Types, Causes and Acne Treatments in Singapore
Causes Of Acne
Acne is a very common skin problem and can infect the face, chest, shoulders and back. Acne often begins to form during your teenage years. While it generally resolves on its own, acne can sometimes persist through adulthood and be a major problem throughout your life. Seeking acne treatment early can prevent this from happening and it can also greatly reduce the chances of acne breakouts leaving behind scars.
Acne during puberty is a result of your skin’s response to hormonal changes. During puberty, your skin’s sebaceous glands produce excessive sebum (skin oil). The sebaceous gland openings to the skin’s surface frequently get blocked, forming whiteheads and blackheads. The fatty acids within these blocked oil glands become infected by bacteria living on the surface of your skin. This infection leads to skin inflammation, followed by pustules, and sometimes, painful cysts.
Acne can also be aggravated by stress, insufficient sleep, hormonal changes and several other environmental factors.
Types of Acne
While most may think that all acne is the same and can be treated by one miracle spot treatment, the truth is that each type of acne lesion requires a different treatment. Receiving prompt, correct acne treatment can reduce the risk of long-term skin complications, such as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), dark spots and acne scarring.
Acne falls into two categories, depending on whether they cause inflammation of the surrounding skin: Non-inflammatory and Inflammatory Acne lesions.
Non-Inflammatory Acne Lesions
Whiteheads and blackheads are the mildest forms of non-inflammatory acne lesions. These form of acne lesions generally don't cause any pain or swelling.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads (closed comedones) are tiny spots or bumps that are visible as white or flesh-coloured lesions. These lesions are characterised by a white, round centre that is encircled by what looks like a red halo. They are formed when oil and dead skin are trapped within the pore under the skin. Fortunately, whiteheads generally do not lead to scarring of the skin.
Blackheads
Blackheads (open comedones) are tiny spots that are dark-coloured and may appear as slightly elevated bumps on the skin. While the center of the blackhead is dark - almost black, the area surrounding the blackhead is skin-coloured. The discolouration in the blackhead is not due to trapped dirt. The blackhead is formed when the pore blockage is exposed through the open pore, exposing the contents to the air and is darkened due to oxidation.
Inflammatory Acne Lesions
These are lesions that have an inflamed, swollen appearance, are red in colour and are warm to the touch. Cysts, nodules, papules and pustules are all different types of inflammatory acne.
Minor to mild forms
#1. Papules
Papules manifest in the form of small red bumps that sit beneath the surface of the skin. These lesions do not have a visible center comprising of pus like whiteheads do.
#2. Pustules (Pimples)
Pustules are the most familiar form of acne - also known as pimples. They are often larger in size and tender to the touch and characterised by a well-defined, circular centre. The centre usually has pus that could be white or yellow in colour that is caused by an infected pore cavity. Acne pustules are generally hard and painful to the touch. The skin adjoining the bump is likely to have a red and inflamed look.
Moderate to Severe Forms
#3. Nodules
Nodules or nodular acne is a type of chronic acne with large, inflamed, hard and painful lumps firmly ensconced within the skin. Similar to deeper papules, nodular acne also have no visible head of pus-filled centre. These acne lesions form with clogged pores damage the deeper tissues and cells beneath the skin. These lesions can also result in dark spots, scarring and similar complications of the skin.
#4. Cysts
Cysts are the most severe type of acne. They are usually distinguished by pus-filled lumps that are red or white in colour. These lumps and deep-seated within the skin and are generally huge, soft to the touch and painful. When a cysts bursts open, the infection can spread further, which can result in more breakouts on the skin. If left untreated, cysts can lead to acne scarring and other skin complications.
Acne Treatment Options in Singapore
Treatment for active acne should focus on controlling existing breakouts, reducing inflammation, preventing new acne lesions and lowering the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and permanent acne scars.
Acne can present as blackheads, whiteheads, inflammatory papules and pustules, nodules or cysts, and different types and severities of acne require different treatment approaches. Hormonal factors, excess sebum production, clogged pores, inflammation and Cutibacterium acnes can all contribute to acne development.
For this reason, there is no single treatment that works for every patient. After assessing the type and severity of acne, a doctor may recommend a combination of medical treatment, skincare and clinic-based procedures.
Treatments for Different Types of Acne | Dr Chiam Chiak Teng
Oral & Topical Acne Medication
Topical and oral medications can help control active acne by targeting factors such as clogged pores, excess oil, bacteria and inflammation. The type of medication prescribed depends on the type and severity of the acne.
