Acne Treatment

"Why do I have acne? What is the primary cause of it? Are pimples different from acne? Is acne because of my diet? Should I stop wearing make-up? Maybe it is time to see a doctor?"

People always have all sorts of questions about acne. However, the biggest thing about acne is how you approach it. There are many different types of acne, and knowing which one you have is critical when it comes to finding the best treatment.

So, if you have mild acne, there are some good over-the-counter products you can use, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and others. However, if you have moderate or severe acne, over-the-counter products will not be as effective as you may hope. The same is true for acne scars - you can hardly get rid of them with common acne creams.

Here, we will look at in more detail about these unpleasant skin conditions, namely acne and acne scars. We will provide you with more information about what causes them, what are the various types of acne and acne scars as well as what treatments you can get in order to remove them and achieve nice, clear skin. If you have any other questions, or you want to consult a specialist, please feel free to contact Shens Medical.

What Causes Acne?

Clogged pores are the main "culprit" of the appearance of acne or acne vulgaris. Pores are small, tiny openings in the skin that brings oil to the surface. When they get clogged, they cause unpleasant skin breakouts. They are, in fact, the primary cause of all types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and so on. Furthermore, clogged pores can cause acne regardless of whether your skin is dry, oily, or sensitive.
The question is what can cause the pores to become clogged and acne to develop? It can be simply because your skin produces too much oil. It can also be due to the accumulation of dead skin cells from the environment. Air pollutants and dust can significantly worsen acne.
Another very common reason for the occurrence of acne in adults is hormonal imbalance. This is why many women experience acne during the menstrual cycle. You may also get acne as a result of using the wrong skin care products. Applying too heavy and oily cosmetics can block your pores and follicles, giving you unpleasant acne breakouts.

Types of acne

Generally speaking, you may suffer from non-inflammatory acne or inflammatory acne. As you might guess, non-inflammatory acne is a less severe form of the condition. It doesn't cause swelling or pain, and it is usually easier to manage.

Non-inflammatory acne

This type of acne can be divided into two subtypes, including:

  • blackheads which form when the sebum that contains melanin oxidizes and changes its colour to brown or black.
  • whiteheads which develop below the surface of the skin due to the accumulation of sebum.

Inflammatory acne

This type of acne is usually more severe. It appears as swollen lumps and can cause pain. Inflammatory acne is best treated by a doctor. It also comes into a few subtypes.

  • Papules. These are small, red blemishes which usually appear as a result of inflammation of hair follicles. Papules might be slightly painful.
  • Pustules. These are inflammatory pus-filled blemishes, usually red in colour.
  • Nodules. They are large and rounded pimples which are usually deeply located below the skin. They often leave scars and depigmentation, after healing, especially in patients with dark skin.
  • Cysts. They appear as solid purulent lesions and are normally accompanied by pain or itching.

Cysts and nodules are severe forms of acne and they often leave unpleasant scaring on the skin. They are normally difficult to treat. If you suffer from any of them, it is best to see a doctor, so he or she can recommend an effective treatment for you.

What Treatment is Best for Acne?

The best acne treatment is determined by the type and severity of the acne. Mild skin blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads usually respond well to over-the-countер cosmetic products which contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Moderate acne may require more extensive treatment. Your doctor may prescribe you topical or oral antibiotics. There are some retinoid products that may be really helpful as well. Along with them, you may also benefit a lot from various therapies such as laser therapy, chemical peels, photodynamic therapy and other kinds of facials.

Severe types of acne, such as nodules and cysts, typically require comprehensive acne treatments which include topical and oral medications, cortisone injections and other medical procedures.

How much does acne treatment cost in Singapore?

The cost of your treatment will greatly depend on what approach is used. Topical acne creams and gels can cost you anywhere from $30 to over $100. The price of oral acne medications may also vary widely, starting from $60 per normal prescription cycle and reaching up to $500. The cost of acne therapies in Singapore may range from $200 to up to $2000 per treatment session. It really depends on what kind of procedure is used whether it is a chemical peel, injectable treatment or laser treatment. A consultation with a dermatologist in Singapore may cost you around $150-$250 depending on whether you are seeing a private or public doctor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use home remedies or go to a dermatologist or clinic for acne treatment or acne scars?

If you have mild acne then you can try reducing it through OTC topical medication or home remedies such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, green tea, etc. Various facials treatments offered at aesthetic clinics can also work wonders for minimizing and preventing minor skin breakouts.
In case you have moderate to severe acne or pimple scars then it is best to see a dermatologist or visit a clinic for acne treatments. There are various procedures available for treating acne scars and improving damaged skin.

What will dermatologists do for acne?

Depending on the severity of acne, dermatologists can prescribe topical or oral acne medication as well as recommend therapies for improving the skin surface. They can offer you procedures such as chemical peels, laser treatments or cortisone injections.

Can Acne be cured for good?

You might be not able to completely cure your acne. However, there are various acne treatments that can help you successfully manage the symptoms of this skin condition.

Is it possible to remove acne scars permanently?

It depends on the scar type and its severity. If you have mild acne scars you might be able to remove them permanently through laser treatments. Such procedures have the ability to enhance collagen and provide long-lasting results.

Get In Touch

    Head Office

    Office Phone

    (65) 6362 6088

    Location

    3 Kiliney Road, Winsland house 1, #07-03, Singapore, Singapore

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