Acne Treatment Singapore: Adults' Guide to Clear Skin

Acne Treatment Singapore: Adults' Guide to Clear Skin

Acne isn’t just a teenage troublemaker; it's a skin issue that can persist long into adulthood, with a surprising rise in cases among adult women (Tanghetti et al, 2014). Beyond being a cosmetic problem, acne can significantly affect one’s psychological, social, and emotional well-being, making effective treatment essential for improving both skin health and overall confidence.

In this blog, we’ll provide valuable insights into combating adult acne and explore effective treatment options in Singapore. From understanding the causes to choosing the right solutions, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Table of Contents

What is Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by clogged sebaceous glands. When these glands become blocked with excess oil and bacteria, it results in the formation of bumps on the skin.

While mild acne may resolve over time, more severe cases often require medical intervention for effective management. Factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle choices contribute to the development of acne.

Types of Acne

Types of Acne:

Understanding the different types of acne is essential for selecting the most effective treatment. The 5 most common forms of acne are:

Comedones:

  • Blackheads: These are open comedones where the pore is clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. The dark color is due to the oxidation of the material inside the pore.
  • Whiteheads: These are closed comedones where the clogged pore is covered by a thin layer of skin, giving it a white or flesh-colored appearance.

Papules: Small, raised, red bumps that are tender to the touch. They occur when the walls of the clogged pores break, causing inflammation.

Pustules: Similar to papules but filled with pus. They appear as red, inflamed bumps with a white or yellow center.

Nodules: Large, painful, solid lumps that are deep under the skin. They result from severe inflammation and can last for weeks or longer.

Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps that are larger than nodules. They can cause significant scarring and are considered a severe form of acne.

Types of Acne Treatments Available in Singapore

There are a myriad of acne treatments found in Singapore to address different acne concerns. This includes:

Woman putting treatment on acne

  1. Topical Treatments
    Topical treatments are commonly used as the first line of defence against acne. These include:
  2. Oral Medications
    Oral treatments are typically prescribed for moderate to severe acne cases and include:
    • Antibiotics: to reduce bacteria and inflammation, such as:
    • Hormonal treatments: Often prescribed for women experiencing more severe hormonal acne.
      • Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Regulate hormone levels by reducing androgen production, which decreases sebum production and prevents clogged pores. It may particularly help women with PCOS.
      • Cyproterone Acetate: An anti-androgen that reduces the effects of androgens on the sebaceous glands.
        • Diane-35
    • Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful medication for severe or cystic acne, requiring close medical supervision. Not suitable for pregnant women.
    All the oral medications mentioned above require a doctor’s prescription.
  3. Professional Treatments
    Dermatological procedures are highly effective for persistent or severe acne. Common options include:
    • Chemical peels: Exfoliate and remove the outer layer of damaged skin.
    • Laser and light therapy: Target bacteria and reduce inflammation.
    • Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production to improve acne scars.
    • Acne facials: Customised treatments to cleanse and manage acne outbreaks.
  4. Natural and Alternative Treatments
    For those seeking non-invasive solutions, natural remedies and lifestyle changes may be effective:
    • Herbal remedies: Ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera.
    • Dietary changes: Reducing sugar and dairy intake may help manage acne.

How to Choose the Right Acne Treatment in Singapore

Selecting the most suitable acne treatment requires a thoughtful approach, considering factors like skin type, acne severity, and lifestyle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the process effectively:

Types of skin

Skin Type

  1. Oily Skin: Focus on controlling sebum production and unclogging pores.

    Treatments:

    • Salicylic Acids: Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) helps exfoliate and penetrates pores to reduce oil and prevent clogging.
    • Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. Avoid using it simultaneously with salicylic acid to prevent over-irritation.
    • Niacinamide: regulates oil production, reduces inflammation, and improves skin barrier function. It pairs well with salicylic acid or vitamin C but should be applied 30 minutes apart.
  2. Dry Skin: Prioritise hydration and moisture retention

    Recommended ingredients include:

    • Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
    • Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
    • Ceramides: Help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss.
    Note: Avoid over-exfoliating (use of physical or chemical exfoliants) or using products that can strip moisture from the skin.
  3. Sensitive Skin: Protect and soothe the skin while minimising irritation.
    • Gentle/Low Percentage Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates without irritating.
    • Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
    • Ceramides & Lipids: Repair and maintain the skin barrier.
    • Probiotics: Help balance the skin's microbiome and soothe irritation.
    • Peptides: Support the skin’s barrier and reduce signs of inflammation.
    Note: Avoid active ingredients that can be too harsh, such as high concentrations of retinoids or exfoliating acids, unless recommended by a professional.

