Acne Treatment Options in Singapore: An Overview

What is Acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes blemishes and lesions on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. Though often associated with puberty, acne can also appear in adulthood. It ranges from mild comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) to more severe forms like cysts and nodules that may result in long-term scarring. Early treatment is essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications like pigmentation or permanent scarring.

How Does Acne Form?

Acne develops when the pores (pilosebaceous units) become clogged by excess sebum (skin oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. When oil production increases—often due to hormonal fluctuations—this mix creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, triggering inflammation.

Factors contributing to acne include:

• Hormonal imbalances (e.g. puberty, PCOS, pregnancy)
• Excess oil production
• Blocked hair follicles
• Bacterial growth (particularly Cutibacterium acnes)
• Diet, stress, or medication side effects
• Genetic predisposition

Types of Acne Lesions

• Comedones
  • Whiteheads: closed pores trapped beneath the skin
  • Blackheads: open pores exposed to air and oxidised
• Inflammatory Acne
  • Papules: red, tender bumps
  • Pustules: pus-filled lesions with inflamed borders
  • Nodules and Cysts: deep, painful lumps under the skin surface

Acne Treatment Options at Cambridge Medical Group

Cambridge Medical offers two specialist-led treatment options that target active acne, excess sebum production, and inflammation through scientifically backed technologies. These treatments are tailored following doctor assessment and are suitable for different skin types.

1. Photothermal-Based Acne Treatment

How It Works:
This treatment uses a sequence of steps combining deep cleansing, topical application of photo-responsive agents (such as gold particles or similar elements), and light or laser energy to generate localised heat in the sebaceous glands. This process selectively reduces overactive oil glands, helping to regulate sebum production and reduce acne flare-ups.

Treatment Flow:

• Cleansing of clogged pores
• Application of topical particles to enhance absorption
• Light-based activation to heat sebaceous targets
• Cooling therapy to support skin recovery

Benefits:

• Targets sebum-producing glands with minimal damage to surrounding tissue
• May help reduce acne severity, pore size, and skin texture irregularities
• Non-invasive with minimal downtime
• Especially helpful for oily or acne-prone skin types

2. Plasma-Based Nitrogen Plasma Skin Regeneration for Active Acne

How It Works:
This method uses controlled pulses of plasma energy (converted from inert gases) delivered to the skin surface. It penetrates deeply to help eliminate bacteria, encourage cell turnover, and stimulate collagen formation—all without the use of laser light or invasive instruments.

Why It’s Unique:

• Safe for all skin types, including those with higher melanin content
• Can reach deeper skin layers without damaging the epidermis
• Suitable even for patients who are pregnant (based on physician assessment)

Results:

• Reduces acne lesions and inflammation
• Improves skin texture, tightness, and clarity
• Promotes long-term skin renewal with collagen stimulation
• Typically shows progressive improvement over a series of sessions

Treatment Duration & Frequency:

• Sessions typically last 10–30 minutes
• Frequency is every 2–3 weeks depending on acne severity and skin condition

Final Note

Acne is a treatable condition, and today’s dermatological approaches offer multiple non-invasive solutions tailored to individual needs. Treatment success depends on acne type, skin response, and consistency. A medical consultation is essential to determine the best approach and ensure safe, effective care.

To explore acne treatment options, book a personalised consultation with our medical team at Cambridge Medical Group.