Regain Clear Skin With One Of The Best Acne Treatments In SG
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that arises when dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil clog the hair follicles. These blockages then produce nodules, blackheads, whiteheads, or other forms of pimples. Acne is a problem among individuals of all ages. However, teenagers are the most affected by it.
What Are The Different Types Of Acne?
Acne comes in a variety of forms. They typically appear on the face, shoulders, upper back, chest, and forehead. Out of all forms, blackheads and whiteheads are the most common.
The six different types of acne are:
- Blackheads
Blackheads are open pores on the skin filled with dead skin and excess oil. The black spots can appear as dirt on the pores. However, they are produced by an irregular light reflection from the clogged follicle.
- Whiteheads
Whiteheads are closed pores on the skin filled with dead skin and excess oil.
- Papule
Papules are tiny pink or red bumps that become inflamed. They are tender and usually hurt when you touch them.
- Pustule
Pustules are pimples that contain pus. They resemble whiteheads with red circles around them. This is due to the fact that they have a red base and a yellow or white top. If scratched or picked, they can leave scars.
- Nodule
Nodules penetrate the skin deeply. This causes them to be typically more painful. Additionally, they are much bigger than papules and pustules.
- Cyst
Cysts are pimples that are loaded with pus. They most potentially leave scars as compared to others. In addition, they form deep within the skin. As such, they are generally painful.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a hormonal condition triggered by androgen hormones. These hormones peak in activity between adolescence and early adulthood. Acne is then caused by sensitivity to these hormones. It can be exacerbated by fatty acids in the oil glands and surface bacteria on the skin.
Several factors can contribute to the cause of acne or make it worse:
- Certain foods that are high in sugar.
- Genetics.
- Certain medications.
- Acne flare-ups can be worsened by stress, which raises the hormone cortisol.
- Working in an environment where grease is regularly encountered.
- Using greasy or oily personal care items such as heavy lotions.
- Hormone levels that fluctuate around the time of a woman’s period cycle.
- Headgears such as hats.
Why Early Intervention Is Important
Depending on the severity, acne causes issues such as skin scarring and emotional anguish. Permanent scars such as icepick acne scars, rolling acne scars, boxcar acne scars, and hypertrophic acne scars are all possible causes of untreated acne. Especially in situations of cystic acne, these scars can be rather deep.
If acne is not treated, hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory redness in blemishes can also take a long time to fade. Acne scars and visible acne may have an impact on your appearance and can lead to a loss of self-esteem, self-confidence, and even lead to depression.
Hence, the earlier you begin treatment, the lesser your chances of developing such issues.
With more than 18 years of experience in treating acne, achieve your best,
acne-free skin with our personalized acne treatment program.
Acne Treatment Strategies
Do you currently suffer from acne? Don’t lose hope just yet – if you have exhausted all your efforts in trying over-the-counter medications with little satisfactory results, consider consulting our doctors, Dr. Gerard Ee and Dr. Chow Yuen Ho.
Possessing over 18 years of experience and expertise in acne treatment in Singapore – we are committed to continuously refine our strategies in order for us to create a unique set of methods and techniques to best fight off acne for good. Our deep commitment for knowledge and research has also led us to develop 10 different treatments to date, including a variety of dermatologist prescribed skincare, oral medications and creams that are only provided at our clinic.
Finding the best acne treatment in Singapore involves researching for a qualified aesthetic clinic, and competent doctors with the professional know-how to clear up acne on a case-by-case basis.
Consult with our doctors, Dr Gerard Ee and Dr Chow Yuen Ho – both well-trained and proficient doctors in various aesthetic procedures, including the treatment of acne. Depending on your skin condition and goals, a safe, effective and long-lasting acne treatment plan will be designed specifically for you.
Call us today at (65) 6532 2400 to book an appointment on any of our cosmetic services and treatments.
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Acne Treatment Step 1 - Facial Treatments
At the start of the treatment, the key is to control inflammation. Using the right combination of treatment strategies, medications and aftercare products – we are able achieve a successful outcome on limiting redness and inflammation on the skin.
