What is Acne?
Acne typically appears as small red inflamed bumps on the face.
People with acne tend to face this spectrum of skin issues.
Comedones
Blackheads or Whiteheads
Papules
Small red bumps
Pustules
Red bumps with pus
Cystic Acne
Large and painful red bumps, usually containing pus
Nodular Acne
Large and hard skin-coloured bumps that persist for weeks to months
Acne Scars
How does Acne form?
Simply put, acne occurs when the opening of a pore is blocked by excessive sebum and dead skin cells.
The blockage results in accumulation of sebum which stimulates the growth and proliferation of P.Acnes bacteria.
The body’s immune system is called in to combat the increase in P.Acnes bacteria causing inflammation which is seen as redness, pain, swelling and formation of pus.
When sufficient pressure builds up, the acne "ruptures" and the pus and contents drain out, leading to the recovery phase of acne.
Some patients may develop red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) or brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or scars.
Aim of Acne Treatment
Dr Edwin has a 3 pronged approach in treating acne.
- Acne Prevention
- Treatment of active acne
- Reduction of scars and post-inflammatory erythema (red marks)
Acne Treatment Options in Singapore
Medical Grade Topical Skincare Products - Formulated by Dr Edwin Lim
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 multi-herbal complex and botanical extracts 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.
Oral Medications
For moderate to severe acne, Dr Edwin usually prescribes oral antibiotics for a period of 2 to 3 months. This antibiotic is different from the usual ones that are used to treat cough and colds.
More information about acne medications can be found here.
In cases of severe stubborn acne, Acnotin is recommended for a duration of 9 to 18 months depending on body weight.
Facials
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 -
- Deeply cleanse and exfoliate
- Remove excess sebum
- Kill acne causing bacteria
- Soothe skin redness
- Lighten marks
- Stimulate collagen for improved scar healing
Lasers
The Acne Pro Yellow Laser treatment treats acne by using a special wavelength of 577nm to kill P. acne bacteria, shrink sebum-producing sebaceous glands and reduce post-inflammatory erythema (red marks).
Another Laser that Dr Edwin uses is the Carbon Spectra Laser "Hollywood" Peel. It helps to reduce sebum production, brightens skin. kill P.acne bacteria and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown marks).
How do I find the Best Acne Clinic Singapore has to offer?
Every acne clinic offers different acne treatment options for combating acne. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that the best acne treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in offering such acne treatment options. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of acne treatments before proceeding.
