What Causes Acne?

Acne is a prevalent skin condition in Singapore that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. While commonly associated with teenagers, acne can affect individuals of all ages. Learning what causes acne is essential to choosing the right treatments to prevent breakouts and achieve clearer skin.

Common Triggers of Acne

Acne can be triggered by multiple factors, including:

• Excess Oil Production (Sebum): Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, clogging pores and causing acne.
  
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can worsen acne.
  
• Bacteria Growth: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria in clogged pores can lead to inflammation and breakouts.
  
• Dietary Factors: High-glycemic foods, sugary drinks, and dairy products may increase the risk of acne for some people.
  
• Medications: Acne can be a side effect of certain medications, including corticosteroids and lithium.
  
• Skincare and Makeup Products: Using comedogenic (pore-clogging) products or failing to remove makeup properly can contribute to acne formation.
  
• Environmental Factors: Pollution, humidity, and wearing masks for extended periods can exacerbate acne, often referred to as "maskne."

Types of Acne (Whiteheads, Blackheads, Pimples, and More)

Acne appears in different forms, which can range from mild to severe:

• Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Small bumps caused by clogged pores that remain beneath the skin’s surface.
  
• Blackheads (Open Comedones): Pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells that turn black due to oxidation.
  
• Papules: Red, inflamed bumps that do not contain pus and may feel tender.
  
• Pustules (Pimples): Red, swollen spots with a white or yellow center filled with pus.
  
• Nodules: Large, hard lumps beneath the skin’s surface caused by deep inflammation, often painful.
  
• Cysts: Severe, pus-filled lesions that form deep under the skin and may lead to permanent scarring if untreated.

Understanding the specific type of acne you have is key to selecting the most effective treatments, whether it involves skincare products, medications, or medical treatments such as lasers or facials.

Oral Medications for Acne Treatment

For individuals with moderate to severe acne that doesn't respond to topical treatments, oral medications may be recommended. These medications work internally to target the underlying causes of acne, such as bacteria, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Below are the common types of oral medications used for acne treatment in Singapore.

Oral Antibiotics for Acne

Oral antibiotics, such as Doxycycline are frequently prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne. They work by:

• Reducing the Cutibacterium acnes bacteria (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) on the skin.
• Decreasing inflammation in the affected areas.

These medications are typically prescribed for a limited duration (around 3 to 8 months) to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. Oral antibiotics are often combined with topical treatments for better results.

Medications for Hormonal Acne in Women

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of acne in women, particularly during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. Spironolactone is a medication that can effectively treat hormonal acne in ladies by:

• Reducing the production of androgens that stimulate oil production.
• Decreasing excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Spironolactone is typically used for adult women with persistent acne and may also benefit those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Isotretinoin (Accutane) for Severe Acne

For stubborn or severe cystic acne, Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) is considered one of the most effective treatments. It works by:

• Reducing sebum production.
• Shrinking oil glands.
• Reducing inflammation and bacteria in the skin.

Isotretinoin is often prescribed for patients with severe nodules, cysts, or acne that has caused scarring. However, it requires close medical supervision due to potential side effects, such as dry skin, sensitivity, and rare systemic reactions.

Consultation and Monitoring Are Essential for Acne Medications

Before starting oral medications for acne, it is crucial to consult a medical professional who can evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Some medications, such as Isotretinoin, require regular follow-ups to monitor for side effects and ensure safe use.

By targeting the root causes of acne from within, oral medications can provide significant improvements, especially for individuals with persistent or severe acne in Singapore.

Acne Laser Treatments with the Pro Yellow Laser

The Pro Yellow Laser is a treatment for active acne and post-acne red marks, offering a non-invasive solution with minimal downtime. Its 577nm wavelength effectively targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and diminishes red acne scars.

How the Pro Yellow Laser Works:

• Eliminates Acne-Causing Bacteria: The laser's wavelength is absorbed by porphyrins in Cutibacterium acnes, producing reactive oxygen species that destroy the bacteria.
  
• Reduces Sebum Production: It shrinks sebaceous glands, decreasing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
  
• Diminishes Red Acne Marks: By targeting hemoglobin in blood vessels, the laser reduces redness associated with acne scars.

Treatment Experience:

• Duration: Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes.
• Sensation: Patients may feel mild discomfort, often described as tiny ant bites or pinpricks. A cold air blower is used to minimize discomfort and redness.
• Downtime: Minimal to no downtime; redness typically subsides within 4 to 6 hours.

