Acne is a very common problem – in fact, everyone has had a breakout at one point in their lives. Eight in 10 teenagers get acne breakouts, and 3 in 10 may have severe acne. It’s also possible to suddenly develop adult acne even if you’ve had a relatively pimple-free adolescence.

While everyone’s experienced acne, the kind of acne varies. Acne treatment Singapore expert explains the different types, and how this can change the approach taken to resolve the breakouts.

What is acne?

Just under the skin surface, small sebaceous glands produce oil or sebum that maintain the skin barrier and keep the skin supple. The oil is released through tiny holes called pores. However, our oil production can increase because of hormonal changes, side effects of medications, climate, or even diet and lifestyle. People with oily or combination skin also naturally produce more oil.

Acne occurs when the pores are blocked, usually when the sebum combines with dead skin cells to produce what is called a plug. This leads to whiteheads or blackheads.  If a blocked pore remains open, the contact with oxygen causes the plug to turn black (blackhead). If it closes up, it appears white (whitehead).

If the blocked pores become irritated or infected, the walls break and cause larger pimples called papules. These are harder, more prominent bumps on the face. You can also develop pustules, which contain pus and appear yellowish.  The most severe acne form are nodules, which are larger and go deeper into the skin.

Acne treatment Singapore options

Since all acne begins with blocked pores, one of the key approaches to managing breakouts is regular exfoliation. By keeping the pores clear, sebum can naturally flow out of the pores.

Mild acne breakouts like blackheads and whiteheads can also be managed with facials and peels. Moderate to severe acne – and the dark acne marks they leave behind — may require a combination of a good skincare regimen and laser treatments.

Adult acne however requires a more detailed approach at identifying the root cause of the acne problems. There is often a deranged oil gland that has lost its auto-regulation and is now actively secreting oil and getting congested.