Acne Treatment in Singapore
Dr Wong Su-Ni
Senior Consultant Dermatologist in Singapore
MBBS (Melbourne), MMed (Internal Med), MRCP (UK)FAMS (Dermatology), FRCP (London), GDA (Singapore)
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, most often affecting individuals as they begin puberty. Although it is frequently regarded as a rite of passage when growing up, acne can extend into adulthood and vary significantly in severity. Some individuals experience occasional breakouts, while others develop persistent inflammatory acne that may result in permanent scarring and pigmentation changes.
Beyond its physical effects, acne can have a significant impact on self-confidence, social interactions and overall quality of life. Early intervention is therefore important, not only to improve the appearance of the skin but also to reduce the risk of long-term skin damage and scarring.
With appropriate treatment, acne can often be effectively controlled, helping patients achieve clearer skin and greater confidence.
What Are the Different Types of Acne?
Acne can appear in different forms, ranging from mild clogged pores to deeper inflammatory lesions that may result in permanent scarring. Identifying the type of acne present can help guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads develop when a pore becomes clogged and remains closed at the skin's surface, appearing as small white or flesh-coloured bumps.
Papules
Papules are small, red and inflamed bumps that develop when a blocked pore becomes irritated.
Blackheads
Blackheads occur when a clogged pore remains open. Exposure to air causes the trapped material within the pore to darken, creating a black appearance.
Nodules
Nodules are large, firm and often painful lumps that form deeper beneath the skin due to significant inflammation.
Pustules
Pustules are inflamed pimples that contain pus and typically appear as red bumps with a white or yellow centre.
Cysts
Cysts are deep, pus-filled lesions that can be painful and have a higher risk of causing permanent acne scars.
Where Can Acne Appear on Your Body?
Acne most commonly develops in areas with a high concentration of oil-producing glands. While the face is the most frequently affected area, acne can also occur on other parts of the body, particularly where sweat, friction and excess oil may contribute to blocked pores.
- Face: The face is the most common location for acne to appear, particularly the cheeks, chin and nose.
- Forehead: Acne on the forehead may be associated with excess oil production, hair products and friction from hats or headwear.
- Chest: Chest acne often appears as red bumps, pimples or inflamed lesions and can be aggravated by sweat and tight-fitting clothing.
- Shoulders: Acne can develop on the shoulders due to friction from clothing, bags and sports equipment, especially in individuals with oily skin.
- Upper Back: The upper back contains numerous oil glands, making it a common site for persistent acne inflammation.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles and pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria. This can trigger inflammation within the skin, leading to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts and nodules.
How Acne Develops
Acne typically develops through several stages:
- Excess oil production: Hormonal changes can cause the skin's oil glands to produce more sebum than normal, resulting in noticeably oily skin.
- Blocked pores: Excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, causing pores to become clogged. This may be worsened by factors such as heavy or pore-clogging cosmetics, inadequate cleansing after exercise, friction from masks or helmets, and frequent touching or picking of the skin.
- Bacterial growth: Acne-causing bacteria can multiply within blocked pores.
- Inflammation: The body's immune response to the bacteria leads to redness, swelling and pus formation, resulting in pimples and other acne lesions.
Factors That Can Worsen Acne
Several factors can contribute to acne flare-ups or increase the severity of existing acne, including:
- Stress
- Hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty, menstruation or pregnancy
- Greasy or pore-clogging cosmetic products
- Certain medications
- Hot and humid environments
- A family history of acne
How You Can Begin Your Acne Treatment Journey
When to See an Acne Specialist in Singapore
While mild acne may improve with over-the-counter skincare products, persistent or worsening breakouts often require professional treatment. You should consider seeing an acne specialist if your acne:
- Is painful
- Leaves scars or dark marks
- Affects large areas such as the face, chest or back
- Continues despite self-care measures
- Is affecting your confidence, emotional well-being or daily life.
Early treatment can help control inflammation, reduce the risk of permanent scarring and pigmentation changes, and prevent acne from becoming more severe over time.
How Does a Dermatologist Find the Right Acne Treatment for You?
Acne treatment is not one-size-fits-all. During a consultation at our clinic, Dr Wong will assess the type and severity of your acne, the areas affected, the presence of scarring or pigmentation, and any factors that may be contributing to your breakouts. She will also ask questions about your medical history, current medications and previous acne treatments.
Based on these findings, a personalised treatment plan may be recommended. This may involve skincare products, topical medications, oral treatments or in-clinic procedures, either individually or in combination, depending on your condition and treatment goals.
