Online Acne Treatment in Alberta
Persistent acne, hormonal breakouts, cystic acne, or adult-onset acne that won't respond to over-the-counter washes — TelePlus Care connects Albertans with a licensed doctor by secure video. We prescribe topical retinoids, topical and oral antibiotics, spironolactone for hormonal patterns, and refer for isotretinoin (Accutane) when appropriate. For residents physically located in Alberta at the time of the consult.
Book Your Appointment Now
TelePlus Care offers virtual acne visits across Alberta. A licensed doctor reviews your skin (photo upload + video), evaluates severity and pattern, and prescribes evidence-based topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, topical/oral antibiotics, combined oral contraceptives, and spironolactone for hormonal acne. Severe cystic acne is referred for isotretinoin (Accutane) management. A licensed doctor reviews the concern and explains the safest next step.
- Acne affects up to 85% of people aged 12–24 and continues into adulthood for many
- Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) are first-line for most inflammatory acne per Canadian Dermatology Association
- Spironolactone is increasingly used for adult female hormonal acne, often combined with topical treatments
- A licensed doctor reviews virtual consultation requests
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) requires monthly bloodwork and is typically managed by a dermatologist or experienced family doctor
Clinical content is reviewed for accuracy and scope. TelePlus Care appointments go ahead only when a doctor agrees it is the right call, after a real assessment, and the doctor will explain the next step if virtual care is not the right fit.
Who This Service Is For
Most adult and adolescent acne can be assessed and managed virtually. Book if any of these describe you:
- Persistent inflammatory acne (red papules, pustules) on face, chest, or back
- Comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads) that hasn't responded to OTC products
- Hormonal acne — jawline and chin breakouts, premenstrual flare in women
- Cystic or nodular acne with deep painful lesions
- Acne starting in your 20s, 30s, or 40s
- Scarring acne or post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Need a referral for isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne
- Acne flaring during pregnancy — needs pregnancy-safe options

Treatments We Prescribe in Alberta
Your doctor will choose a regimen based on your acne type, severity, skin tone, pregnancy status, and any current medications.
- Topical retinoids — tretinoin (Stieva-A, Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), tazarotene — first-line for inflammatory and comedonal acne
- Topical benzoyl peroxide (BPO) — alone or in combination with retinoids or antibiotics
- Topical antibiotic combinations — Clindoxyl Gel (clindamycin + BPO), Tactupump (adapalene + BPO)
- Topical clascoterone (Winlevi) for hormonal acne in both sexes
- Oral antibiotics — doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline — short courses (3–6 months) for inflammatory acne
- Combined oral contraceptives — Yasmin, Diane-35, Yaz — for hormonal acne in women
- Spironolactone — 25–200 mg daily for adult female hormonal acne; we monitor potassium
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) referral to dermatology for severe nodulocystic or scarring acne
- Azelaic acid (Finacea) — useful in pregnancy and for sensitive skin

When We Refer to a Dermatologist
Most acne can be managed by a family doctor. We refer to an Alberta dermatologist when:
- Severe nodulocystic or scarring acne needing isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Acne unresponsive to 3–6 months of optimal first- and second-line therapy
- Diagnostic uncertainty — possible rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or folliculitis instead of true acne
- Hidradenitis suppurativa or other complex inflammatory skin conditions
- Severe post-acne scarring needing in-person procedures (chemical peels, laser, microneedling)

How the Virtual Visit Works
Three steps. Photo upload during intake helps your doctor assess severity accurately.
- Step 1 — Book a slot and complete the intake. Upload 2–3 clear well-lit photos of the affected areas (front-face, left-side, right-side, any back/chest involvement)
- Step 2 — Meet your licensed doctor by secure video. They review your photos, ask about menstrual cycle pattern if relevant, current skincare, and any medications you have already tried
- Step 3 — Receive your prescription and a written regimen. Topicals and oral medications are sent to your chosen Alberta pharmacy

A Realistic Timeline
Acne treatments take time. Setting expectations matters:
- Topical retinoids: visible improvement at 8–12 weeks, full effect at 6 months
- Oral antibiotics: improvement at 4–8 weeks, used for 3–6 month courses
- Spironolactone: improvement at 2–3 months, full effect at 6 months
- Combined oral contraceptives: improvement at 3 months
- Isotretinoin: improvement over 4–6 month course, long-term remission in most
- Skin may purge in the first 2–6 weeks of retinoid therapy — this is expected and improves
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable when using retinoids — broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily

Access and What to Expect
A licensed doctor reviews the concern and explains the safest next step. Medications and OTC skincare are handled separately.
- Virtual consultation — have your contact details ready
- For Online Acne Treatment in Alberta, the clinician reviews medication options, pharmacy steps, and follow-up needs during the appointment.
- Your intake helps the clinician understand your symptoms, history, and goals before the visit.
- The booking team confirms appointment timing, intake needs, and follow-up expectations before your visit.
- Your care team confirms the visit steps, intake requirements, and follow-up plan before the appointment.
- A licensed doctor reviews your intake before the visit and explains the safest next step.

Skincare Routine That Helps
Medication works better with the right routine:
- Gentle cleanser twice daily — Cera Ve, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay Toleriane — avoid harsh scrubs
- Moisturiser daily, especially when using retinoids — unscented, non-comedogenic
- Sunscreen every morning — broad-spectrum SPF 30+; mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide) tolerated best
- Avoid picking and squeezing — leads to scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Hair products can clog pores — use clean towels and pillowcases regularly
- Diet — no single food causes acne but dairy and high-glycemic foods may flare in some people

Why Albertans Choose TelePlus Care
Get started on evidence-based acne treatment without waiting months for a dermatology referral for a problem your family doctor can handle.
- Every consult is with a licensed Canadian family doctor
- Same-day or next-day appointments, evening and Saturday slots available
- Virtual consultation for patients
- Prescription sent to your preferred Alberta pharmacy
- Photo upload during intake — accurate assessment without an in-person visit
- Hormonal acne expertise — spironolactone, COCs, and combination therapy
- Dermatology referral for severe acne or isotretinoin candidates
- Trusted by 500+ Alberta patients (4.9 / 5 average rating)

Online Acne Treatment in Alberta — Fast, Convenient Virtual Care
Connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. No referral needed — book your virtual appointment today.
Book Your Appointment NowExplore Our Alberta Services
Other Alberta Locations
We also provide this service in these Alberta communities:
Teleplus care clinic is not an urgent care clinic. If you have an emergency please call911 or go to the nearest urgent care facility.
Virtual care in Alberta: coverage & licensing
TelePlus Care connects patients across Alberta, in communities including Airdrie, Beaumont, Brooks, and Calgary with Canadian licensed doctors by phone or secure video — often the same day.
Licensed in Alberta
You are seen by a Canadian licensed doctor authorized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to care for patients in Alberta.
Public insurer: AHCIP
Health care in Alberta is administered through Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. TelePlus Care is a private virtual clinic — your flat-fee visit is not billed to AHCIP, and no referral, roster, or wait-list is required.
Free health advice
For free, publicly funded non-urgent health advice in Alberta, you can also call Health Link (811).
Emergencies: call 911
Online care is not for emergencies. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.













