Acne-prone Skin - Harmony Therapeutics

What is acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin refers to a condition where an individual is more likely to experience acne breakouts compared to others. Due to this heightened susceptibility, people with acne-prone skin need ongoing treatments to effectively manage their symptoms. Acne breakouts are classified into several grades, such as:

Grade 1: grade 1 acne breakouts occur when the skin has whiteheads, and blackheads across the face.
Grade 2: grade 2 acne breakouts are when solid bumps are formed below the skin’s surface.
Grade 3: grade 3 acne breakouts refer to skin that is populated with inflamed pimples, known as papules.
Grade 4: grade 4 acne breakouts indicate that the skin has multiple papules, pastules, and nodulocystic acne.

Acne breakouts are broken into 4 different categories, depending on the severity of the breakouts.

Acne breakouts can occur anywhere on the face, including the forehead, the chin, and outer cheeks.

What causes acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin results from a combination of factors that lead to the formation of acne lesions. The primary mechanism involves the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. When excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it clogs hair follicles,which creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, can thrive.

This bacterial proliferation triggers an inflammatory response from the body's immune system, leading to the characteristic redness, swelling, and pus associated with acne. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate sebum production and follicular clogging, further promoting the development of acne-prone skin.

What are the symptoms of acne-prone skin?

Acne typically appears on the face, and neck. Some of the common symptoms of acne include:

Blackheads: blackheads are small, flat, and dark blemishes that are formed when the sebaceous gland becomes blocked.
Whiteheads: whiteheads are raised, round, and white blemishes that are similarly formed when the sebaceous gland becomes blocked.
Papules: papules are solid bumps that are usually formed below the skin’s surface.
Pimples: pimples are inflamed blemishes that are filled with pus, and are typically painful when touched.
Pustules: pustules are inflamed pimples that are formed when a whitehead, or pimple, increases in size, and severity.
Cysts: cysts are pus-filled acne that are developed deep within the skin due to follicular wall eruption towards the end of the inflammation stage.
Nodules: nodules are solid acne that are rooted deep within the skin.

Who is at risk for acne-prone skin in Singapore?

There are certain groups of people who are more at risk of acne. This includes:

Age: although acne can occur at any age, it is more common among teenagers who are going through puberty.
Excessive pressure on the skin: if your skin often comes into contact with telephones, helmets, headscarves, and anything else that applies pressure to the skin, then you are more at risk of developing acne-prone skin.
People with oily skin type: people with oily skin are more at risk of developing acne-prone skin due to the excess production of sebum that can clog pores. This creates a favorable environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive, leading to breakouts.
Family history: a family history of acne is likely to increase your chances of developing acne-prone skin.
Hormonal changes: if you are going through puberty, or pregnancy, then you are more prone to acne due to the changes in hormone levels.
Medications: certain medications such as steroids can disrupt the hormone balance, and stimulate acne to develop.
Greasy or oily products: using oily, or greasy cosmetics and skincare products puts you more at risk of developing acne.
Stress: an elevated stress level can cause acne to break out due to the hormonal imbalance that are triggered by immense stress.

it is best to avoid touching, or popping acne as it could worsen the breakouts.

How is acne-prone skin diagnosed in Singapore?

Our doctors at Harmony Therapeutics typically diagnose acne-prone skin by performing a skin examination. During the examination, our doctors will look for acne symptoms, and gauge your risk factors, such as:

Do you have a family history of acne?
Have you been under a lot of stress lately?
Are you currently on any medication?

Once our doctors have a thorough understanding of the causes of your acne breakouts, and blemishes, they will propose treatment plans to help manage your acne breakouts, and blemishes.

How is acne-prone skin treated in Singapore?

The key focus when it comes to treating acne-prone skin is to remove impurities and debris that are causing acne breakouts, as well as controlling skin inflammation. Afterwards, the next step is to use active ingredients to stimulate new cell growth to aid scar healing, with the hope of reducing possible acne breakouts in the future.