What Types of Acne Treatment Do We Provide?
Skincare Products
Appropriate skincare products help reduce excess oil, remove impurities and maintain the skin barrier, creating an environment that is less conducive to acne formation.
Suitable Toner
Moisturiser
Topical Creams
Topical medications are applied directly to the skin to unclog pores, reduce bacterial growth and control inflammation within acne lesions.
Retinoid Creams
Salicylic Acid
Prescription Tablets
Oral medications work from within the body to address underlying contributors to acne, such as inflammation, bacterial overgrowth and hormonal imbalances.
Antibiotics
Hormones
Contraceptive Pills
Physical Procedures
In-clinic procedures target acne through controlled exfoliation, skin resurfacing or energy-based treatments to reduce lesions and improve skin texture.
Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
Lasers
Schedule a consultation with us for a skin assessment and a targeted treatment plan
What to Expect After Acne Treatment
While some treatments may produce visible improvements within a few weeks, acne often requires ongoing management and multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. With consistent treatment and follow-up care, many patients experience fewer breakouts, reduced inflammation and healthier-looking skin over time.
Some patients may experience temporary redness, dryness, mild peeling or increased skin sensitivity, particularly after chemical peels, microdermabrasion or laser treatments. These effects are usually short-lived and improve as the skin heals.
During the recovery period, it is important to follow your prescribed skincare routine, keep the skin moisturised, apply sunscreen regularly and avoid picking or squeezing acne lesions. Patients should also minimise excessive sun exposure and avoid harsh skincare products unless advised otherwise by their dermatologist.
Take Control of Acne Before It Leads to Lasting Skin Damage
Acne is more than a cosmetic concern. Persistent breakouts can lead to permanent scarring, pigmentation changes and a significant impact on self-confidence and quality of life if left untreated. Seeking professional treatment early can help control active acne, minimise long-term skin damage and improve overall skin health.
At Dr SN Wong Skin, Hair, Nails & Laser Specialist Clinic, patients receive personalised care tailored to their skin type, acne severity and treatment goals. Led by Dr Wong Su-Ni, an MOH-accredited senior consultant dermatologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, the clinic offers a comprehensive range of acne treatments, from medical therapies to advanced in-clinic procedures.
If you are struggling with persistent acne or acne scars, contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
While acne cannot always be prevented, good skincare habits may help reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. This includes avoiding touching or picking at pimples, removing makeup thoroughly at the end of the day, cleansing the skin after exercise, using products that are less likely to block pores and applying sunscreen regularly.
As acne is a medical condition, it’s highly recommended to see a medical professional instead. Dermatologists in particular will be in the best position to safely and effectively guide you through various treatment options to ensure you have a therapy that is targeted to your specific type and severity of acne.
Every person’s tolerance level and severity of acne is different, thus a visit to the dermatologist should be arranged once acne is causing a person distress, discomfort and embarrassment, or affecting their lives in a negative way.
Like all medical treatments, acne treatments may cause side effects depending on the type of treatment used. Common side effects can include temporary dryness, redness, peeling or skin sensitivity. Your dermatologist will discuss any potential risks and recommend measures to minimise discomfort during treatment.
In general, patients may be advised to avoid excessive sun exposure, refrain from picking at the skin, avoid using specific skin products and follow a prescribed skincare routine to support healing and achieve optimal results.
Acne can recur, particularly if underlying factors such as hormones, genetics or lifestyle triggers remain present. However, appropriate treatment and ongoing skincare can help keep acne under control and reduce the frequency and severity of future breakouts.
Certain acne treatments may be suitable during pregnancy, while others should be avoided. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to inform your dermatologist so that safe and appropriate treatment options can be recommended.
Our Acne Specialist in Singapore
Senior Consultant Dermatologist in Singapore
Dr Wong Su-Ni is an MOH-accredited dermatologist with over 20 years of clinical experience managing a wide range of skin conditions, including acne and acne scars. Formerly Chief of the Psoriasis Unit at the National Skin Centre, she has also contributed to dermatology education, research and the development of local acne management guidelines.
Recognising that acne can vary significantly in severity and underlying causes, Dr Wong takes an individualised approach to treatment. She carefully assesses each patient's skin condition, medical history and treatment goals before recommending a tailored management plan, which may include skincare products, medications and in-clinic procedures to help control breakouts, reduce the risk of scarring and improve long-term skin health.
