Acne Treatment Singapore

What Is Acne and Why Does It Occur?

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.

Types of Acne and How to Identify Them

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:

Comedonal Acne (Blackheads and Whiteheads)

Comedones form when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells.

  • Blackheads are open comedones—despite their dark appearance, the colour isn’t due to dirt, but oxidation of sebum at the skin's surface.
  • Whiteheads are closed comedones, forming small, flesh-toned or white bumps beneath the skin.

These are often considered the mildest form of acne, but when left untreated, they can progress to more inflamed types.

Papules

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 (Pimples)

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.

Nodular Acne

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

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 Stages

How Acne Forms: Understanding the Root Cause

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:

  • Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, or due to medical conditions such as PCOS
  • Stress, which can increase oil production
  • Use of pore-clogging skincare or makeup products
  • Wearing face masks or helmets, which trap heat and moisture (commonly known as "maskne")
  • Genetics, which may affect how your skin responds to oil production and inflammation

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.

Acne Formation

Our 3-Pronged Approach to Acne Treatment

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.

1. Prevention of New Breakouts

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:

  • Medical-Grade Skincare and Oral Medications
    These are carefully selected to regulate sebum production, reduce bacterial activity, and support healthy skin turnover. Oral options may be used in cases where breakouts are persistent or hormonally driven.
  • Acne-Specific Medical Facials with Extraction
    Our in-clinic facials are customised for acne-prone skin and include gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and manual extractions—performed by trained professionals to minimise inflammation and reduce the risk of scarring.
  • Tailored Skincare Advice
    Many commercial products contain pore-clogging ingredients that can worsen acne. We guide our patients on choosing non-comedogenic skincare that suits Singapore’s climate and their individual skin type.

2. Treatment of Active Acne

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:

  • Prescription Topicals and Oral Medications
    Depending on your skin condition, we may recommend topical antibiotics or oral therapies to reduce inflammation and control acne-causing bacteria.
  • In-Clinic Treatments
    Professional options such as the Pro Yellow Laser, LED Blue Light Therapy, and Medical-Grade Acne Facials help reduce active lesions, kill acne bacteria, and promote faster skin recovery.
  • Antibiotic and Cortisone Injections
    For painful, deep cystic acne, antibiotic and cortisone injections are highly effective in rapidly reducing inflammation and preventing scar formation.

3. Repair of Acne Scars and Pigmentation

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:

  • Collagen Stimulators like Polynucleotide Scar
    Polynucleotide Scar is an advanced skin healing treatment that uses polynucleotide (PN) technology to stimulate collagen production, repair damaged tissue, and improve acne scar appearance over time.
  • Laser Treatments
    We offer customised laser therapies, such as PICO Laser and CO2 Fractional Resurfacing Laser, to target pigmentation and remodel the skin’s surface for smoother looking skin.
  • Skin Barrier and Pigmentation Support
    Proper moisturisers, antioxidants, and sun protection are essential to reduce PIH and support long-term skin healing, especially in Singapore’s sunny environment.

Regain Your Confidence With A Flawless Face

Talk to Dr Edwin today!

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📍CHANGI CITY POINT
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Acne Treatment Options Available at Our Clinic in Singapore

Medical Grade Topical Acne 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 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.

Comedone Control Complex

Oral Medications for Moderate to Severe Acne

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.

Medical Acne Facials with Extraction in Singapore

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 -

Aquapure Facial
  • Deeply cleanse and exfoliate
  • Remove excess sebum
  • Kill acne causing bacteria
  • Soothe skin redness
  • Lighten marks
  • Stimulate collagen for improved scar healing

Discover our customised medical facials with extraction for acne-prone skin here

Laser Treatments for Active Acne and Acne Scars

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.

Pro Yellow Laser

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:

  • Shrink overactive sebaceous glands (reducing oil production)
  • Calm inflammation
  • Fade post-inflammatory erythema (persistent red marks left after acne)

This treatment is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for inflamed acne and sensitive skin types.

Acne Laser Doctor

Carbon Spectra Laser (Hollywood Peel)

Another popular option is the Carbon Spectra Laser "Hollywood" Peel, also known as the "Hollywood Peel." This treatment helps to:

  • Control excess oil production
  • Kill acne-causing bacteria
  • Brighten dull, congested skin
  • Lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown marks)

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.

Acne Scar Types and Treatment Options in Singapore

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.

1. Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) – Red Marks

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.

2. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Brown Marks

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.

3. How to Treat Sunken Acne Scars in Singapore

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.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ready to Take Control of Your 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.

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