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:
A serum containing natural botanical extracts which acts to regulate sebum and effectively reduce open pores, whitehead and blackheads.
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.
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.
Most patients begin to see improvement in active acne within 4 to 8 weeks after starting treatment. For acne scars, visible results develop more gradually over several months as collagen remodelling occurs. The timeline depends on the type of acne treatment used and your skin’s natural response.
The Pro Yellow Acne Laser is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth or tingling. There is little to no discomfort, and downtime is minimal, making it a convenient option for treating active acne, inflammation, and post-acne redness such as post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).
Yes. At our clinic, many patients undergo combination treatments that address both active acne and scarring in the same session. Technologies like the Pro Yellow Acne Laser, Pico Laser, and collagen-stimulating injectables such as Rejuran Scar can be customised to reduce inflammation, clear breakouts, and improve skin texture simultaneously.
Rejuran Scar is safe and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It contains polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA, which stimulate natural collagen production and aid in skin repair. The treatment is biocompatible and associated with low risk of irritation or side effects.
Treated scars typically do not recur. However, if active acne continues, new scars may form. This is why it’s important to manage both acne and scarring together. Preventing new breakouts with medical-grade skincare and acne laser treatments helps maintain long-term skin clarity.
The best treatment depends on your acne severity, scar type, skin tone, and personal goals. During your consultation, Dr Edwin will assess your skin in detail and recommend a personalised acne treatment plan that may include lasers, injectables, or topical therapies based on your condition.
Singapore’s hot and humid environment contributes to increased sebum and sweat production, which can clog pores and promote bacterial overgrowth. These factors make acne more persistent. A structured treatment plan and proper skincare are essential to keep acne under control in our climate.
Yes. When performed by experienced doctors, lasers such as the Pico Laser and Pro Yellow Acne Laser are safe for darker skin tones. These technologies are designed to minimise thermal damage and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can be more common in melanin-rich skin.
Yes. Many patients with mild to moderate acne achieve good results using topical skincare, laser treatments, and medical facials with extractions. Oral medications such as antibiotics or isotretinoin are typically reserved for more severe or resistant acne that doesn't respond to topical options alone.
Maskne, or mask-related acne, is a common issue in Singapore due to prolonged mask use and humidity. Pro Yellow Acne Laser, targeted facials with extractions, and anti-inflammatory skincare can effectively reduce breakouts and prevent scarring. Addressing maskne early helps avoid long-term skin damage.
Most patients begin to see results after 3 to 5 sessions, typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on the type and depth of scarring, such as rolling, boxcar, or ice pick scars. Your treatment plan will be customised for optimal improvement.
When choosing an acne clinic in Singapore, look for:
- A medical doctor experienced in acne and scar management,
- A range of treatment options including lasers, injectables, and medical-grade skincare,
- Personalised consultations and a customised treatment approach.
At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we focus on evidence-based acne solutions tailored to your skin needs, with the goal of achieving long-term skin health.
