Types of Acne
Understanding the type of acne you have is crucial in selecting the most effective facial treatment for your unique condition. Each type of acne requires a specific approach to treatment, which our doctors and specialists can provide.
Blackheads & Whiteheads (Open & Closed Comedones)
Blackheads and whiteheads form when pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Blackheads are open at the surface, which causes them to darken due to exposure to the air, while whiteheads are covered by skin layers, keeping the clog white.
Papules
Papules are small, inflamed, red bumps that may feel tender. These occur when the walls surrounding your pores break down from severe inflammation, resulting in hard, clogged pores that are tender to the touch.
Nodules
Nodules are larger, harder bumps beneath the surface of the skin. They are formed when clogged, swollen pores endure further irritation and grow larger.
Pustules
Pustules are pus-filled pimples that appear red at the base with a white or yellow pus-filled top. These result from the body’s immune response to bacterial growth inside clogged pores.
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is often considered the most severe form of acne, arising from the same hormonal imbalances that cause hair follicles to clog. It involves deep, painful, pus-filled cysts forming beneath your skin.
How Acne Facials Can Help
Acne facials are particularly effective because they deep cleanse and exfoliate the skin, which can prevent and reduce acne by removing the dead skin cells and sebum that contribute to clogged pores. Our treatments also incorporate extraction to clear existing blockages and soothing masks to calm inflammation and promote healing.
By tackling the underlying causes of acne, our treatments aim to not just deliver immediate relief to those suffering from acne, but help reduce future acne outbreaks.
Acne Facial Process
The general process for our acne treatment facials includes several key steps:
- Cleansing: Thoroughly cleaning the skin to remove surface oils, dirt, and makeup, preparing the skin for more intensive treatments or active ingredients.
- Exfoliation: Gently removing dead skin cells to unclog pores and promote renewal of skin cells, in order to improve the skin’s texture.
- Extraction: Professionally and gently removing blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities from the pores to reduce acne visibility, clear congestion, and minimise the likelihood of future breakouts.
- Soothing Mask: Applying a mask tailored to reduce redness and calm inflammation, which can also aid in the healing process of the skin’s natural barrier.
- Hydration and Protection: Finishing with serums and sunscreens to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental factors. It is especially important to protect the newly-treated skin from UV exposure in Singapore’s sunny weather, which can exacerbate acne and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Specific ingredients, actives, or products used in each step will vary depending on the acne facial treatment chosen.
