Acne vulgaris is a skin condition in Singapore that happens when pores and hair follicles become clogged with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, causing pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and even cysts.
While acne occurs primarily during puberty, it can affect anyone at any age.
Acne is generally caused by clogged pores and oil glands due to excess sebum production and bacteria.
Other indirect factors that can cause acne include:
The symptoms of acne include:
Some types of acne such as small pimples, blackheads and whiteheads are not painful. However, clogged pores can lead to painful cysts, papules, nodules and pustules when they become swollen with pus. Acne can also cause scarring.
Acne can be diagnosed by a dermatologist or licensed doctor by examining your skin. The treatment will depend on the severity of your acne.
There are several risk factors for adult acne. This is why itโs important to consult with a dermatologist if you are experiencing acne and are not sure of the underlying cause.
The main risk factors for acne include:
As your genes can affect your skin type and the amount of oil that it produces, you may be more likely to develop acne if you have a family history of the condition.
If you use products such as lotions that cause your skin to overproduce oil or if you donโt wash your face after a long day, your oil glands get clogged and cause acne symptoms.
If you have a hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome or are pregnant, the hormonal imbalances in your body can trigger acne. This is because low levels of estrogen and high levels of hormones such as testosterone, insulin and glucocorticoid causes excessive sebum production that leads to acne. Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by stress, lack of sleep and poor diet.
When your skin comes into contact with oily or greasy substances like lotions or creams, or if your skin is unwashed after a long day, the oil could accumulate in your skin and cause acne. To get rid of bacteria, grease and dirt that could clog pores, wash your skin with a cleanser daily.
High glycaemic index foods cause blood glucose levels to spike because they are broken down too quickly. When insulin levels are raised, oil production and inflammation increases, leading to acne. A diet high in dairy, saturated fats and trans fats can also cause excess oil production.
Some examples of high glycaemic index foods are:
Depending on the severity of your acne, there are a number of treatment options you can consider with your dermatologist. There is also a wide range of aesthetic and medical procedures to treat acne that must be done by a licensed doctor. These include:
A common treatment for mild to moderate acne is the use of lotions, gels and creams that can be obtained over-the-counter containing active ingredient salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce oil production and inflammation.
For moderate to severe acne, your doctor may also prescribe medication such as tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative), benzoyl peroxide in stronger forms, or an antibiotic called clindamycin.
For severe cases of cystic acne, isotretinoin may be prescribed (a retinoid drug that shrinks oil glands).
For large cysts in the skin, your doctor may drain them to remove the excess buildup of pus and fluids.
Light and laser devices that are non-invasive and directly target bacteria can improve the production of oil in the glands, while reducing inflammation and redness. They are also used to treat scarring caused by acne.
Some non-invasive laser and light therapies we offer include:
A microsend multi-pulse device that effectively treats conditions such as acne, delivering fast and safe results quickly on specific areas of the face.
A treatment that uses a dual, high-frequency ultrasound technology to deliver a micro-massage to the skin, effective in treating difficult skin conditions such as acne by improving the skinโs pH balance.
Exfoliating methods that remove the outermost layer of the skin and acne.
Facial treatments that directly target acne can help improve your acne as part of a sustainable skincare regimen. These facials available at our clinic are effective in treating acne of all stages:
Based on cryotherapy, this facial involves exposing the face to cool air to shed dead skin cells on the face and expose the skin underneath, promoting firmer skin and constricting blood vessels. As women often experience changes in the skin due to hormonal changes, cryo facials help to restore your skin to a healthier and more youthful condition.
Using state-of-the-art technology from Korea, this treatment removes oil, impurities and dead skin cells that cause acne while replenishing the skin with nourishing serums. Gentle on your skin yet effective, the end result is luminous and radiant skin with improved texture and tone.
Exosomes are naturally present in our bodies, released by healthy cells to regenerate damaged ones. ACSE Exosome skin therapy, carried out using stem cell-derived exosomes, uses a regenerative process that triggers your skin to respond to new exosomes. This scientifically-proven treatment fights aging and anti-inflammatory effects to improve skin condition and treat acne.
Depending on the severity of your acne, there are many ways to treat your acne. Washing your face with a good cleanser, cutting down on fried foods and going for facials regularly are some effective ways to clear up acne. However, consult a dermatologist if your acne still does not improve as it could be a sign of an underlying hormone imbalance or disease.
The main cause of acne is excessive oil buildup in the pores of your skin that becomes clogged, leading to inflammation. There are many reasons why this happens. It could be due to your age, hormones, family history, diet, lifestyle, or stress level.
Foods high in fats and carbohydrates are believed to cause excessive oil production in the skin, such as fried foods, sugary drinks, potato chips, pastries and heavily processed foods.
The main types of acne are papules, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules, and cysts.
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