Acne · Singapore
Blocked pores, inflamed pimples and deep cysts need different care. Our doctors assess your acne in detail, then combine medicines, lasers and skin treatments to control it.
The type of acne you have shapes the treatment.
Acne treatment controls breakouts and lowers the risk of the scars they can leave. Acne can affect people of all ages, and whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules are all forms of it, so the type of acne you have shapes the treatment, from medicines to laser.
Follicles connect the sebaceous, or oil, glands in the skin to the surface through the pores. Acne happens when the follicles get blocked and a collection of oil, skin cells and other debris clump together into a plug. This plug can become infected with acne bacteria (C. acnes, previously called P. acnes), causing swelling along with the production of pus.
There are a variety of medical treatments available for acne, and multiple factors are considered when planning one specific to your needs. Our doctors assess your skin in detail before treating your acne, and often combine medicines with in-clinic treatments and skincare.
Types of acne
Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules are all types of acne. They sit at different depths, from blocked pores at the surface to painful lumps deep in the skin, and the deeper and more inflamed the acne, the more likely it is to need a doctor and to leave scars.
Blocked pores (comedones)
Whiteheads occur when skin cells, bacteria and oil get trapped in a pore that then closes, creating a white or yellow bump. Blackheads are almost the same, but the pore stays open: the trapped material is exposed to the air and oxidises, turning it black.
Inflamed pimples (papules and pustules)
A pimple is a small papule or pustule. Pimples develop when oil glands become clogged and infected, causing swollen, red lesions filled with pus. The main difference is that acne is the disease, while pimples are one of its symptoms.
Cystic acne
Cystic acne forms painful, pus-filled lumps deep under the surface of the skin. Always see a doctor if you suspect that you have cystic acne, and do not try to remove the lumps yourself: deep inflammation is more likely to leave scars.
Acne that keeps coming back
Acne is persistent and recurring pimples or blemishes on the face, neck, chest and/or back. Hormonal changes that increase oil production can make breakouts more likely. If acne is persistent or severe, or has not improved after 6–8 weeks of over-the-counter products, see a doctor.
Matched to your acne
Multiple factors are considered: the type and severity of your acne, your skin type and any marks or scars. Medicines treat the cause; in-clinic treatments reduce inflammation and oil-gland activity. These are the treatments our doctors most often match to each concern.
Pregnant, planning a pregnancy or taking isotretinoin? Tell your doctor first.
For adults whose acne has not responded fully to standard treatment, targeted Nd:YAG laser energy can reduce inflammatory lesions and the oil-gland activity that contributes to breakouts.
Continuous-wave radiofrequency delivered through fine needles helps reduce active acne and acne scars, and can tighten pores on the nose and cheeks as new collagen forms.
Dynamic Pulsed Light combines laser and intense pulsed light to promote cell renewal in acne-prone skin and rough texture, with little to no downtime.
HydraFacial's vortex suction deep-cleans the pores, clearing loose comedones and debris, then infuses hydrating serums, in about 30 minutes with no downtime.
Dark marks often fade with time, sun protection and no picking. For marks that linger, your doctor may discuss options after an assessment, including tranexamic acid, a prescription medicine.
Your treatment journey
Tell the doctor how long you have had acne, where it appears, what you have tried and for how long, and about your periods, pregnancy plans, medicines and skincare.
The doctor examines your skin in detail to identify blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pimples, cysts or nodules, and any marks or scars, and checks what may be contributing.
Together you agree a plan: topical or oral medicines, in-clinic treatments such as laser, RF microneedling or DPL, and a skincare routine suited to your skin type.
You are likely to see a reduction in inflammatory acne after 2–4 months. Keep to your skincare, protect your skin from the sun, and return for maintenance every few months.
Safety & expectations
Acne is a medical condition: treating it early lowers the risk of scars.
Possible side effects depend on the type of treatment and the strength of medication chosen. There could be mild dryness, flaking or light sensitivity after treatment, which should subside in a few days. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or if your skin is sensitive, so medicines and strengths can be adjusted.
Acne happens when follicles, which connect the skin's oil glands to the surface through the pores, get blocked. Oil, skin cells and other debris clump together into a plug, which can become infected with acne bacteria (C. acnes, formerly P. acnes), causing swelling and pus. Hormonal changes that increase oil production, and some medicines, can make breakouts more likely.
Acne is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages: persistent and recurring pimples or blemishes on the face, neck, chest and/or back. According to HealthHub, it develops when sebum, the oil your skin produces, and dead skin cells clog the pores. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules are all types of acne. If acne is persistent or severe, visit a doctor.
Acne treatment in Singapore usually combines medicines with in-clinic care. Over-the-counter topicals contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide; prescription topicals, which may contain tretinoin, tend to be stronger, and oral medicines such as antibiotics may be prescribed. Laser treatment can reduce active inflammation by targeting overactive oil glands, and RF microneedling, DPL and skincare can be added. We also offer chemical peels, which use a chemical solution to remove the upper layers of the skin; the skin that grows back is likely to be smoother.
See a doctor if your acne does not improve after 6–8 weeks of using over-the-counter acne products, or if you have painful cysts or nodules. Acne is often described as mild (mainly blackheads and whiteheads, with a few pimples), moderate (more widespread inflamed papules and pustules) or severe (painful nodules, cysts or scarring). Moderate and severe acne usually need prescription treatment, and early care lowers the risk of scars.
You are likely to see a reduction of inflammatory acne after 2–4 months of treatment. Results continue to progress with consistent treatment in the long run, so it helps to follow your acne treatment plan closely and attend reviews, even when your skin starts to look clearer.
Before treatment, do not pick or squeeze your pimples, as this increases the probability of acne scars, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Always use a sunblock of at least SPF30 when outdoors, especially in Singapore's year-round sun. Most treatments involve minimal downtime; there could be mild dryness, flaking or light sensitivity for a few days, and your doctor will recommend post-treatment care.
Blackheads are open pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells, so squeezing them rarely helps and can inflame the skin. Use a gentle cleanser and an over-the-counter salicylic acid product consistently for several weeks; topical retinoids, some of which need a prescription, help if they persist. In clinic, a HydraFacial can deep-clean pores and extract loose comedones, and your doctor can check for other types of acne.
Usually, yes. The current episode of acne may be over, but that does not mean your skin will not relapse and break out in the future. We recommend maintenance treatment once every few months and keeping to a skincare regime, so that the effects of your acne treatment are preserved.
Doctor-led care
Appointments
Book a consultation and our doctors will assess your skin in detail and plan acne treatment specific to your skin condition.
