Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, though it’s most prevalent among teenagers and young adults. It develops when hair follicles become blocked by a combination of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage leads to inflammation, which presents as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts.
In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, acne can be particularly persistent, especially for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Beyond just a skin issue, acne often affects confidence and emotional well-being, especially when breakouts are frequent or severe.
At our clinic, we recognise that each acne case is unique. Whether it’s teenage acne, adult-onset acne, or maskne, our treatment approach is always tailored to your skin type and condition severity. Early intervention is key—not only to reduce active breakouts but also to minimise the risk of long-term scarring.
Acne doesn't look the same for everyone. Some people may only struggle with the occasional whitehead, while others experience painful, deep breakouts that leave scars. Knowing what type of acne you're dealing with is the first step toward getting the right treatment.
At our clinic in Singapore, we commonly see a spectrum of acne types, ranging from mild to severe:
Comedones form when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells.
These are often considered the mildest form of acne, but when left untreated, they can progress to more inflamed types.
Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflammation. They often feel tender and may appear in clusters. Unlike blackheads or whiteheads, papules don’t have visible pus.
Pustules are inflamed bumps with a visible white or yellow centre filled with pus. These are what most people commonly think of as pimples. Picking or squeezing them increases the risk of scarring and should be avoided.
Nodules are deep, hard lumps that develop under the skin. They often feel painful and firm to the touch, and they can persist for weeks. Because of how deep they sit in the skin, they rarely come to a head and typically require medical treatment to resolve.
Cystic acne is the most severe form. These are large, swollen, pus-filled cysts that develop deep beneath the surface. Cystic breakouts are painful and can lead to long-term scarring if not treated early. In Singapore’s humid climate, we often see cystic acne flare-ups worsen due to excess oil production and clogged pores.
Acne forms when hair follicles become clogged with a mixture of sebum (your skin’s natural oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Under normal conditions, sebum helps to keep the skin moisturised. However, when excess oil is produced—often triggered by hormones, stress, or even the humid Singapore climate—it mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the pores.
Once a pore is blocked, Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as P. acnes) can multiply inside the clogged follicle. This causes inflammation and leads to the formation of acne lesions like blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts.
Several factors can contribute to acne formation:
While acne is not caused by poor hygiene or eating chocolate, certain dietary and lifestyle habits—such as high-sugar diets and lack of sleep—can make breakouts worse in some individuals.
Understanding how acne forms is crucial to choosing the right treatment. At our clinic, we don't just treat the surface—we target the root causes to give you clearer, longer-lasting results.
At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we understand that acne isn't just about occasional breakouts—it can affect your skin health, self-confidence, and overall well-being. That’s why we take a holistic and personalised approach. Our 3-pronged strategy focuses on prevention, effective treatment of active acne, and long-term repair of acne scars.
Prevention is key. Many of our patients in Singapore experience frequent flare-ups due to environmental factors like heat, humidity, and sweat, which contribute to increased oil production and pore congestion.
To help prevent new breakouts, we offer:
When breakouts do occur, the priority is to calm inflammation, reduce bacterial overgrowth, and clear the skin as quickly and safely as possible.
We offer a range of evidence-based treatments including:
After the acne clears, many patients are left with post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH), uneven texture, or depressed scars. These marks can linger for months or even years without proper treatment.
Our scar repair strategy includes:
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Comedone Control Complex
A serum containing natural botanical extracts which acts to regulate sebum and effectively reduce open pores, whitehead and blackheads.
Anti Blemish Serum
Contains Azelaic Acid and a multi-herbal complex to kill acne-causing bacteria, minimise breakouts, regulate sebum, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of red acne marks.
Acne Spot Cream
Prescription product containing antibiotics to kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and speed up acne resolution.
Explore our full range of medical-grade acne skincare products here.
For moderate to severe acne, oral medications are often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. These medications work from within to reduce inflammation, control bacteria, and regulate oil production.
Dr Edwin typically prescribes a course of oral antibiotics for 2 to 3 months. These antibiotics are targeted specifically at acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) and differ from those used to treat common infections like coughs or sore throats.
In cases of severe or persistent acne, a stronger medication such as oral isotretinoin (commonly known by brand names like Roaccutane or Acnotin) may be recommended. This prescription treatment targets all four root causes of acne—bacteria, oil production, inflammation, and clogged pores. The duration of treatment typically ranges from 9 to 18 months, and is tailored based on body weight and acne severity.
Want to learn more about prescription acne medications and how they work? Click here for more information.
Dr Edwin has developed an Aquapure Medi-facial protocol combined with OMEGA Blue LED light specifically targeting acne. It combines several steps containing AHAs, BHAs and other active ingredients to achieve the following benefits -
Discover our customised medical facials with extraction for acne-prone skin here
At our clinic, we use advanced laser technology to target the root causes of acne, reduce active breakouts, and minimise post-acne marks. These non-invasive treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to your skin type and acne severity.
The Acne Pro Yellow Laser uses a 577nm wavelength to penetrate the skin and directly target acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes). It also helps to:
This treatment is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for inflamed acne and sensitive skin types.
Another popular option is the Carbon Spectra Laser "Hollywood" Peel, also known as the "Hollywood Peel." This treatment helps to:
The laser works in tandem with a carbon lotion applied to the skin, which absorbs oil and impurities before being vaporised by the laser—leaving the skin clearer and more refined over time.
Even after active acne clears, many patients are left with lingering marks or indentations that affect the skin’s overall appearance. At our clinic, we categorise acne scarring into three main types—each requiring a tailored treatment approach.
PIE appears as persistent pink or red spots on the skin after an acne lesion has healed. It is most common in lighter skin types and is caused by dilated blood vessels in areas of previous inflammation.
Treatment Options:
• Pro Yellow Laser – Targets visible redness and calms inflammation by shrinking the dilated blood vessels that cause PIE.
• PICO Gold Toning – A low-energy setting of the Pico Laser that gently improves skin tone and reduces residual redness with minimal downtime.
These treatments are non-invasive and well-tolerated, making them ideal for patients who want to reduce redness and restore an even complexion.
PIH presents as brown or dark spots left behind after acne, more commonly seen in medium to darker skin tones. It’s caused by excess melanin production triggered by inflammation or skin trauma.
Treatment Option:
• PICO Laser – Targets melanin clusters with ultra-short pulses, breaking down pigmentation without damaging surrounding tissue. It’s safe for all skin types and helps fade PIH over a series of sessions.
These scars occur when the skin loses collagen during the healing process, resulting in indentations or uneven texture. Common types include ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars.
Treatment Options:
• Polynucleotide Scar – A polynucleotide (PN)-based injectable that stimulates collagen production and supports skin repair.
• CO₂ Fractional Laser – A resurfacing laser that promotes collagen remodelling, ideal for deeper or more mature acne scars.
• PICO Fractional Laser – Delivers high-energy pulses to remodel scar tissue and improve skin texture, with less downtime than CO₂ lasers.
The ideal treatment depends on your skin type, scar severity, and comfort with downtime. During your consultation, Dr Edwin will assess your skin in detail and recommend a customised plan to help you achieve smoother, more even-toned skin.
Struggling with persistent breakouts, red acne marks, or long-standing acne scars? At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we offer doctor-led acne treatments tailored to your unique skin condition—combining medical expertise with clinically proven technology like the Pro Yellow Acne Laser, Pico Laser, and Polynucleotide Scar.
Your journey to clearer skin starts with a professional skin assessment and customised treatment plan.
👉 Book a consultation with Dr Edwin today to get started.