HydraFacial is a patented technology which utilizes vortex cleansing to cleanse the pores and remove micro-blockages – which are responsible for pimples and acne breakouts. Debris and congestion, such as blackheads and whiteheads, are cleared out from the pores simultaneously as the facial works to cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin.
Through the gentle exfoliation process, a new layer of skin will be uncovered. By preventing the pores from getting clogged and congested, there is better acne control.
At The Clifford Clinic, we combine HydraFacial with Alphalight – a treatment which applies photodynamic (PDT) therapy to eliminate deep-rooted bacteria. In just one session, patients can often observe reduced skin redness and inflammation. Nonetheless, it usually takes between 5 to 10 sessions to effectively clear up the entire face.
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Acne Treatment Step 2 - Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are a crucial part of any acne treatment plan. By producing intense monochromatic light varied by a narrow band of wavelengths, lasers are able to target the P. acnes bacteria residing on the skin which is responsible for acne breakouts.
Additionally, different lasers of varied wavelengths can be used to target the excessive blood vessels surrounding the inflamed areas, including the scars and pigmentation left behind when the acne heals.
If you are looking for a treatment with zero downtime, the Q-switch and Vbeam laser are your best options. Under the hands of a skillful doctor, laser treatment for acne is fast and offers excellent results. One session can take anywhere between 10-15 minutes, and patients are able to return to their daily activities after the treatment.
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Acne Treatment Step 3 - Localised Acne Treatment
Amongst the recent acne treatment developments in Singapore is AGNES – offering a permanent and long-term solution to cystic acne and painful breakouts.
By targeting the source of the problem, AGNES is able to selectively shrink the sebaceous glands to effectively minimize recurrent acne.
When you notice that acne often recurs in the same exact spot, this is a tell-tale sign that the particular pore is damaged by scarring. Using AGNES, our doctors will be able to look at your skin under high magnification to identify the damaged pores, individually treating them with tiny bursts of RF energy to shrink the oil glands – significantly reducing the chances of acne recurring over that specific pore.
Another cutting-edge treatment is the Gold Photothermal Therapy (PTT) treatment. During Gold PTT, gold nanoparticles are delivered into pores and sebaceous glands using a 40kHz Ultrasound device called Bellasonic. Only bellasonic can utlise the correct wavelength to deliver the gold nanoparticles into the oil glands before heating them with specialised lasers like the 800nm Diode Laser and the 1064nm Long-pulsed Laser. The targeted heating permanently modifies the pores and glands, reducing their secretion and in turn reducing acne permanently.
The gold nanoparticles are perhaps the most important component in this treatment. These specially designed nanoparticles have highly customisable optical properties, which make them ideal for various therapeutic applications from acne treatment to cancer therapy.
When used as an acne treatment, gold nanoparticles convert photo energy to heat when excited by specific wavelengths of light emitted by specialised lasers. The heating modifies the sebaceous glands, resulting in a decrease of active acne. Gold PTT is a safe treatment with no side effect observed when treating enlarged facial pores and active acne.
The Clifford Clinic is the first to introduce AGNES and Gold PTT acne treatments into Singapore. As the pioneers for AGNES and Gold PTT in Singapore – we have come up with a proven safe and successful acne protocol that resolves even the most stubborn acne.
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Acne Treatment Step 4 - Topical and Oral Therapy
Besides clinical acne treatments, you will need to make sure that your daily skincare routine is well-balanced and optimized for your specific skin type in order to maintain your results.
Using a selection of dermatologist prescribed skincare can help you improve oil control, without facing excessive dryness of the skin. Oftentimes, acne-prone skin is lacking in 2 types of free fatty acids, i.e., linolenic and linoleic acid. In order to replenish this, our oil glands overproduce sebum, causing the skin to be oily and shiny-looking.
At The Clifford Clinic, our signature Clifford Balancing Cream product is able to restore the levels of these crucial free fatty acids – all without causing excessive oiliness to the skin. We also carry a diverse range of topical and oral medications that are customized to suit your individual skin condition for best results. For patients with severe cystic acne and nodular acne, oral medication may be required.
