Acne Treatment in Singapore
Quick and effective acne relief
What Is Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or painful cysts.
Types of acne include:
- Comedonal acne: Blackheads and whiteheads.
- Inflammatory acne: Red, swollen pimples.
- Cystic acne: Deep, painful nodules that can scar.
- Hormonal acne: Flare-ups linked to menstrual cycles, stress, or hormonal changes.
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns affecting both teenagers and adults. While mild breakouts may come and go, persistent or severe acne can cause scarring, discomfort, and low self confidence. At Regis Medical GP clinic, we provide evidence-based acne treatments tailored to your skin type and condition, helping you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Hormonal Acne vs Other Acne
Acne is not one-size-fits-all. The underlying cause determines the most effective treatment, prescribing an antibiotic for hormonal acne, or hormonal therapy for bacterial acne, produces poor results. Identifying your type is the first step in our assessment.
- Hormonal Acne - Driven by fluctuations in androgens (male hormones present in both men and women). In women, it typically appears around the jawline, chin, and lower face. It often flares before periods, during pregnancy, or at menopause. Women with PCOS are particularly prone to hormonal acne due to elevated androgen levels. Treatment may include hormonal therapy alongside topical care. A female hormonal panel test can help identify whether elevated androgens are contributing to your breakouts.
- Comedonal Acne - Primarily caused by clogged pores from excess sebum and dead skin cells. Blackheads and whiteheads without significant inflammation. Responds well to retinoids and salicylic acid-based topical treatments.
- Inflammatory Acne - Bacterial overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes) triggers an immune response, causing red, swollen papules and pustules. Oral antibiotics or topical antibacterial agents are commonly prescribed alongside topical retinoids to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Cystic Acne - The most severe form. Deep, painful nodules or cysts that carry a high risk of scarring. Often requires oral medication. In resistant cases, oral retinoids (isotretinoin) are the most effective option and are prescribed under careful doctor supervision with regular monitoring.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is influenced by a combination of factors:
- Overproduction of oil (sebum)
- Bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) on the skin
- Hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycles, stress, PCOS)
- Genetics and family history
- Lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, stress)
- Use of oily cosmetics or unsuitable skincare products
Understanding your acne triggers is key to effective, lasting treatment.
Acne in Singapore
Singapore's year-round heat and humidity create specific challenges for acne-prone skin that generic international advice doesn't address.
- Sweating and humidity — Excess sweat mixes with sebum and dead skin cells on the surface, increasing pore-clogging. Patients often notice more breakouts during humid periods, after exercise, or when commuting in heat.
- Air conditioning transitions — Moving between hot outdoor air and cold, dry air-conditioned spaces disrupts the skin's moisture balance, triggering compensatory sebum production in some patients.
- Skincare product choice — Many skincare products formulated for temperate climates are too occlusive for Singapore's humidity. Our doctor can advise on non-comedogenic, climate-appropriate products as part of your treatment plan.
Why Seek Treatment for Acne?
Leaving acne untreated can lead to:
- Permanent scarring or pigmentation marks
- Chronic breakouts that don’t resolve with over the counter remedies
- Psychological impact such as low self-esteem or anxiety
With professional care, acne can be controlled, and skin health restored.
Acne Treatment Options at Our Clinic
We take a stepwise, personalised approach, starting with your skin assessment and tailoring a treatment plan that balances effectiveness and safety.
Treatment options include:
- Topical treatments: Medical creams or topical gels (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics).
- Oral medications: Antibiotics, hormonal therapy (for women), or other doctor guided prescriptions such as Oral Retinoids.
- Lifestyle & skincare advice: Guidance on diet, stress management, and non-comedogenic skincare.
- Referrals (if needed): To dermatology for severe or resistant acne cases.
Who Should See a Doctor for Acne?
You should book a consultation if you:
- Have persistent breakouts despite OTC creams
- Notice painful nodules or cystic acne
- Are concerned about scarring or dark marks
- Experience acne flare-ups linked to hormones or PCOS
- Have acne affecting your confidence or social life
Why Choose Regis Medical
Book Your Acne Consultation Today
Take control of your skin health with the right treatment, acne doesn’t have to control your life.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursAppointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.
This policy is subject to change.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).
Finance
Acne Related
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pimples, or deep cystic nodules. Types include comedonal acne, inflammatory acne, cystic acne, and hormonal acne.
Several factors contribute to acne, including:
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Bacterial overgrowth on the skin (Cutibacterium acnes)
- Hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycles, stress, PCOS)
- Genetics and family history
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and poor sleep
- Use of oily or unsuitable skincare and cosmetics
Identifying your triggers is key to long-term acne control.
Professional treatment helps prevent complications such as:
- Permanent scarring or pigmentation
- Chronic breakouts that don’t respond to OTC remedies
- Emotional distress, low self-esteem, or anxiety
With doctor-guided care, acne can be controlled, and healthy skin restored.
We provide a tailored, stepwise approach to acne management, including:
- Topical treatments – medical creams or gels (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics)
- Oral medications – antibiotics, hormonal therapy for women, or other prescriptions
- Lifestyle & skincare advice – diet, stress management, and non-comedogenic skincare recommendations
- Referrals – to dermatologists for severe or resistant acne
You should consult a doctor if you:
- Have persistent breakouts despite OTC treatments
- Notice painful nodules or cystic acne
- Are concerned about acne scars or dark spots
- Experience acne linked to hormones or PCOS
- Find that acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life
No. While acne is common in adolescence, many adults also experience it due to hormonal changes, stress, or lifestyle factors. Adult acne often requires medical treatment tailored to skin type and underlying causes.
Some studies suggest that high-glycaemic foods (sugary or processed items) and excessive dairy may worsen acne. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables supports skin health. Your doctor can guide you on lifestyle changes alongside medical treatment.
