HOME / CONCERNS / ACNE
Acne
Acne Treatment in Singapore
Understanding Acne and How Medical Treatments Can Help
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns seen in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. While many people associate acne with the teenage years, it can persist into adulthood and may require more than over-the-counter skincare to manage.
At CLEO Aesthetic, under the care of Dr Paul Yow, acne treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s skin condition, with attention to oil balance, inflammation, and skin barrier recovery. A non-invasive acne treatment in Singapore may form part of the plan where appropriate, following an assessment at our Tanjong Pagar aesthetic clinic.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria.
This process can lead to different types of lesions including:
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Inflamed pimples or papules
- Pustules
- Nodules or cystic acne
Acne most commonly affects the:
- face
- forehead
- cheeks
- jawline
- chest
- back
The condition may fluctuate over time and can be influenced by hormones, stress, skincare habits, and genetics.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops due to a combination of several biological factors.
Excess Sebum Production
Sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil to protect and lubricate the skin. When oil production becomes excessive, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores.
Pore Blockage
When dead skin cells accumulate within hair follicles, they form plugs that trap oil beneath the skin surface.
Bacterial Activity
A naturally occurring skin bacterium known as Cutibacterium acnes can multiply within clogged pores, contributing to inflammation.
Inflammation
Once the pore becomes blocked and bacteria multiply, the body’s immune response can lead to redness, swelling and inflammatory acne lesions.
Because acne develops through multiple pathways, effective treatment often requires addressing sebum production, pore congestion, inflammation, and skin healing simultaneously.
Types of Acne
Understanding the type of acne present helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Comedonal Acne
Characterised by blackheads and whiteheads caused primarily by clogged pores.
Inflammatory Acne
Includes red, swollen pimples or pustules caused by bacterial activity and inflammation.
Hormonal Acne
Often occurs along the jawline and chin, commonly seen in adults and associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Nodulocystic Acne
A more severe form involving deeper, painful nodules beneath the skin.
Early management is important as persistent inflammation may increase the risk of acne scarring.
Why Acne May Persist Despite Skincare
Many patients try multiple skincare products without achieving sustained improvement.
This is because skincare products alone may not adequately address deeper factors such as:
- overactive sebaceous glands
- persistent inflammation
- recurrent pore blockage
- impaired skin barrier function
Medical treatments can help target these underlying processes more directly.
Medical Acne Treatments Available at CLEO Aesthetic
At CLEO Aesthetic, acne management often involves a combination of treatments tailored to the patient’s skin condition.
These treatments may include:
The 1726 Sebum Laser is a medical laser designed to target sebaceous glands responsible for oil production, helping to address one of the root contributors to acne.
Laser Treatments for Acne and Acne Marks
Certain laser technologies may help improve:
- post-acne redness
- pigmentation marks left behind by acne
- skin texture changes
Medical Facials and Deep Cleansing Treatments
Professional cleansing treatments may assist with:
- removing pore congestion
- reducing blackheads and whiteheads
- supporting skin recovery between medical procedures
Light-Based Therapy
Medical LED light therapy may help support skin recovery and reduce inflammation following acne procedures.
Each patient’s treatment plan is individualised depending on acne severity, skin type, and treatment goals.
Medical Therapy
Depending on the individual’s acne type and severity, a treatment plan at CLEO Aesthetic may also include prescription topical therapy or oral medication. These options are considered as part of a broader acne management plan following medical assessment.
CLEO Bare Reset is a structured four-session acne programme for patients with persistent acne who may benefit from a planned, multi-session approach. The programme combines professional cleansing, the 1726 nm Sebum Laser, skin booster support, and medical LED therapy to address different aspects of acne management and skin recovery.
Benefits of Early Acne Treatment
Addressing acne early may provide several benefits including:
- reducing ongoing inflammation
- preventing progression to more severe acne
- lowering the risk of acne scarring
- improving skin clarity and texture
- supporting long-term skin balance
Because acne often fluctuates over time, many patients benefit from structured treatment plans rather than one-off procedures.
Who May Benefit from Professional Acne Treatment?
Medical acne treatments may be suitable for individuals who experience:
- persistent breakouts despite skincare
- excessive oil production
- clogged pores and blackheads
- recurring inflammatory acne
- acne that affects confidence or quality of life
Both teenagers and adults may benefit from medical evaluation when acne becomes persistent or difficult to control.
Acne Scars and Long-Term Skin Health
Untreated or persistent acne may lead to post-inflammatory marks or acne scars.
Acne scars may appear as:
- indented scars
- uneven skin texture
- pigmentation changes
Managing acne early may reduce the likelihood of long-term scarring and improve overall skin quality.
A Personalised Approach to Acne Care
At CLEO Aesthetic, acne treatment focuses on restoring healthy skin function rather than simply suppressing breakouts.
Our approach considers several key elements:
- controlling excess oil production
- reducing inflammation
- supporting skin healing
- strengthening the skin barrier
By addressing these areas together, the goal is to create an environment where skin can gradually return to a healthier, more balanced state.
Meet Our Doctor – Dr Paul Yow
Dr Paul Yow, Founder & Medical Director
MBBS (Monash), GDFM (NUS), Dip Dermatology (Cardiff)
Dr Paul takes a structured and personalised approach to aesthetic care, supported by postgraduate training that includes a Diploma in Dermatology. His treatment philosophy centres on understanding each patient’s skin condition, planning care thoughtfully, and supporting long-term skin health over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
Can acne be permanently cured?
Acne is influenced by multiple factors including hormones and genetics. While treatments may significantly improve acne control, ongoing skincare and maintenance may still be required.
How long does acne treatment take to work?
Skin typically takes time to respond to treatment, and improvements often develop gradually over several weeks to months. At our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, the expected timeline is discussed based on the individual’s acne type, severity, and treatment plan.
Can acne treatments prevent acne scars?
Early treatment may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of scarring. For patients who already have acne scars, acne scarring treatment in Singapore may be considered separately after the active acne has been assessed and managed.
Are laser treatments safe for acne?
When performed by trained medical professionals, laser treatments may be used as part of acne management depending on the individual’s skin condition.
Is acne only a teenage condition?
No. Adult acne is increasingly common and may occur well into the 30s and 40s.
Start Your Acne Treatment Journey
If you are experiencing persistent breakouts or oily skin concerns, a medical consultation can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
At CLEO Aesthetic, we develop personalised acne treatment plans designed to support clearer, healthier skin over time.