Complications of Acne Treatment
The most common complications of acne treatment are redness, peeling and flaking. This is mostly due to the creams that are used during the treatment, which can be somewhat drying and irritating to the skin. Some of the drugs that are used as part of the treatment can also cause photosensitivity.
Even though a little bit of irritation and dry skin is inevitable – it is of utmost importance that the skin is well-hydrated and protected from the sun after the treatment. In addition, our doctors will constantly review the levels of dryness and irritation of the skin and adjust the treatment accordingly.
Overtime, the skin will adapt to the treatment and become balanced. This usually takes an average of 4 weeks after the start of the acne treatment.
Call us today at (65) 6532 2400, Whatsapp us at (65) 8318 6332 or email us at thecliffordclinic@gmail.com to book an appointment or enquire on any of our cosmetic services and treatments.
Our Certified Acne Doctors
Our Certified
Acne Doctors
Dr. Gerard Ee
Dr. Gerard Ee is the founder and medical director of The Clifford Clinic. He is fully accredited in cosmetic treatments including fillers, Botox, light therapies, and more. Driven by his passion for sharing his expertise across the medical community, Dr. Ee has accumulated his surgical experiences internationally from working in the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, National University Hospital (NUH), and Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Dr. Chow Yuen Ho
Dr. Chow Yuen Ho is the founder and medical director of The Clifford Clinic. With over 10 years of clinical practice experience, the reputable aesthetic doctor specializes in non-invasive aesthetic and acne treatments. Dr. Chow has accomplished so much in this field. He served as the founding Director of Medical Informatics at SGH and then as the Managing Director of the Asian division of Alert Life Sciences Computing.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take To See An Improvement In My Acne?
Patients typically see immediate improvements in their acne after treatment is initiated. However, there are some patients (roughly 10%) who may actually get an acne flare-up after starting treatment. However, this is not a cause for concern – your skin is simply purging out the impurities and blockages.
Can My Skin be Completely Cured of Acne?
Yes, it is possible for acne to be completely cured! 90% of our patients have good responses to their treatment and see a significant improvement in their skin. The remaining 10% may still face persistent acne – in this case, a longer-term acne treatment is recommended.
Will I Be Dependent on Acne Treatment All My Life?
The two most common types of acne are adolescent and adult acne.
While adolescent acne, which happens during your teenage years, is easier to cure by simply controlling the excessive oiliness of the skin until your skin stabilizes – adult acne is far more persistent. The agnes treatment is a cure for stubborn adult acne, allowing one to cure the acne once and for all.
Lasting up to decades, there are a number of triggers that onset adult acne, such as hormones, stress and environmental pollution. The earlier you undergo treatment, the faster you will be able to experience clear skin.
Should I Pop My Pimples?
If I Do Not Wish To Take Oral Medications, Are There Any Other Acne Treatment Options For Me?
Yes. Apart from oral medications, the alternatives to acne treatment are facial treatments, laser treatments, localized acne treatment, and topical therapy. The various options depend on factors such as your skin type and acne type.
With our individualized acne treatment program designed by our highly experienced doctors, you may achieve your best, acne-free skin.
Why Choose Us For Acne Treatment In Singapore?
Acne treatment in Singapore has advanced over the years, with the invention of modern and better technologies that can tackle and resolve even the toughest cases of acne.
If you are suffering from persistent acne that defies other conventional forms of therapy – we would like to invite you to a consultation with our doctors. Trained with over 18 years of combined experience in the aesthetics field, Dr. Gerard Ee and Dr. Chow Yuen Ho are familiar with treating all types of acne, many of which have been considered as “untreatable”.
One Appointment Away From Beauty
The Clifford Clinic’s comprehensive acne treatment plans are the key to both your recurrent acne and acne scarring problems.
Call us today to book a consultation – let us discuss how we can best resolve your acne issues for good.
to schedule your consultation today.