Acne Facials with Extraction in Singapore

Acne facials with extraction are highly effective treatments designed to combat acne by deeply cleansing the skin, removing impurities, and reducing inflammation. At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we offer advanced acne facial treatments, including the Aquapure Medi-Facial, to target acne at its root while improving overall skin health.

Key Benefits of Acne Facials with Extraction:

• Deep Cleansing and Exfoliation: Utilizes advanced technology to unclog pores, eliminate dead skin cells, and reduce excess sebum. This helps prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and future breakouts.
  
• Facial Extraction: Safely removes comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), reducing the risk of inflammation and cystic acne.
  
• Infusion of Active Ingredients: Medical-grade serums with AHAs, BHAs, and soothing agents are applied to target acne-causing bacteria, calm irritated skin, and regulate oil production.
  
• Blue LED Light Therapy: Targets acne-causing bacteria while reducing redness and inflammation for a clearer complexion.

Why Choose Acne Facials with Extraction?

• Improves Active Acne: Regular sessions can visibly reduce the number and severity of acne lesions.
  
• Prevents Future Breakouts: Helps maintain clear pores and control excess oil production, minimizing the risk of recurring acne.
  
• Customizable for Your Skin Type: Each session is tailored to your specific skin concerns, ensuring optimal results for mild to moderate acne.

Topical Acne Skincare Treatments

Topical skincare products are a vital part of acne management in Singapore, addressing issues like clogged pores, inflammation, and acne-causing bacteria. At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we focus on evidence-based ingredients to provide effective solutions for acne-prone skin.

1. Salicylic Acid

• Function: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that deeply exfoliates the skin, unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells.
• Benefits:
  • Prevents the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
  • Reduces inflammation and redness associated with acne.

2. Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid

• Function: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting smoother skin and reducing acne lesions.
• Benefits:
  • Encourages cell turnover to improve skin texture.
  • Helps lighten dark spots and post-acne marks.
    

3. Azelaic Acid

• Function: A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic properties.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
  • Helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone.
  • Suitable for sensitive skin and individuals prone to redness.

4. Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel Extract

• Function: Natural antibacterial and soothing agents.
• Benefits:
  • Calm irritated skin and reduce acne-causing bacteria.
  • Help control oil production and tighten pores.

5. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

• Function: A versatile antioxidant that regulates sebum production and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces redness and inflammation.
  • Improves the skin’s moisture retention while minimizing excess oil.

6. Topical Antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin, Neomycin)

• Function: Antibiotics reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation in active breakouts.
• Benefits:
  • Effectively treats mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
  • Can be used in combination with other treatments, like benzoyl peroxide, to enhance results.
• Usage Notes: To prevent antibiotic resistance, topical antibiotics are often prescribed for short-term use and as part of a combination therapy.

7. Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Ingredients

• Function: Target acne-causing bacteria and reduce swelling in acne lesions.
• Benefits:
  • Speed up the healing process of active acne.
  • Minimize redness and discomfort associated with breakouts.

8. Soothing and Hydrating Agents (Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Ginseng)

• Function: Provide hydration and calm irritated skin without clogging pores.
• Benefits:
  • Aid in skin repair and recovery after breakouts.
  • Keep the skin balanced and prevent over-drying caused by active treatments.

Why These Ingredients Are Effective

The combination of exfoliating acids, antibacterial agents, and soothing ingredients works synergistically to tackle multiple causes of acne, including bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, and post-acne marks. Regular use of these ingredients can help clear acne while maintaining skin health and balance.

Comprehensive Acne Treatment in Singapore for Clearer Skin

Effectively managing acne requires a holistic approach tailored to your unique skin concerns. From medical-grade topical skincare and oral medications to advanced treatments like the Pro Yellow Laser and acne facials with extraction, a combination of strategies can target the root causes of acne and promote long-term skin health.

At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we specialize in providing customized acne treatment plans in Singapore to address acne at every stage—whether it’s mild, moderate, or severe cystic acne. Our treatments are designed to reduce breakouts, fade post-acne marks, and prevent future flare-ups while improving your skin’s texture and clarity.

Take the first step toward achieving clearer skin with a consultation and discover how our evidence-based acne treatments in Singapore can restore your confidence and leave your skin looking healthier and more radiant.