At Harmony Therapeutics, we offer the following treatment options for acne-prone skin:

Vitality facial:

our vitality facial is a 60-minute one-size-fits-all solution that uses the AQUAPURE facial system, which focuses on deep cleansing the skin. The treatment also incorporates gentle exfoliation to clean the skin of dead skin cells, and promote new skin cell growth. Additionally, AQUAPURE’s one-of-a-kind Uniform Spray Control Technology is an effective method to remove impurities that are deep within the pores, and evenly distribute the active ingredients deep within the skin. At the end of the treatment, your skin will not only feel clean, and healthy, but it will also guarantee to leave your skin feeling hydrated, and refreshed.

Purity facial:

our purity facial, was designed to offer those who have been battling with acne a medical grade facial treatment that incorporates cleansing, exfoliating, and healing. The treatment uses AQUAPURE’s deep cleansing programme, which focuses on healing the skin from acne breakouts by utilising the benefits of anti-bacterial light therapy. It also emphasises gentle exfoliation to prevent aggravating the skin, followed by a unique extraction process. Our treatment also involves the use of our signature blend of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, and oil-control ingredients to prevent future acne breakouts.

Vitality facial:

our vitality facial is a 60-minute one-size-fits-all solution that uses the AQUAPURE facial system, which focuses on deep cleansing the skin. The treatment also incorporates gentle exfoliation to clean the skin of dead skin cells, and promote new skin cell growth. Additionally, AQUAPURE’s one-of-a-kind Uniform Spray Control Technology is an effective method to remove impurities that are deep within the pores, and evenly distribute the active ingredients deep within the skin. At the end of the treatment, your skin will not only feel clean, and healthy, but it will also guarantee to leave your skin feeling hydrated, and refreshed.

Purity facial:

our purity facial, was designed to offer those who have been battling with acne a medical grade facial treatment that incorporates cleansing, exfoliating, and healing. The treatment uses AQUAPURE’s deep cleansing programme, which focuses on healing the skin from acne breakouts by utilising the benefits of anti-bacterial light therapy. It also emphasises gentle exfoliation to prevent aggravating the skin, followed by a unique extraction process. Our treatment also involves the use of our signature blend of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, and oil-control ingredients to prevent future acne breakouts.

Acne can have a detrimental effect on a person’s self-esteem, and confidence. But you can put an end to your struggles by getting in touch with us to learn more about our treatments.

Treating blackheads and whiteheads often focus on removing impurities, debris, and dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How should I take care of my acne-prone skin?

It is important not to further aggravate your skin, as it could worsen your acne breakouts.

Avoid using astringents, and alcohol-based skincare products.
Avoid Excessively exfoliating the skin.
Refrain from using any products, or environments that dry out your skin.

2. What is the best active ingredient to treat acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid is effective at reducing inflammation, and unclogging pores. However, it is still necessary to speak with a doctor, and to seek medical facial treatments to improve your skin health.

3. How can I tell if my new skincare regime, or medical facial treatments are working?

The obvious indicator of an effective treatment is an improvement in your skin’s texture. Some of the changes that indicate your new skincare regime, and treatments are working are:

A less oily appearance.
Reduce acne symptoms such as blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and redness.
Less frequent acne breakouts.

4. Is skin purging a normal phase before the skin gets better?

It depends on the individual. While some people do experience skin purging from changes in their skincare regime, or after undergoing facial treatments, some patients do not. Be that as it may, it is important to understand that with proper consultation, adequate treatments, your skin will get better.

5. How long does it take to treat acne-prone skin?

Treatment for acne-prone skin varies from one individual to another. But it generally takes a series of repeated sessions lasting between 2 to 3 months. Afterwards, treatments often involve maintaining the results.

6. Can I permanently be acne-free?

Unfortunately, acne cannot be cured. It is mainly about reducing the chances of breakouts by managing your symptoms, risk factors, or occasional maintenance treatments.