Articles

Cheap and Effective Acne Treatments in Singapore

by Andy Cheng Director

Acne is a very common skin disorder that affects about 60 million Americans every year. This staggering number illustrates how common and widespread this skin disorder is.

 

Acne does not only affect your skin but it can also affect your mental health. More than 95% of the people surveyed reported feeling depressed for having poor skin health. This often leads to self-esteem issues and the decline in participation of social activities, opting to stay at home most of the time.

 

We talk to Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, Medical Director of Radium Medical Aesthetics to understand more about acne and some affordable, effective acne treatments available in Singapore.

 

What is acne?

 

Acne is a skin disorder that affects mainly the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back. Acne bacteria, also known as Propionibacterium acnes, play a key role in the development of acne. 

 

The development of acne can be divided into 4 stages:


  • COMEDONES Commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. 
  • PAPULE The initial stage of inflammation causing tender red bumps, also known as pimples
  • PUSTULES More serious, infected bumps containing pus
  • CYSTS Deep infection of the pimples, causing boils. May eventually cause scarring if not well-managed

 

 

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What causes acne?

 

Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicles produce too much sebum (oil), causing them to plug the pores. In its initial stages, the plug appears as whitehead. When whiteheads are exposed to the air for an extended period of time, blackheads form. 

 

When the plug stays that way for a long time, the wall may rupture, allowing dirt and debris to access the hair follicles and the deep layers of the skin. When left untreated, the clog may provide an ideal environment for acne bacteria to grow and ultimately causing inflammation. 

 

Inflammation near the superficial layer of the skin leads to formation of papule and pustule. If no efforts are made to treat them quickly, the acne bacteria may cause further damage and inflammation to the deeper layers of the skin, forming cysts.

 

How to get rid of acne effectively

 

CHANGE YOUR SKINCARE REGIME Discard your skincare products and cosmetics if they clog your pores. Always choose noncomedogenic products so that they won’t clog your pores.

 

FACIALS While it is not essential to incorporate facial treatments in your skincare regime, it is especially useful as a preventive measure so that whiteheads and blackheads are removed. Facial therapists are trained to unclog your pores and reduce the chance of inflammation. Look out for deep cleansing facials that can help keep the clean and healthy.

 

TREATMENTS It is best to consult a doctor if you are unable to adequately control your acne. With the inflammation setting in, the goal should be the prevention of scarring and reducing the inflammation as quickly as possible. 

The doctor may prescribe retinoids. These are useful for unclogging pores. They come with side effects such as sensitivity to the sun and skin irritation. The doctor may also start you on oral antibiotics such as doxycycline to reduce the growth of acne bacteria.

 

The doctor may recommend LED light treatments to reduce the inflammation and kill the acne bacteria by using LED red light and LED blue light. Although light treatments have great success in treating acne, it is not clear how long-lasting the effects are.

 

Although chemical peel is an option, the benefits are modest. It is mainly used as a supportive treatment and should not be substituted for acne treatment.

 

For stubborn, recurring acne, doctors may recommend a permanent acne treatment using radiofrequency waves. AGNES Acne Treatment is a Korea-backed technology that uses a micro-needle to deliver tiny amounts of radiofrequency waves to destroy the sebaceous glands. With the offending glands destroyed, acne can no longer recur. Although it takes about 2-3 days to heal, you reap long-term benefits of having clearer, smoother skin without the formation of acne again.

 

Laser treatments are also a popular acne treatment option. Carbon Laser Peel treatment draws out the debris and clogs in the pores and minimizes the pore size. It reduces the chance of inflammation and regulates the oil production of the skin. Dual Yellow Laser may be used to destroy the acne-causing bacteria and shrink the sebaceous glands to reduce the production of sebum.

 

Treating acne requires a multi-pronged approach where doctors try to clear the clog, reduce sebum production, and eliminate acne bacteria. Acne treatment often requires patience and perseverance in order to see improvement. Always seek a doctor’s advice to work out a suitable acne treatment plan. 

 

Always remember – Don’t pick your pimples or they will get worse. 


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About Andy Cheng Advanced   Director

29 connections, 0 recommendations, 121 honor points.
Joined APSense since, August 5th, 2017, From Singapore, Singapore.

Created on Dec 27th 2019 08:26. Viewed 402 times.

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