and the formation of acne.
Stress:
Adult life can be filled with numerous and increased responsibilities, leading to increased stress levels. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can impact sebum production and increase the likelihood of developing acne.
Skincare Products:
As our skin ages, it becomes more sensitive and susceptible to reactions from skincare products. Using harsh or comedogenic products can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts. Age-appropriate skincare products are important for maintaining skin health.
Environmental Factors:
Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as air pollution or high humidity, can contribute to adult acne breakouts. These external factors can clog pores, increase inflammation, and disrupt the skin’s natural balance, leading to acne flare-ups.
Lifestyle Choices:
Lifestyle choices, including poor diet, inadequate sleep, and lack of exercise, can also impact our skin’s health. Consuming processed foods, excessive sugar, or dairy products, for example, can potentially trigger acne in some individuals.
Genetic Predisposition:
Family history and genetics can influence our susceptibility to acne at any age. If acne runs in your family, you may be more prone to experiencing breakouts as an adult.
Does exercise help reduce acne?
Yes, exercise is another factor in a well-rounded acne-reduction lifestyle (which includes good habits, treatments, and home routine) as it promotes overall skin health in several ways:
1. Increased Blood Flow: Exercise boosts circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, aiding in healing acne lesions + skin cell regeneration to boost your acne scar-fading treatments.
2. Cortisol Reduction: Physical activity reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to acne flare-ups. Lowering stress levels helps manage breakouts triggered by hormonal imbalances.
3. Detoxification: While sweating during exercise can help release some impurities, it’s important to stay hydrated while you exercise. Hydration helps flush out toxins more effectively, preventing them from accumulating and potentially causing acne.
After exercising, follow these steps to optimize its effect on acne:
1. Shower or Cleanse Immediately: After sweating, cleanse your skin to remove sweat, dirt, and oils that could clog pores. Use a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation.
2. Wear Breathable Fabrics: Opt for sweat-wicking materials to prevent sweat from sitting on your skin, which can lead to body acne.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face: During exercise, avoid touching your face as your hands and equipment can carry bacteria that may trigger breakouts.
4. Moisturize + SPF: After cleansing, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin without clogging pores. Finish with SPF to help acne scars fade faster. Find your perfect acne skincare routine here.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after exercise to help flush toxins from your body, supporting your skin’s health.