Acne Treatment in Singapore
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong
Senior Consultant Dermatologist
MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology)
Acne is a common condition arising from the inflammation of the skin’s oil glands. It can present as whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps, or pus-filled lumps. Although it most commonly occurs on the face, it can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.
Although acne is often associated with the teenage years, it can affect people of all ages. While many individuals experience mild breakouts that improve over time, others develop persistent or more severe acne that continues into adulthood or appears for the first time later in life.
Without appropriate treatment, ongoing inflammation may increase the risk of long-term skin changes, including discoloured marks and permanent acne scarring. Understanding what causes acne and seeking treatment prevent this. At Specialist Skin Clinic, our dermatologist provides personalised acne treatment to help control active acne, reduce future breakouts and improve long-term skin health.
Why Am I Getting Acne?
Acne develops when excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria become trapped under the skin.
Sebum is a natural oily substance that helps keep the skin lubricated, but when too much is produced and cannot drain normally, it combines with dead skin cells to block the pores. Bacteria can then multiply within these blocked pores, triggering inflammation that leads to pimples, red bumps and deeper acne lesions. Several factors can increase the likelihood of this process occurring, including:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum. Excess oil increases the likelihood of pores becoming blocked, making acne more likely to develop.
- Clogged Pores: When dead skin cells do not shed normally, they can accumulate and block the hair follicles. Trapped sebum and dead skin cells create an environment in which acne can form.
- Bacterial Growth: Blocked pores provide an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to multiply. As the bacteria grow, they trigger inflammation, resulting in swollen, red and sometimes painful acne lesions.
- Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can influence how much oil your skin produces, how easily your pores become blocked and how your skin responds to inflammation. As a result, acne often runs in families.
- External Factors: Certain cosmetics, skincare products, medications and hormonal treatments may contribute to acne by blocking pores or affecting the skin's oil production. Choosing appropriate skincare products and identifying potential triggers may help reduce breakouts.
Types of Acne
Acne can vary in appearance and severity depending on how deeply the pores become blocked and how much inflammation is present. Identifying the type of acne is an important part of treatment planning, as different forms of acne may respond better to different treatment approaches.
Comedonal acne
Inflammatory acne
Nodular acne
Cystic acne
Hormonal acne
Body acne
When Should You See an Acne Skin Specialist in Singapore?
While occasional pimples often improve on their own, persistent or more severe acne may require medical treatment. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of ongoing inflammation, post-acne marks and permanent scarring, making the condition more difficult to manage over time.
You should consider seeing a skin specialist if you:
- Have acne that is persistent or keeps recurring despite over-the-counter treatments.
- Develop painful nodules or cystic acne.
- Notice acne affecting large areas such as the face, chest or back.
- Are developing acne marks or scars after breakouts.
- Find that acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life.
- Experience adult-onset acne or acne that worsens suddenly without an obvious cause.
Because it is impossible to predict when acne will result in permanent scarring, early assessment and appropriate treatment is integral in helping to control breakouts, reduce complications and lower the chance of long-term damage.
Contact us today if you are experiencing ongoing breakouts, painful acne or early signs of acne scarring. A structured assessment can help determine the underlying cause and possible treatment options for your skin.
Acne Treatment Options
There is no single method for acne removal. The most appropriate approach depends on the type and severity of your acne, the areas affected and whether complications such as acne marks or scarring are present. Following a comprehensive assessment, your dermatologist may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options.
Medical Skincare and Cleansers
Topical Acne Medication
Oral Medication for Acne
Corticosteroid Injections for Acne Cysts
Laser and Light-Based Treatment for Acne
Treatment for Acne Marks and Acne Scars
What to Expect From Our Acne Treatment Programme
Step 1: Assessment and Diagnosis
Step 2: Personalised Acne Treatment
Step 3: Monitoring and Long-Term Control
Why Choose Specialist Skin Clinic for Acne Treatment in Singapore?
Different types of acne often require different treatment approaches. Successfully managing acne involves more than treating existing breakouts. It also requires identifying the underlying causes, reducing the risk of recurrence and preventing long-term skin changes such as acne marks and scarring.
