Acne is complex, and no two cases are identical. What triggers your breakouts, the type of scarring you develop, and how your skin responds to treatment will be unique to you. That’s why at Vertex Aesthetics in Toronto, we don’t start with skin program recommendations; we begin with informing and assessment. Whether facing your first breakouts or managing persistent acne, you know the emotional weight matches the physical challenge.
Acne impacts over 80% of people globally, and the scars it leaves behind can affect your confidence long after your skin clears. Understanding the type of scarring you have, indented or pitted, raised or bumpy, or dark spots and discoloration, allows us to target skin program effectively. Our specialized therapies address all acne scar types, helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin and renewed self-assurance.
Some approaches work beautifully for certain scar types but may not be ideal for others. We won’t know what your skin needs until we see you, assess what’s happening beneath the surface, and understand your whole picture. Our goal is to help you become the expert in your own skin so that you can make informed decisions about your skin program journey with confidence.
Active breakouts that won't respond to topicals or prescriptions you've already tried
Acne that flares up with your cycle, during stressful periods, or seemingly out of nowhere
Dark marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Acne scarring that's affecting your skin's texture and how it looks
Skin that feels constantly congested, inflamed, or off-balance
Treating acne effectively means understanding what’s driving it in the first place. Surface-level solutions might provide temporary relief, but lasting improvement comes from identifying and addressing the underlying triggers.
Here are some common factors that can promote acne development at any stage of life:
Changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.
Both physical and emotional stress can trigger inflammatory responses in your skin.
Breakouts that predictably appear at specific points in your cycle.
Ingredients that may clog pores or disrupt your skin barrier.
Formulations that might be comedogenic or too occlusive for your skin type.
Certain foods or digestive issues can trigger systemic inflammation.
Some prescriptions list acne as a potential side effect.
PCOS, endocrine disorders, or other imbalances that manifest on your skin.
The right approach depends entirely on your individual skin assessment. We won’t recommend a specific skin program or tell you how many sessions you’ll need until we’ve evaluated your skin in person, discussed your concerns, and identified what’s happening beneath the surface.
A gentle, painless skin program using light-based technology to address mild to moderate inflammatory acne without medications. By working with your skin’s natural healing abilities, this comfortable approach reduces inflammation and soothes active breakouts.
Triggers your skin’s natural collagen synthesis to diminish the appearance of acne scarring, including atrophic scars (ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks), and post-inflammatory erythema (red marks). Once oil production is controlled, this skin program further refines enlarged pores while promoting ongoing skin renewal, improving texture, tone, and overall clarity with each session.
Oxygenates the skin, activating its natural healing and repair mechanisms. By increasing oxygen levels at the cellular level, this skin program targets acne-causing bacteria, regulates sebum production, and accelerates skin recovery, which is essential for effectively correcting breakouts and other skin concerns.
Addresses acne through a targeted, multi-level approach. By eliminating acne-causing bacteria, balancing the sebaceous glands that produce excess oil, and promoting deep cellular renewal, these skin programs both correct existing breakouts and help control future flare-ups for lasting clarity and improved skin health.
Designed to target stubborn post-acne discoloration and hyperpigmentation, Cosmelan® peel goes beyond pigment correction by regulating sebum production, reducing breakouts, and delivering anti-inflammatory action crucial for acne-prone skin. This powerful skin program restores balance and promotes a more even, radiant complexion.
At Vertex Aesthetics, you should be the expert in your own skin. That’s why we focus on helping you understand your skin first, so you can make informed decisions about which approaches are most suitable for you.
We won’t prescribe a skin program before we’ve taken the time to assess your unique concern. Acne is too complex for one-size-fits-all solutions, and you deserve care that’s customized to your specific needs, skin type, and goals.
Our approach is built on honest communication, realistic expectations, and ongoing support. We’re here to guide you through your healing process; not just treat your symptoms, but help you understand the root causes so you can maintain healthy skin long-term.
FAQs
Acne and acne scars can look similar but behave very differently. Active acne may be inflammatory, hormonal, bacterial, or stress-related, while scars can be indented, raised, or appear as lingering dark marks. During your assessment, we evaluate your acne history, current breakouts, scar type, skin texture, and healing patterns to determine what’s actually happening beneath the surface.
Many treatments target only one aspect of acne, such as oil control or surface exfoliation, without addressing inflammation, collagen damage, or how your skin heals. If the underlying drivers or scar type aren’t identified correctly, results are often limited or temporary. Lasting improvement comes from matching the right treatment to the right acne or scar type.
We don’t recommend treatments before understanding your skin. Your plan is based on your acne activity, scar type, skin sensitivity, lifestyle factors, and how your skin responds to stimulation or healing. Some patients benefit from laser or energy-based treatments, others from microneedling or combination therapies. The approach is always personalized.
Improvement is gradual and depends on the type of acne or scarring being treated. Active acne may begin calming within weeks, while scar remodeling can take several months as collagen rebuilds. We’ll provide realistic timelines during your consultation so you know what to expect and when.
Acne and acne scarring don’t resolve with random treatments or trends; they improve when you understand what’s driving them. During your consultation, we take the time to identify your acne type, scarring pattern, and contributing triggers so you’re no longer guessing what might work.
This is a collaborative conversation, not a quick fix. We’ll review what you’ve tried, what hasn’t worked, and what your skin can realistically improve. From there, we create a clear, personalized plan designed to support healing, prevent further damage, and restore confidence, step by step, with honesty and intention.