Arresting Acne

“Acne is not just a cosmetic issue, it’s a medical condition that requires a comprehensive treatment approach. By combining topical and oral therapies, making lifestyle changes, and maintaining good skincare habits, individuals can effectively arrest acne and prevent long-term scarring.”

– Dr Joshua Zeichner

Acne can result in diminished self-esteem and a tiring search for effective solutions. Here, we strive to dissect the contributory factors and effective treatments for acne.

Close‑up of acne on a cheek at a medical aesthetic clinic and skin center, illustrating medical aesthetics and customized skin care at an aesthetic medispa and clinic in Singapore

What Causes Acne?

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Hair follicles (tiny holes in the skin) may become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which leads to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or cystic lesions. Contributory factors include:

Diet: Some diets such as high-glycemic foods and dairy may worsen your acne.
Genetics: You are more likely to experience acne if your parents had it too.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones (such as androgens) increase cutaneous oil production, particularly during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy.
Skincare and Makeup: Products that clog pores (non-comedogenic) may precipitate acne breakouts.
Stress: Stress does not directly cause acne, but may exacerbate it.

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Tips to Prevent and Manage Acne

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Adopt a Gentle Skincare Routine: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to rinse your face twice daily. Avoid scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
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Avoid Touching Your Face: Avoid touching your face or picking at pimples, as they can introduce more bacteria and cause scarring.
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Hydrate Your Skin: Opt for an oil-free moisturizer to preserve skin balance.
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Pay Attention to Diet: Reduce consumption of sugar, processed foods, and dairy if they trigger acne breakouts.
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Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent post-acne hyperpigmentation.
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Stay Consistent with Treatments: Consistent use of readily available products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and adapalene can help.

Woman foams cleanser on her face in a beauty clinic and medical aesthetic center, reflecting beauty and personal care routines at a skin clinic and medispa in Singapore

Treatments for Acne

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If over-the-counter remedies are not sufficient, we recommend seeking medical advice for interventions which include:

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Topical Treatments: Prescription creams containing retinoids, adapalene, antibiotics, or azelaic acid can treat persistent acne.
Oral Medications:
- Antibiotics can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills can balance hormone levels.
- Isotretinoin, which is a more powerful option for cases of severe acne.
Professional Procedures:
- Blue light therapy: Blue light therapy can kill bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation on your skin.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels can help to exfoliate the skin, unclog your pores, and reduce inflammation.
- Extraction: Gentle extraction of blackheads and whiteheads during a specialized facial hour can create a more visibly even skin tone.
- Laser skin resurfacing: Laser therapy can stimulate collagen production, improve your skin texture, and reduce the appearance of acne scars on your face.
- LED face masks: LED face masks can reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and improve overall skin texture.
- Microneedling: Microneedling can stimulate the production of collagen and improve your skin texture. It can also help to improve the visibility of acne scars.

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Patience and Perseverance

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The process of treating acne takes time, so it is important to be patient. At Illuminate Medispa, we will walk with you on your journey to arrest acne and reclaim your confidence.

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Dealing With Dry Skin

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What Causes Acne?

Tips to Prevent and Manage Acne

Treatments for Acne

Patience and Perseverance

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Dealing With Dry Skin