At Specialist Skin Clinic, Senior Consultant Dermatologist Dr Cheong Wai Kwong takes a structured approach to acne management by evaluating the pattern and severity of your acne, the areas affected and any contributing factors that may be triggering ongoing breakouts. This allows treatment to be selected based on your skin's needs rather than relying on a trial-and-error approach.
Our goal is not only to clear existing acne but also to reduce future flare-ups, minimise the risk of acne marks and scarring, and help you maintain healthier skin over the long term. Whether you have teenage acne, adult-onset acne or persistent acne that has not improved with previous treatments, we can recommend an appropriate management plan based on your individual condition.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation and discuss the most suitable acne treatment options for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne and Acne Treatment
Can acne go away on its own without treatment?
Mild acne may improve over time, particularly during or after adolescence. However, persistent, inflammatory or adult-onset acne is less likely to resolve without treatment and may continue to cause new breakouts. Early treatment can help control acne more effectively while reducing the risk of acne marks and permanent scarring.
Can acne be permanently removed?
Acne can usually be controlled successfully, but there is no guaranteed permanent cure. Many patients achieve long periods of clear skin with appropriate treatment and maintenance, although flare-ups may still occur due to hormonal changes, genetics or other contributing factors. Long-term management aims to minimise recurrence and maintain healthy skin.
How long does acne treatment take to work?
Most acne treatments require patience before noticeable improvement is seen. Initial improvements are often visible after 6 to 8 weeks, while more significant results may take 3–6 months, depending on the severity of the acne and the treatment used. Continuing treatment as prescribed is important to achieve the best results.
How long do I need to continue acne treatment?
The duration of treatment depends on how your skin responds and the severity of your acne. Even after breakouts have cleared, maintenance treatment is often recommended to prevent recurrence. Your dermatologist will review your progress regularly and advise when medications can be reduced or discontinued safely.
Why does acne sometimes worsen before it gets better?
Some prescription acne treatments increase skin cell turnover and bring existing clogged pores to the surface during the first few weeks of treatment. This temporary "purging" phase can make acne appear worse initially before gradual improvement occurs. Continuing treatment as directed is usually recommended unless significant irritation or unexpected side effects develop.
Can Stress Make Acne Worse?
Yes. Although stress does not directly cause acne, it may contribute to flare-ups or make existing acne worse. During periods of stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol, which can stimulate the skin's oil glands to produce more sebum. Excess oil, together with dead skin cells and bacteria, can increase the likelihood of blocked pores and acne breakouts. Stress may also affect daily habits, such as sleep, diet and skincare routines, which can further aggravate acne in some individuals.
Can adults get acne?
Yes. Acne can develop for the first time in adulthood or persist from the teenage years. Adult acne commonly affects the lower face and jawline and may be associated with hormonal fluctuations, genetics, certain medications or skincare products. Adult acne often benefits from assessment by a dermatologist to identify contributing factors and recommend appropriate treatment.
Can I still wear makeup if I have acne?
Yes, provided you choose non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup that is less likely to block pores. It is also important to remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day using appropriate cleansers. If your acne is severe or you are undergoing treatment, your dermatologist may recommend specific skincare and cosmetic products that are better suited to your skin.
About Our Acne Specialist in Singapore
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong
Senior Consultant DermatologistMBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK),FRCP (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong is a Senior Consultant Dermatologist who has practised dermatology since 1986, with previous appointments at the National Skin Centre in Singapore and St John's Dermatology Centre in London. He has extensive experience treating acne and other medical skin conditions, with clinical interests that include acne, acne scars, psoriasis, eczema, phototherapy, and laser and IPL treatments.
Dr Cheong believes that successful acne management extends beyond treating individual breakouts. His focus is on achieving sustained control of the condition while reducing the likelihood of recurrence, acne marks and permanent scarring. By tailoring treatment to each patient's skin condition and monitoring progress over time, he aims to help patients achieve clearer, healthier skin with lasting results.
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