Acne Treatment Singapore
Last updated: June 5, 2025
What Is Acne?
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition that develops when hair
follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to
inflammation. It can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, or
nodules, commonly affecting the face, back, chest, and shoulders. While acne is most
prevalent during adolescence, it can persist into adulthood, varying in severity from mild
to severe.
Beyond its physical effects, acne can take a toll on self-confidence and emotional
well-being. In Singapore, 41% of
adults, especially women, experience acne beyond adolescence.
Persistent breakouts and scarring can lead to self-consciousness, social anxiety, and
stress, making daily interactions more challenging. Seeking timely and appropriate treatment
not only improves skin health but also helps restore confidence and
overall well-being.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Several factors contribute to this process:
- Excess Sebum Production – Overactive sebaceous glands can produce too much sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin moisturised. Excess sebum, together with dead skin, can clog pores.
- Bacterial Overgrowth – Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) naturally lives on the skin but can multiply in clogged pores, triggering inflammation and worsening acne.
- Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can increase sebum production, leading to acne breakouts.
- Diet and Lifestyle – High-glycaemic foods and dairy may increase insulin levels and trigger hormonal fluctuations, leading to excess sebum production and clogged pores. Stress increases cortisol, which also stimulates sebaceous glands and worsens inflammation, which can slow acne healing.
- Medications – Certain drugs used to treat other conditions, such as corticosteroids, can increase sebum production, making the skin more prone to steroid-induced acne as a side effect.
Types of Acne
Acne occurs in different forms and is classified into non-inflammatory and inflammatory types.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
- Blackheads (Open Comedones) – Pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells that remain open, turning dark due to oxidation.
- Whiteheads (Closed Comedones) – Similar to blackheads but covered by a thin layer of skin, giving them a white appearance.
Inflammatory Acne
- Papules – Small, red, inflamed bumps caused by clogged pores and bacterial activity. These do not contain pus.
- Pustules – Pimples filled with pus, often red at the base with a white or yellow centre.
- Nodules – Large, firm, painful lumps deep under the skin caused by severe inflammation.
- Cysts – Soft, fluid-filled, pus-laden lumps beneath the skin that are typically larger than nodules. Cysts are often more painful, prone to rupture, and have a higher risk of scarring if left untreated.
Acne Treatment Options in Singapore
Acne treatment varies depending on severity, skin type, and individual response to therapy. Options range from topical solutions to prescription medications and clinical procedures.
| Treatment | Description & Purpose |
|---|---|
| Topical Treatments | |
| Salicylic Acid | A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin, dissolves oil, and penetrates deep into pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. It prevents clogged pores, reduces blackheads and whiteheads, and helps balance acne-associated bacteria. |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | An antibacterial agent that targets acne-causing bacteria. It releases oxygen into pores, eliminating C. acnes bacteria and reducing inflammation, which helps control breakouts and prevent new ones. |
| Retinoids | Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are vitamin A derivatives that speed up skin cell turnover. They work by preventing dead skin cells from building up and clogging pores, reducing breakouts and helping to clear existing acne. |
| Antibiotic Creams | Topical antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, erythromycin) help reduce bacterial growth and inflammation. They work by targeting C. acnes bacteria on the skin’s surface and soothing inflamed acne lesions, preventing breakouts from worsening. |
| Oral Medication | |
| Oral Antibiotics | Prescription antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) treat moderate to severe acne by working from within the body to reduce C. acnes bacteria and control inflammation. This provides systemic relief, helping to manage widespread or deep-seated acne. |
| Oral Contraceptives | Birth control pills regulate hormone fluctuations by reducing androgen levels and sebum production, helping to control hormonal acne. |
| Isotretinoin (Oral Retinoid) | A potent oral retinoid used for severe, treatment-resistant acne. It can help shrink sebaceous glands, drastically reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores. |
| Professional In-Clinic Treatment | |
| Chemical Peels | A dermatological treatment that uses acids like glycolic and salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve acne-related hyperpigmentation. |
| Corticosteroid Injections | An anti-inflammatory medication (e.g., triamcinolone) delivered directly into the lesion to treat large, painful cystic acne. It rapidly reduces inflammation and swelling, helping to shrink cysts, speed up healing, and minimise discomfort and scarring. |
Acne Treatment Price in Singapore
At ATA Medical, we offer topical and oral acne treatments, along with hormone testing to assess underlying hormonal imbalances contributing to acne. Our pricing is as follows:
| Test / Treatment | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $38.15 |
| Hormone Testing | |
|
Female Acne / Weight Gain Screen** Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, TSH, Cortisol, FSH, LH, Prolactin, DHEAS, SHBG This test is recommended for individuals with suspected hormonal acne and should be conducted between days 2 to 5 of the menstrual cycle for optimal results. |
$218 |
| Estradiol / Oestrogen (E2) | $32.70 |
| Progesterone | $32.70 |
| Acne Treatment | |
| Retacnyl Cream (Isotretinoin 0.05%) | $38.15 |
| Oral Antibiotics - Doxycycline 100 mg | From $1.09 per tab |
| Oral Contraceptive - Yaz® 20 mcg (Ethinylestradiol 0.02 mg + Drospirenone 3 mg) | $43.60 (per box of 40 tablets) |
**Test must be done between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM for accuracy.
Hormone testing packages are also available. Contact us for more information.
How to Prevent Acne?
Preventive measures and lifestyle modifications can help reduce acne recurrence and maintain clearer skin:
- Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin.
- Opt for non-comedogenic moisturisers and sunscreens to keep skin hydrated and protected without clogging pores.
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples to prevent inflammation, infection, and long-term scarring.
- Maintain a balanced diet and be mindful of foods that may trigger breakouts, such as high-glycaemic foods and dairy.
- Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques, as stress can increase cortisol levels and worsen acne.
When to Seek Help for Acne?
If acne is persistent, painful, causing scars, or affecting your confidence and daily life, consider consulting a doctor. Seeking treatment early can help prevent long-term skin damage and improve both skin health and self-esteem. With the right knowledge of acne types, treatments, and prevention, you can take control of your skin and make informed choices for clearer, healthier skin.
Find Acne Treatment Near Me
ATA Medical @ Orchard
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed