Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
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Acne Treatment Singapore | Cystic, Hormonal & Adult Acne

Acne & Cystic Acne Treatment in Singapore

Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. Whether dealing with persistent cystic breakouts, hormonal flare-ups in adulthood, or acne that hasn’t responded to over-the-counter products, the right treatment depends on understanding the skin, not just applying a generic protocol. At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our doctors assess the acne grade, skin type, lifestyle, and underlying causes before recommending any treatment. The goal is long-term acne clearance while helping to prevent acne scars that can form when breakouts are left untreated or managed incorrectly.
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What Is Acne?

Acne is a chronic skin condition that develops when oil (sebaceous) glands at the base of hair follicles become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage triggers inflammation, leading to lesions such as pimples, cysts, and nodules. Acne most commonly appears on the face, but it can also affect the neck, chest, back, and shoulders, areas with a higher concentration of pores.

While acne is not medically dangerous, it can lead to lasting acne scars if left untreated or poorly managed. The psychological impact is also well documented. Treating acne early helps reduce the risk of scarring and minimises the emotional burden that often comes with persistent breakouts.

Find out more about acne scar treatment in Singapore

What Are the Types of Acne?

Acne presents in several forms, and the type you have determines the appropriate treatment approach:

  • Whiteheads — Closed clogged pores appearing as small white dots on the skin surface.
  • Blackheads — Open clogged pores that appear black or brown due to oxidation of the trapped material.
  • Papules — Small, red, tender bumps with no visible pus. A sign of inflammation in the follicle.
  • Pustules (Pimples) — Papules with pus visible at the tip. The classic “pimple.”
  • Nodules — Large (over 5mm), painful lumps deep in the skin with no pus. Harder to treat, higher scarring risk.
  • Cysts — Large (over 5mm), painful, pus-filled lesions. The most severe form of acne — cystic acne — and the most likely to scar.

Who Gets Acne — And When?

Acne is most common during adolescence (ages 10–19), when rising androgen hormones drive excess oil production. But it doesn’t stop there. Adult onset acne — particularly in women — is increasingly common and often linked to hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, or certain medications.

In males, adolescent acne tends to be more acute and severe. In females, it is often less severe but more prolonged, sometimes continuing into the 30s and 40s. Both presentations are treatable with the right clinical approach.

Is Fungal Acne the Same as Regular Acne?

Fungal acne is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated as a result. It is not caused by bacteria or blocked sebaceous glands. Instead, it’s triggered by an overgrowth of malassezia, a yeast naturally present on the skin. Because the cause is different, the treatment is entirely different. Using standard acne treatments on fungal acne can make the condition worse. Risk factors for fungal acne include:
  • Poorly controlled blood sugar
  • Prolonged use of oral antibiotics (which disrupts the skin’s natural microbiome)
  • Aggressive or incorrect cleansing
  • Hot and humid environments (which Singapore’s climate makes relevant for many patients)
  • Tight-fitting clothing

How Do I Know If I Have Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne typically presents as uniform, tiny inflamed bumps scattered across the chest, back, trunk, and along the hairline and temples. The critical distinguishing factor: fungal acne does not produce blackheads or whiteheads. If you have comedones, it is almost certainly not fungal acne. A doctor’s assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis before any treatment begins.

Our Acne Treatments at SL Aesthetic Clinic

Each treatment addresses different drivers of acne. Your doctor will recommend a plan based on your acne grade, skin type, and root cause — often combining more than one approach.

Acne Laser

Laser therapy targets acne at its source by reducing acne-causing bacteria, calming inflammation, and controlling oil production in the skin. At SL Aesthetic Clinic, laser treatments are tailored to your skin tone, acne type, and treatment history to deliver the best possible results safely.

C&B Laser 素颜光

The C&B Laser, known as 素颜光 or "bare-faced light", is a multi-wavelength laser treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces oil production, and calms post-acne redness in a single session with no downtime. It is a great option for those looking to reduce breakouts and refine skin texture without oral medication.

