Concerns

Acne Treatment

Say goodbye to acne, blackheads and other lesions!

What is Acne?

Acne is a common chronic skin condition that occurs when hair follicles (pilosebaceous unit) become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of microcomedones (small “clogged pores” with no opening), blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of lesions. It can occur on any part of the body, but is most commonly seen on the face, chest, and back. The medical term for acne is “acne vulgaris”. Acne is more than just a physical illness because it can cause substantial psychological and social issues for the patient especially if acne scars develop on the skin. Therefore, early intervention and treatment is important to not only treat acne, but to also prevent scarring as much as possible.

upset girl trying to pop acne

What Causes Acne?

GENETICS

Acne tends to run in families, so if your parents or siblings have had acne, you may be more likely to develop it.

HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can all contribute to the development of acne.

INCREASED OIL (SEBUM) & SKIN CELLS (HYPERKERATINIZATION) PRODUCTION
BACTERIA

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a type of bacteria that is normally found on the skin but can cause acne when it colonizes the follicle. [note: (Propionibacterium acnes was renamed to Cutibacterium acnes in 2016]

INFLAMMATORY REACTION & OILY SKIN
FUNGUS/YEAST (PITYSPORUM FOLLICULITIS)

Can be associated with seborrheic dermatitis (on scalp – “dandruff”)

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Diet (dairy, whey protein, sugar), stress (can affect hormones), tight fitting clothing, hygiene, hair washing/drying habits, picking at lesions, make-up, skin care products and certain medications can all contribute to the development of acne.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Air pollution, temperature, humidity, grease contact (kitchen)

woman putting acne cream on face

Types of Acne Lesions

woman trying to pop pimple
Non-Inflammatory
Microcomedones

Commonly not visible to the naked eye, it is the precursor to other acne lesions. There is commonly microscopic excess oil and dead skin cells blocking the follicle.

blackheads on nose
Non-Inflammatory
Comedones

Known as clogged pores. Small, raised bumps on the skin which can be ‘open’ (blackheads) or ‘closed’ (white heads) depending on whether the follicle opening is covered or not by skin.

acne on cheeks
Inflammatory
Papules

Small, red bumps that are raised above the surface of the skin.

red discolored scars on cheek
Inflammatory
Pustules

Similar to papules, but with a white or yellow center that is filled with pus. Commonly with inflammation (redness, pain, swelling) around the lesion. (See below image)

boxcar scars on cheeks
Inflammatory
Nodules

Larger, more severe lesions that develop deeper within the skin. They are firm, painful, and can be deeply embedded. Nodules are often accompanied by inflammation and may take longer to heal compared to other types of acne lesions. (See below image)

brown discoloured acne scar on cheek
Inflammatory
Cysts

Similar to nodules in size and depth but are filled with pus and can be softer to the touch. Cysts are often larger than other acne lesions and can be quite painful. (See below image)

dr kim doing procedure

Primary assessment of patients with acne starts with a proper history taking. Due to the multifactorial nature of acne, family history, environmental factors, diet, hygiene, make-up/skin care products, stress, physical activity, and medication history need to be evaluated. Close examination of the skin for comedones which can develop into more severe types of acne lesions is required in addition to the assessment of other larger acne lesion types and locations on the face/body.

Examination of the scalp is also needed to rule out any fungus/yeast component that may contribute to acne.

Effective treatment for acne as well as acne scars treatment depends on the severity and types of acne, as well as the individual patient’s skin type and medical history. As acne can also affect children and teenagers, the age-specific safety of certain treatments must also be taken into consideration.

Types of Acne Treatment in Singapore

Acne is a very complex, chronic condition which is challenging to treat and can have long-term effects not only on the skin, but also mentally and socially. Cooperation between the patient and the treatment team is important in achieving treatment goals. After these goals are met, maintenance to prevent recurrence of acne is vital. Once acne maintenance is achieved, treatments to get rid of acne scars can be taken into consideration.

Help to prevent and reduce non-inflammatory lesions (comedones). Also important in the maintenance stage after treatment goals have been reached. Include: appropriate cleanser, AHA, BHA, benzol peroxide, azelaic acid, adapalene, retinoids (tretinoin). Topical antibiotics are used to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne. However, improper use can lead to resistance so should be used in combination with other regimens and according to instruction by the physician. Include: clindamycin, erythromycin.

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Getting Effective Acne Treatment in Singapore

With Dr Kim’s years of expertise, you can put your trust in Aeon Medical to come up with the best treatment plan to treat and reduce the appearance of acne in Singapore. By customizing treatment plans based on individual needs and using advanced technologies, we can effectively improve your skin condition, giving you more confidence. We also provide treatment for enlarged pores as well as hyperpigmentation treatment. Book an appointment with Aeon Medical today!

dr kim

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