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What is Acne?

Acne is a skin disorder that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes more severe lesions like cysts or nodules. Acne commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders—areas where sebaceous glands are most active.

Causes of Acne

Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including:

1. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lead to increased sebum production. Androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone, are particularly influential in triggering acne.
2. Excess Oil Production: The sebaceous glands produce sebum to keep the skin lubricated. However, when these glands produce too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to acne.
3. Bacteria: The skin naturally hosts bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). When pores become clogged, these bacteria can multiply rapidly, causing inflammation and acne.
4. Diet: Some studies suggest that certain foods, such as those high in refined sugars, dairy products, and high glycemic index foods, may exacerbate acne. However, the relationship between diet and acne is still debated and varies from person to person.
5. Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can worsen existing acne by triggering the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in the skin.
6. Environmental Factors: Pollution, humidity, and exposure to greasy or oily substances can contribute to the clogging of pores and the development of acne.

Types of Acne

Acne can manifest in different forms, each requiring a unique approach to treatment:

1. Whiteheads: These are closed comedones where the clogged pore remains beneath the skin surface, appearing as a small white bump.
2. Blackheads: Open comedones where the clog is exposed to air, causing it to oxidize and turn black.
3. Papules: Small, red, and tender bumps that occur when the walls of the hair follicles are inflamed.
4. Pustules: Pimples containing pus, appearing as red circles with white or yellow centers.
5. Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin that are more severe and can lead to scarring.
6. Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause significant scarring.

Treatment Options for Acne

Several treatment options are available, ranging from over-the-counter products to prescription medications and professional treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the acne.

Coping with Acne

Living with acne can be challenging, especially when it impacts self-confidence and social interactions. It’s important to remember that acne is a common condition and that effective treatments are available. Building a strong support system, whether through friends, family, or online communities, can provide emotional support.

Conclusion

Acne is a multifaceted skin condition with various causes and treatment options. By understanding its underlying factors and taking a proactive approach to prevention and treatment, individuals can manage acne effectively. While it may take time to find the right combination of treatments, persistence and patience are key to achieving clearer skin.

In Canada, the provinces specify education requirements and regulations for Medical Aestheticians. Our Medical Aesthetician courses are accepted in most provinces.

You can check the licensing requirements for your province here, but always double-check with your provincial regulatory board for information (in case there have been any changes) as to regulations. You are responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you.

Click on your province below to learn more:

Alberta

Regulatory board

Alberta

Health Standards and Guidelines for Esthetics

CEU requirements

None

British Columbia

Regulatory board

British Columbia
British Columbia Cosmetologists Act

CEU requirements

none

Manitoba

Regulatory board

Manitoba Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
For information on renewals, license verifications, name changes and other licensing information other than applications contact:
License Unit A
Ph: (406) 444-6880
Email:   DLIBSDLicensingUnitA@mt.gov
Manitoba Esthetic Regulatory Board

CEU requirements

none

New Brunswick

Regulatory board

Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick
220 Whiting Road
Fredericton, NB
Canada E3B 5V5
Ph: (506) 458-8087
Email: generalinfo@canb.ca

Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick

CEU requirements

none

Newfoundland and Labrador

Regulatory board

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Confederation Building, East Block
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
Canada A1B 4J6
Ph: (709) 729-3570
Email: premier@gov.nl.ca
Government of NL

CEU requirements

none

Nova Scotia

Regulatory board

Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia
126 Chain Link Drive
6009 Quinpool Rd.
Halifax, NS
Canada B3S 1A2
Ph: (902) 468-7147
Email: info@nscosmetology.ca
Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia

CEU requirements

none

Ontario

Regulatory board

Ontario Ministry of Education
14th Floor, Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
Canada M7A 1L2
Ph: (416) 325-2929
Email: minister.edu@ontario.ca
Ontario Ministry of Education

CEU requirements

none

Prince Edward Island

Regulatory board

Prince Edward Island

Government of Canada Job Bank

CEU requirements

None

Quebec

Regulatory board

Quebec

Quebec Estheticians

CEU requirements

None

Saskatchewan

Regulatory board

Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
2140 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK
Canada S4P 2E3
Ph: (306) 787-2444
Fax: (306) 787-5105
Email: apprenticeship@gov.sk.ca
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification

CEU requirements

none

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