Ethosome Gold PTT

Ethosome Gold Photothermal Therapy (PTT) uses gold nanoparticles activated by light to target and reduce overactive oil glands at their source. It is particularly effective for those whose acne is driven by persistently oily skin, offering a focused approach to controlling sebum production and reducing breakouts over a course of treatments.

Precision RF Microneedling 黄金微针

Precision RF Microneedling combines microneedles and radiofrequency energy to reduce pore size, control oil production, and stimulate collagen renewal in the skin. It is particularly well suited to patients managing both active acne and early acne scarring, addressing both concerns progressively over a course of treatments.

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Book a consultation with our doctor.

Acne Injections (Cortisone)

Cortisone injections deliver fast, targeted relief for large, painful acne cysts and nodules, often reducing inflammation and shrinking the lesion within 24 to 48 hours. They are a popular option when a stubborn cyst appears before an important event, and also help minimise the risk of scarring from severe lesions.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use carefully selected peeling agents to unclog pores, clear active breakouts, and improve overall skin texture. They are also effective at fading the dark marks that linger after acne has cleared, making them a popular choice for patients dealing with both active acne and post-acne pigmentation.

Glass Skin Customised Skinbooster 水光针

The Glass Skin Customised Skinbooster (水光针) delivers a blend of hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients directly into the skin, helping to restore comfort and resilience in those whose skin has been sensitised by acne or acne treatments. It creates a calmer, healthier skin environment that is better equipped to tolerate ongoing treatment and less prone to further breakouts.

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Book a consultation with our doctor.

Topical Acne Cream

Prescription topical acne creams contain clinically proven active ingredients that target acne more effectively than over-the-counter alternatives. Our doctors select the right formulation for your skin type, acne pattern, and skin tone to ensure the best results with minimal irritation.

Multi Corrective Redness Cream

Formulated to calm acne-prone skin, the Multi Corrective Redness Cream reduces visible redness and supports the skin's natural barrier, making it a helpful addition for those managing mild inflammatory acne or skin sensitivity during treatment. Available from our clinic and online shop.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics work from within to reduce acne-causing bacteria throughout the skin, helping to clear moderate to severe breakouts more effectively than topical treatments alone. At SL Aesthetic Clinic, they are prescribed as part of a supervised treatment plan and typically combined with topical treatments for the best outcomes.

Oral Medication

This is an FDA-approved oral acne medication that can deliver long-term remission for those with persistent or severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. It is prescribed and monitored carefully by our doctors to ensure it is used safely and effectively for your specific situation.

Female Hormonal Acne Medication

Hormonal acne in women often appears along the jawline and chin and tends to flare with the menstrual cycle, making it resistant to standard acne treatments. Prescribed hormonal medications address the root cause by regulating the hormonal signals that trigger excess oil production, helping to reduce both the frequency and severity of breakouts.

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Book a consultation with our doctor.

Acne Treatment Details

Mild acne, typically comedonal with a few papules and pustules, can often be managed at home with over the counter topical products such as gels, soaps, creams or lotions containing resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or Multi Corrective Redness Cream. 

On top of that, to avoid the risk of acne scars due to accidental squeezing of acne, patients can also seek the help of facial therapists who are better trained and equipped to maximise results with minimal scarring.

Topical acne medications are skincare products applied directly to the skin to treat acne. These medications typically come in the form of creams, gels, lotions, or solutions or antibiotics. They work by targeting different aspects of acne, such as reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, or inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Laser therapy is a proven option in the treatment of acne, working through several mechanisms including targeting and destroying acne-causing bacteria, reducing the activity of overactive sebaceous glands, and decreasing inflammation in the skin. There are several laser technologies used for acne treatment, each with different mechanisms and levels of efficacy, and they are typically used in combination with other therapies to enhance overall results.

