Understanding Acne

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Acne commonly refers to red, painful bumps on our skin that tend to flare-up during the teenage years; and for women, around the time of menstruation when hormone levels fluctuate. It is not uncommon for people to experience acne well into adulthood, or even to experience it for the first time then (adult-onset acne).

If you’ve ever wondered any of the following questions about acne, read on:

  • Why and how does acne develop?
  • Will acne go away on its own?
  • What are the types of acne?
  • Why do scars form?
How Does Acne Form?
1
Oil glands (sebaceous glands) on the skin – particularly those located on the face – produce an oily substance known as sebum.
2
When some skin cells lining the hair follicle become too sticky, it clogs the pores and traps the sebum within.
3
As the amount of sebum and dead skin cells trapped within the pores accumulate, bacterial growth increases which may cause an inflammatory reaction that results in acne formation.
What are the Various Types of Acne?

Acne can be broadly classified into inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne:

Inflammatory Acne
  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Acne Cysts
Non-Inflammatory Acne
  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
Inflammatory Acne causes redness, pain and swelling, and is more likely to result in scarring and pitting.
Papules
Pustules
Nodules
Cystic Acne
Non-inflammatory acne, on the other hand, does not cause pain and swelling, and respond relatively well to standard treatments. However, if left untreated it can induce inflammation within the skin.
Blackheads
Whiteheads
It is recommended to seek dermatological attention for acne as some types of acne do not resolve easily on their own, or may cause prominent scarring. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.
For more information, call us at +65 6734 1411
Will I End Up with Acne Scars?
Acne scars are the result of inflamed acne, and it occurs when the pore swells and causes a break in the wall of the pore.

Acne scars can be broadly classified into two types:
Atrophic Scars
Hypertrophic Scars

Fortunately, with proper dermatological management, acne scars can be effectively treated.

Your Dermatology Care Team
Dr. Neoh Ching Yin
Dr. Cheong Wai Kwong
Dr. Phay Ken-Lin
Led by Dr Cheong Wai Kwong, Specialist Skin Clinic is an accredited dermatology clinic that has been serving both local and expatriate communities in Singapore for over 30 years. Situated in the heart of town (Orchard), the clinic is well-equipped, private, comfortable and accessible to all.

Joining Dr Cheong Wai Kwong are Dr Phay Ken-Lin and Dr Neoh Ching Yin, all of whom are particularly experienced in treating acne and acne scars, on top of all other medical and cosmetic dermatological conditions.
meet our specialists
Should you be struggling with acne or acne scars, we warmly welcome you to drop by as we formulate a treatment that is specifically made for your skin.
Thank you for choosing Specialist Skin. Please fill up the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
1 Grange Road #06-04, Orchard Building, Singapore 239693

Main Line: (65) 6734 1411
Fax: (65) 6235 5900
Email: [email protected]

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