For moderate, severe or persistent acne, a doctor may prescribe oral medication when appropriate. As each acne medication has specific benefits, risks and monitoring requirements, a doctor should assess your condition and recommend a safe and suitable acne treatment plan.
Express Acne MediFacial Treatment (45mins)
This customised medical skin peel acne facial treatment targets the epidermal layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores and reduce excess oil. The treatment can also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and improve overall skin texture for a smoother, clearer complexion.
The medical-grade chemical peel is particularly suitable for dull, oily and acne-prone skin. It can also help reduce inflammation and support the control of active acne and future breakouts.
Ensoul Signature Acne Medi-Facial (90mins)
This eight-step signature medical acne facial uses high-quality, medical-grade chemical peels, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and other energy-based modalities to deeply cleanse the skin, remove excess oil and unclog congested pores. The treatment gently exfoliates dead skin cells, supports healthy skin renewal and improves overall skin clarity.
Designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin, this professional acne facial addresses factors associated with breakouts, including excess sebum, clogged pores, Cutibacterium acnes, inflammation and redness. By supporting a healthier skin barrier and improving overall skin balance, it can help manage active acne and reduce recurring breakouts.
Ultrasound Acne Skin Repair
This non-invasive treatment uses dual-frequency ultrasound technology to improve microcirculation, support fibroblast activity and promote the skin’s natural repair processes. It can help reduce inflammation and redness, making it particularly suitable for active, sensitive and acne-prone skin.
The ultrasound technology may also help modulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which is involved in inflammation and tissue remodelling. By supporting skin recovery and improving overall skin resilience, the treatment can complement a broader acne treatment programme.
S. Acne RF Microneedling Treatment
Ensoul’s S. Acne Treatment is suitable for individuals with active acne, acne scars, enlarged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
This RF microneedling treatment uses ultrafine microneedles to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy into targeted layers of the skin. For active acne, the treatment can help reduce sebaceous gland activity and excess oil production, calm inflammation and support the skin’s repair process, helping to create a less favourable environment for recurring breakouts.
At the same time, RF energy stimulates collagen remodelling, helping to improve enlarged pores, acne scars and overall skin texture.
PIH Laser Therapy
Ensoul’s range of laser treatments uses a customised combination of laser wavelengths to address active acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), post-acne redness and mild acne scarring. Treatment is selected according to the type and depth of the acne marks, skin condition and individual skin response.
For active acne, selected laser wavelengths can help reduce inflammation, control excess sebum and target acne-associated bacteria, while also helping to lighten brown and red acne marks, improve uneven skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, stimulate collagen production and improve mild acne scarring.
Why We Use a Combination Approach to Acne Treatment
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition, so treating only what appears on the surface may not adequately control persistent breakouts. An effective acne treatment plan may therefore combine prescription medication, appropriate skincare, chemical peels, medi-facials, professional extraction, lasers or light-based treatments, RF microneedling and phototherapy according to the patient's needs.
The first priority is to control active acne and prevent new lesions. Once acne is better controlled, treatment can also focus on residual concerns such as red or brown acne marks, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture and acne scars.
Early and appropriate treatment is particularly important for patients with persistent inflammatory, nodular or cystic acne, as deeper inflammation carries a greater risk of permanent acne scarring.
Treating Acne Medically | Dr Kenneth Thean
Frequently Asked Questions on Acne Treatment in Singapore
A: There are more than one type of acne treatments, to determine the suitable treatments for you, the doctor will have to carefully assess your skin type, severity of the acne and other factors in order to advise. The treatment can be a combination of topical cream, oral medications paired with energy devices or standalone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
A: Oftentimes, acne will go away on its own after puberty has ended. However, there are some people who will continue to struggle with acne in adulthood. But the good news is that all acne can be successfully treated, it is about finding the suitable treatment as well as having a proper skin care regime.
It is also important to take care of your acne conditions early to prevent future scarring in the future which can be difficult and more expensive to treat.
A: There are multiple ways you can keep your skin healthy.
1) Use a gentle facial cleanser, avoid over exfoliating your skin.
2) For women - select makeup that does not clog the pores or change your makeup if it is causing you to have blemishes.
3) Exercising can help to promote skin cell health as it increases the blood flow. The increase in blood flow can provide both oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away waste products. By exercising, it can also alleviate stress which in turn keeps those stress levels down and helps your skin look radiant.
A: If over-the-counter treatments such as topical retinoid or creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are ineffective and your acne condition becomes more severe. It is good to approach your doctor for an alternative solution early. Severe acne, if left untreated, may lead to acne scarring, which may require a longer time to treat.