Patients often prefer laser therapy for acne when they are unable or unwilling to use topical or systemic treatments, or when other treatments alone have not delivered sufficient clearance. At SL Aesthetic Clinic, laser acne treatments are customised to your skin tone, acne grade, and treatment history to minimise risk and maximise results. Note that potential side effects include temporary redness and, in some cases, skin discolouration, particularly in patients with darker skin tones, which our doctors account for when selecting the appropriate laser modality for you.

A type of steroid injection, cortisone injections are one of the fastest-acting treatments available for large, painful acne cysts and nodules. A small amount of diluted corticosteroid is injected directly into the acne lesion by a doctor, rapidly reducing inflammation and shrinking the cyst, with visible improvement often appearing within 24 to 48 hours.

Cortisone injections for acne are particularly popular as a rapid-response treatment when a large cyst appears before an important event. They are also clinically valuable for preventing the acne scarring that severe nodular or cystic lesions can leave behind if left untreated. Because this treatment is targeted to individual lesions rather than treating the skin systemically, it is typically used alongside other acne treatments as part of a broader management plan.

How to Prevent and Manage Acne Outbreaks

Preventing acne outbreaks includes combining consistent skincare habits with awareness of personal triggers such as hormones, diet, stress, and environment – treating existing breakouts alone won’t stop new ones from forming.

Key habits that support acne management:

  • Do not squeeze or pop pimples. This risks bacterial spread, worsened inflammation, and scarring.
  • Wash your face twice daily with a mild, acne-appropriate cleanser.
  • Use non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
  • Manage stress; cortisol elevates androgen levels, which drives oil production.
  • Follow a balanced diet with adequate hydration. Evidence links high glycaemic index foods and dairy to acne exacerbation in susceptible individuals.
  • Limit excessive sun exposure — UV stimulates sebum production. Always wear sunscreen. 

If you’re in your 30s and still breaking out, the causes are often more specific than general skincare habits. Read more about why adult acne happens and what to do about it

How Much Does Acne Treatment Cost in Singapore?

Acne treatment in Singapore costs from $150 to $800 per session at SL Aesthetic Clinic, depending on the treatment type and severity of your condition. Entry-level options such as cortisone injections and Ethosome Gold PTT start from $150, while laser treatments such as C&B Laser and Pico Toning Laser start from $300–$350 per session. More intensive treatments such as RF Gold Microneedling and Glass Skin Customised Skinbooster start from $600 per session.

Most patients require a course of sessions, and a combination of treatments is often recommended. For a full breakdown, refer to our price list or book a consultation with our doctors for a personalised estimate.

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FAQ

Acne can occur on any part of the body that has pores, but is most commonly seen on the face and upper body (back, chest, back of neck, shoulders) because these areas have a high density of pores producing skin oil. These pores are connected to oil glands underneath the skin via follicles. Oil glands produce a liquid called sebum/skin oil to carry dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. When dead skin cells, oil, and hair form a plug in the follicle, the pore is said to be clogged. And when it gets infected by bacteria (predominantly Propionibacterium acnes or P. Acnes), it starts to swell and become inflamed, developing into a pimple. As the inflammation continues, pressure builds up inside the clogged pore, eventually breaking the walls of the pore and spilling its contents into the surrounding skin. The body’s immune system then senses the spillage as “foreign” and activates immune cells, notably white blood cells, to fight the infection. This causes the acne lesion to become red and sore. Eventually, the immune system reduces the attack on the “foreign” contents, and attempts to repair the damage the acne may have caused. However, if the immune system puts up an excessive attack, or does not heal the acne quickly enough, scarring can occur.

Acne is caused by multiple factors, such as Hormones, Inflammation or the body’s immune response, Genetics, Stress, Vitamin Deficiency, Diet, and even the use of certain medications, amongst others.

This is why treatment of acne is a highly individualised one; always speak to a doctor to find a suitable treatment plan that tackles your root cause of acne.

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. Unlike surface-level pimples or papules, cysts are large (over 5mm), deep-seated, painful lesions filled with pus. They do not come to a head and cannot be effectively extracted. Cystic acne carries the highest risk of permanent scarring and typically requires systemic treatment — oral medication or injections — rather than topical products alone.

