Windsor Acne Clinic
We Are Your Acne Specialists
Our focus in the acne clinic is on providing people with acne and acne scarring with best options for treatment guided by our experience. Dr. Tan has spent 30 years in acne research and in providing care for those with acne and scarring. Our recommendations are evidence based and focused on providing effective practical options to improve acne and its’ sequelae, including scarring and pigmentation. We can develop a program for you to look and feel your best.
Consultation & Assessment
Fill out our intake form and schedule a consultation with our team.
Customized Treatment Plan
After your initial consultation we will suggest a personalized and custom tailored treatment plan to fit your needs.
Check Ups & Support
We are with you throughout your journey to better skin health.
Acne Treatment
Thick creams, certain types of occlusive clothing, and retained sweat or moisture under hats, pads, and helmets. Hair length and grooming products may contribute to acne at the back, neck, and side of the cheeks. While diet has not been conclusively shown to be a factor in aggravating acne, some patients may notice a worsening with certain foods. Currently we recommend dairy avoidance and low glycemic index diet for a minimum of 2-3 months.
There are many effective treatment options for acne including cleansers, topical gels and creams for mild acne, antibiotic or hormonal pills for moderate cases and Accutane or Epuris for severe cases.
Acne prevention includes avoidance of aggravating factors
From the occasional pimple during times of stress to the recurrent breakouts before menses, acne affects almost everyone at some time of their lives. While it most commonly develops during the pre- and early teen years, it can also arise in the 20’s and 30’s and persist for years to decades. There appears to be a hereditary tendency to acne particularly the more severe extensive nodular scarring forms. Factors initiating acne are still unclear – areas of research include hormonal effects, acne bacteria and inflammation.
Our research in acne
We're constantly developing new measures for evaluating acne severity and acne scarring
New treatments continue to be evaluated in research trials for acne
Silicone facial models for teaching acne evaluations
Will there be a charge for my treatment?
Consultations for active acne based on referral by your primary care provider are covered by OHIP and will not be charged to you.
Consultations for acne scarring (indent or holes; and thick rubbery lumps) or acne pigmentation (dark marks) are not covered by OHIP and will be charged to you.
Treatments for active acne may be covered by your drug plan (eg. Ontario Drug Benefit or third party plans).
Treatments for acne scarring and pigmentation are not covered by OHIP but may be covered by your extended health plan (if you have one; you will need to speak to them about coverage).
Useful links for more information on acne
Acne Patient Decision Aids
• This discusses acne, severity evaluation and treatment options
• We strongly recommend that you review this information as it will prepare you for discussions during your consultation
• On completion, the patient summary page can be printed or sent to us via e-mail (officedrtan@gmail.com)
Canadian Acne Guidelines
Canadian acne treatment guidelines, co-chaired by Dr Tan
Procedure Recommendations for Acne
HydraFacial
Supportive for Rx/Isotretinoin
HydraFacial uses Vortex Fusion technology to deeply cleanse and exfoliate with a gentle peel to uncover a new layer of skin, removes impurities from pores with a painless gentle suction, and saturates the skin’s surface with moisturizers and antioxidants.
Laser Genesis
Supportive for Rx/Isotretinoin
Laser Genesis works by heating the dermis directly under the skin. It’s a very gentle and fast laser treatment that promotes collagen growth and shrinks enlarged pore size. Laser Genesis can effectively reduce acne and scars and prevent future acne breakouts.
Jessner Peels
Jessner Peels is a blend of Lactic, Salicylic and Resorcinol acid. It breaks down the surface layer of skin and promotes cell turn over to reveal smoother, clearer skin.
Over the Counter Recommendations for Acne
Cleanse & Tone
LRP Effaclar Gel
Gentle soap free purifying face and body cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin
LRP Effaclar Micro Peel
Gentle exfoliating face and body cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid
LRP Effaclar Astringent Lotion
Micro-exfoliating daily toner with LHA to reduce and refine the look of pores
SkinC LHA Cleanser
Gel cleanser exfoliates skin with 3.5% Glycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid and LHA
SkinC LHA Toner
A Glycolic Acid toner to remove surface dead skin cells with LHA
Protection & Correction
LRP Effaclar Duo+
Global action acne treatment and 24H hydrating face lotion with Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
SkinC Silymarin CF
Oil-free vitamin C serum designed specifically to work as an acne treatment for oily and acne-prone skin types
SkinC LHA Serum
Serum to reduce excess sebum, minimize blemishes and reduce hyper-pigmentation
SkinC Retinol 0.5
Pure retinol to minimize pores, stimulate cell turnover, and reduce blemishes, especially hormonally triggered acne.
Moisturize
LRP Effaclar Mat
Daily mattifying moisturizer for oily to acne-prone skin to reduce shine and refine pores
SkinC Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Lightweight moisturizer that helps soothe and correct out-of-balance skin to improve brightness, texture, and clarity with 3% Azelaic Acid
SkinC Daily Moisture
Lightweight formula for normal to oily skin that hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of visibly large pores
SkinC Hydrating B5
An oil free moisturizer serum that works to replenish skin’s moisture and restore radiance for a smoother complexion with hyaluronic acid
Over the Counter Recommendations for Acne (Supportive for Rx/Isotretinoin)
Cleanse & Tone
LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Soothing and hydrating face cleanser/makeup remover for sensitive skin
SkinC Gentle Cleanser
Non-foaming, mild cleanser is made with an emollient-rich surfactant and key ingredients to soften and restore skin’s surface
Vivier Hexam
A gentle gel cleanser formulated with Hexamidine, an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent that purifies pores without drying the skin
Protection & Correction
SkinC Serum 10
Vitamin C serum for sensitive skin that offers environmental protection and improves the appearance of aging
SkinC Phyto Corrective Gel/Mist
Soothing & hydrating serum with botanical ingredients specifically formulated to calm and hydrate skin while reducing visual redness
SkinC Hydrating B5
An oil free moisturizer serum that works to replenish skin’s moisture and restore radiance for a smoother complexion with hyaluronic acid
LRP Cicaplast Levres
This repairing barrier balm soothes, protects, and rebuilds the epidermis on chapped, cracked, and irritated lips
Moisturize
LRP Toleriane Dermallergo Cream
An ultra-soothing moisturizer helps restore the skin’s protective moisture barrier and rebalance the microbiome
SkinC Triple Lipid Repair 2:4:2
Lipid correction cream contains cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids to help restore the skin’s external moisture barrier and support natural self-repair. Improve the tolerance of 0.025% Tretinoin therapy in retinoid-averse patients
Ready For An Acne Consultation?
To reduce waiting time in clinic, please complete the following form by clicking on the link below.