Acne Treatment in Singapore

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting both teenagers and adults. This medical condition involves inflammation of the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles, appearing mostly on the face, but it can also affect the chest, back, and shoulders.

Causes of Acne

The exact causes of acne are complex and multifactorial, although several factors are known to contribute to its development:

  1. Hormonal-related health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

  2. Fluctuations in hormone levels can affect sebum production in the skin.

  3. Comedogenic skincare products and cosmetics containing heavy waxes, oils, or silicones.

  4. Certain medicines, such as corticosteroids (prednisone), increase sebum production.

  5. Hormonal birth control methods, like progesterone-based injections and implants.

  6. Teenagers are more commonly affected by acne due to hormonal changes during puberty.

  7. Friction and pressure from wearing face masks or coverings, helmets, and tight clothing.

Types of Acne

Acne most commonly appears on the face but can also affect the chest, back, and shoulders. Acne appears as several different types, each requiring a specific approach and treatment. 

non inflammatory acne

Non-Inflammatory Acne

This is considered the mildest form of acne, typically found close to the surface of your skin, and it is usually not yet infected or inflamed. 

  • Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
    Blocked pores, known as comedones, form small white bumps beneath the surface of the skin. 
  • Blackheads (Open Comedones)
    Blackheads are comedones that open up and appear black, not because of dirt, but due to a combination of melanin pigment and the oxidation of sebum. 
inflammatory acne

Inflammatory Acne

A moderate form of acne that develops when the pores are infected and inflamed, leading to swelling, redness, and soreness. 

  • Papules
    Lesions that are less than 1 cm in size, pus-free, and inflamed bumps that appear pink or red. 
  • Pustules (Pimples)
    Pimples are filled with yellow or white pus, and they are usually red at the base. 
severe acne

Severe Acne

The following types of acne are considered severe as they form sore, pus-filled, raised blemishes that cannot be easily treated with over-the-counter acne medications and treatments: 

  • Nodules
    Large, painful lumps nestled deep within the skin. 
  • Cystic or Severe Nodular Acne
    Similar to nodules, lesions are painful and located deep within the skin. They are filled with pus and may cause permanent acne scarring.

Diagnosing and Assessing Acne

During a consultation at JY Medical Aesthetics Clinic in Singapore, we will carefully assess your acne as part of a thorough clinical evaluation to customise a treatment plan for your skin condition and type of acne. 

You may be asked about contributing factors such as your lifestyle, diet, medical history, along with any previous skin conditions, concerns, or issues. 

Acne Treatments

A variety of acne treatment options are available to manage your acne, ranging from topical care to aesthetic procedures. 

acne toning laser

Acne Toning Laser

Acne toning laser treatment focuses on targeting the P. acnes bacteria that cause inflammation, reducing oil production in the sebaceous glands, and minimising the appearance of acne scars. 

It is a non-invasive and gentle treatment, providing patients with enhanced skin tone and texture. 

pico hybrid laser for skin

Pico Hybrid Laser

Instead of relying on heat, the Pico Hybrid Laser delivers intense photoacoustic energy pulses in a combination of nanoseconds and picoseconds. 

It is a non-invasive treatment used for skin concerns that accompany acne breakouts, such as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. 

microneedling rf treatment

Microneedling Radiofrequency

Microneedling Radiofrequency combines very fine needles and radiofrequency (RF) energy to work under the skin’s surface to create microwounds, or channels in the skin, to enhance collagen production and promote more even skin tone and appearance. 

hyaluronic acid fillers

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers do not directly treat active acne, but support acne-prone skin by hydrating it without clogging pores.

Well-hydrated skin produces less oil, which can help prevent clogged pores and new breakouts. In addition, HA’s soothing properties assist in calming inflammation and redness associated with acne breakouts.

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Acne Treatments Comparison

Treatment Acne Toning Laser Topical products Hydrafacial
Suitable for Active acne Active acne Active acne
Key benefits Helps to speed up recovery of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne Reduces oil production and to inhibit acne bacteria Helps to unclog skin
Sessions required* 5 to 10 sessions, once a month As needed 5 to 10 sessions, once a month
Downtime None None None
Pain/Comfort Very mild discomfort, topical numbing cream available Some dryness for some patients Comfortable procedure
Visible results timeline* After > 5 to 10 sessions After 1 month After 2 to 3 sessions

*Results may vary between individuals and consultation with a qualified medical practitioner is required

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Acne Prevention Tips

While acne prevention is not always possible, you can still reduce your chances of developing it with the following tips: 

  1. Do Not Pick or Squeeze Acne 

    Avoid touching or squeezing acne lesions whenever possible. Picking at acne will cause more inflammation and impair healing. There is also an increased risk of skin infection as constantly touching your acne exposes damaged skin to bacteria. 

     

  2. Consult Professional Help As Soon As Possible 

    When over-the-counter acne treatments are not effective, seek professional advice on individualised dermatological treatments. These are customised for your skin type and are carried out under the guidance of a qualified medical aesthetician. 

     

  3. Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine 

    To help reduce future acne breakouts, use non-irritating, non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products. Harsh ingredients such as alcohols, fragrances, and preservatives can provoke or aggravate inflammation, resulting in an increased acne risk. 

     

Personalised Care at JY Medical Aesthetics Clinic

Our MOH-approved doctors at JY Medical Aesthetics Clinic in Singapore will take the time to understand your skincare needs and concerns.

After diagnosis, we will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your timeline and comfort level.
Contact us today to book an acne consultation.

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FAQ

Acne treatments take time and results depend on the individual patient’s skin condition. Most results are noticeable after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment. 

Mild acne may clear up within one to two weeks, but severe acne persists and may result in scarring and infection if left untreated.

Dr. Branden Seow – Singapore Aesthetic Medicine Doctor at JY Medical Aesthetics Clinic

AESTHETIC DOCTOR

Dr. Branden Seow

Dr. Branden Seow graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He is fully accredited by the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee. Before doing Aesthetic Medicine, he had experiences working in several medical disciplines like Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, as well as Dermatology.

He found great fulfillment in helping patients regain confidence by addressing skin-related issues, as well as making patients look their best, their youngest and their most confident. Dr. Seow’s passion for aesthetic medicine stems from his natural affinity for hands-on work and a deep desire to improve his patients’ lives. Dr. Seow also believes that aesthetic treatments are not just about physical transformation but also about improving a person’s overall sense of well-being.

CONTACT OUTLET

Jean Yip Loft

307 New Bridge Rd, Jean Yip Loft #02-00, Singapore 088757

Jurong Point

1 Jurong West Central 2, #03-02, Singapore 648886
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
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