Yes, adult onset acne is common, particularly in women. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are frequent triggers. Stress, diet, and certain medications can also drive adult acne. It is not a condition you simply “grow out of,” and adult acne responds well to targeted medical treatment.

Singapore’s hot and humid climate does create conditions that favour acne formation. Heat and humidity increase sweat and sebum production, which raises the likelihood of clogged pores. This is particularly relevant for fungal acne, where the warm, moist environment accelerates malassezia yeast overgrowth. Patients in Singapore often need to account for climate in their skincare routines and treatment plans.

There is no single best acne treatment in Singapore. The right treatment depends on your acne type, severity, skin tone, and root cause. Mild acne may respond well to prescription topicals or chemical peels. Moderate acne often requires oral antibiotics combined with topical treatment or laser therapy. Severe or cystic acne typically responds best to oral isotretinoin, sometimes alongside cortisone injections for individual lesions. Hormonal acne in women is best addressed with hormonal medication combined with topical or laser treatment.
The most reliable way to identify the right treatment is a proper medical assessment by a doctor who can grade your acne and match the treatment to your specific condition, rather than relying on over-the-counter products that are not designed for clinical-grade acne.

Cystic acne can be effectively controlled and brought into long-term remission with appropriate treatment. While some patients experience long-lasting clearance, others may need ongoing maintenance with topical treatments, hormonal therapy where appropriate, or periodic in-clinic treatments to prevent new breakouts. Treating cystic acne early also helps reduce the risk of permanent acne scars.
Cortisone injections can rapidly resolve individual cystic lesions during flares, preventing the deep scarring that untreated cysts can cause. The earlier cystic acne is treated, the lower the risk of permanent acne scarring. We strongly advise against attempting to self-treat cystic acne or nodular acne at home, as squeezing or picking significantly increases the risk of scarring and infection.

This depends on the severity of your acne, the specific laser technology used, and how your skin responds. For mild to moderate acne, patients typically see improvement over 4 to 6 sessions. More severe or persistent acne may require a longer course, often combined with oral or topical treatments. Your doctor will give you a realistic timeline after assessment.

Downtime varies by treatment. Cortisone injections and oral medications have no skin downtime. Chemical peels typically involve 3 to 7 days of peeling and redness. Laser treatments may cause temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling for 1 to 3 days. RF microneedling may involve 2 to 4 days of redness and minor swelling. Your doctor will advise on what to expect for your specific treatment plan.

Many standard acne treatments are contraindicated during pregnancy — including oral isotretinoin, certain antibiotics, and some topical retinoids. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to inform your doctor before starting any acne treatment. There are pregnancy-safe options available; your doctor will advise accordingly.

Back acne is treated using the same principles as facial acne, with the approach adapted for the thicker, less sensitive skin on the back. Mild cases can often be managed with prescribed topical treatments and medicated body washes. Moderate to severe back acne may require doctor-prescribed oral medication to address the underlying factors driving breakouts across a larger surface area.
Laser treatments and chemical peels can also be adapted for the back and body, helping to clear active breakouts and improve skin texture. At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our doctors assess and treat back acne as part of our comprehensive acne management service. We do not limit acne treatment to the face.

The relationship between diet and acne is supported by a growing body of evidence. High glycaemic index foods (white rice, sugary drinks, processed foods) and dairy have been most consistently linked to acne exacerbation in susceptible individuals. However, diet alone rarely explains severe acne — it is one factor among many. A doctor’s assessment will help determine whether dietary changes are a meaningful lever for your specific case.

Active acne refers to current, inflamed breakouts. Acne scars are the structural changes to the skin that remain after acne has resolved — including atrophic (depressed) scars, ice pick scars, rolling scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The treatments for active acne and acne scars are distinct. Treating active acne first is essential before addressing scars — treating scars while acne is still active is unlikely to produce lasting results.

Find out more about acne scar treatment

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