Acne Severity:

  • Mild Acne: Over-the-counter (OTC) products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid can be effective for mild cases.
  • Moderate to Severe Acne: Prescription treatments, including topical retinoids or antibiotics, may be necessary. In some cases, oral medications or medical procedures may be recommended.
  • Persistent or Severe Cases: For persistent or cystic acne, more intensive professional treatments like oral retinoids or corticosteroid injections might be required.

Lifestyle:

Woman eating a donut while working

  • Diet and Stress: Stress and diet can influence acne. Reduce stress through mindfulness or exercise and consider dietary changes to minimise inflammation.
  • Skincare Routine: Use non-comedogenic products and ensure thorough cleansing of makeup. Avoid skincare products that could aggravate acne, such as those with heavy oils.

Personalised Treatment:

Why Consult a Dermatologist?

  1. Skin Type and Severity Assessment: A dermatologist can identify your specific needs and recommend targeted treatments.
  2. Diagnosis of Underlying Conditions: Acne could signal issues like hormonal imbalances or PCOS. A dermatologist can diagnose and address these problems.
  3. Prescription and Monitoring: Access treatments unavailable OTC, with professional oversight to adjust the plan if necessary.
  4. Scar Prevention: Professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy can prevent and manage acne scarring.

By evaluating your unique skin concerns and consulting a specialist, you can create an effective and sustainable acne treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether it's topical solutions, oral medications, or advanced dermatological treatments, Singapore offers a wide range of options to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

Post-Treatment Skincare Routine and Tips for Preventing Future Breakouts

After acne treatment, maintaining a consistent skincare routine and adopting healthy lifestyle habits are essential for preventing future breakouts and promoting long-term skin health.

Woman putting sunscreen on her face

Sun Protection

Why It’s Important: Acne treatments such as retinoids, chemical peels, or laser therapies can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation and further damage.

How to Protect Your Skin:

  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even indoors if near windows or on cloudy days.
  • Apply a minimum of two finger-lengths of sunscreen to ensure proper protection.
  • Choose non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent clogging pores.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours if outdoors.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Healthy vs Unhealthy Food

Common Culprits: High-glycaemic foods (e.g., sugary snacks, refined carbs), dairy, and foods high in saturated fats may exacerbate acne by triggering inflammation or increasing sebum production.

Dietary Tips:

Opt for a balanced diet rich in:

  1. Fruits and Vegetables: High in antioxidants to combat inflammation.
  2. Whole Grains: Low-glycaemic options to stabilise blood sugar levels.
  3. Lean Proteins: Supports skin repair and immune function.
  4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these help reduce inflammation.

Hydrate the Body

Benefits: Proper hydration supports skin elasticity, speeds up the healing process, and helps flush out toxins.

Recommendations:

  • Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily.
  • Incorporate hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet.

Improve Immunity

Why It Matters: A strong immune system helps the body manage inflammation, repair damaged skin, and combat acne-causing bacteria.

Steps to Boost Immunity:

  • Balanced Nutrition: Include skin-friendly nutrients such as:
    • Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and berries to support collagen synthesis.
    • Vitamin D: Sun exposure or supplements to regulate immune response.
    • Zinc: Found in nuts, seeds, and seafood to reduce inflammation.
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: To support skin repair and reduce redness.
  • Regular Exercise: Promotes healthy circulation, delivering nutrients to the skin.
  • Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours nightly to support skin repair and immune function.
  • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to minimise stress-induced breakouts.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the various causes of acne and the treatments available. As demonstrated, healing acne can be complex due to the multitude of factors involved including skin type, lifestyle, diet and health. For personalised advice and effective care, consider consulting Glovida-Rx’s pharmacy, where our pharmacists can recommend tailored acne treatment solutions or, if necessary, refer you to a doctor for further evaluation. Taking a proactive and informed approach will help you manage your acne more effectively and achieve lasting results.

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