12 Nov LDM for Acne, Rosacea Redness and Sensitive Skin
By Dr Rachel Ho | Aesthetic Doctor, Founder, The Skin Longevity Clinic, Singapore
Medically reviewed by Dr Rachel Ho, MBBS, MRCS, MMed (ENT), 12 November 2026.
Dr Rachel Ho is an aesthetic doctor and the founder of The Skin Longevity Clinic. She holds an MBBS from the National University of Singapore, the MRCS (Edinburgh) and a Master of Medicine, with more than 16 years of clinical experience spanning facial reconstructive surgery and aesthetic medicine. Her work has been featured in Vogue Singapore, Harper’s Bazaar, CNA Lifestyle and The Straits Times. She also writes about skincare science at drrachelho.com.
Acne-prone, red and sensitive skin often has the same underlying problem: inflammation and a weak skin barrier that loses water. LDM is a gentle ultrasound treatment, with no needles, acids or heat, that is used to calm and hydrate this kind of skin. It works alongside medical treatment, not instead of it. For the full overview, see LDM treatment in Singapore.
LDM supports acne and redness treatment. It does not replace it.
What studies show: LDM for acne
- Two clinics treated 22 patients with mild to severe acne using triple-frequency LDM. Nine dermatologists, blinded to the treatment, scored photos. Acne severity improved by 74% by the last session and by 90% at follow-up, with no significant side effects (Chervinskaya 2025).
- Limits: the study was retrospective, had no control group, and one author works for the device maker.
The early acne data is encouraging, but small and uncontrolled.
LDM for acne in Singapore: how it fits
Acne treatment at the clinic follows severity. Options include prescription creams, oral medication, peels, lasers and LED light. LDM is added when:
- the skin is dry, tight or stinging from retinoids or other acne medication;
- the patient wants a gentle facial while active acne is being treated;
- there is redness after breakouts.
See acne treatment in Singapore and acne and a damaged skin barrier.
LDM for rosacea and facial redness
Twenty-six Korean patients with facial redness from rosacea or acne had dual-frequency ultrasound once a week for 4 weeks. At 6 weeks:
- measured redness had fallen;
- water loss through the skin had fallen, meaning the barrier was holding water better;
- clinician and patient scores had both improved.
No serious side effects were seen (Kim 2021). Rosacea still needs medical treatment and trigger control. LDM is used for comfort and calming alongside it.
LDM for sensitive skin and a damaged skin barrier
Strong exfoliation, extractions and harsh peels can make sensitive skin worse. LDM does not strip or heat the skin, which is why it is used when the barrier is stressed. Pair it with simple barrier care: a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. See damaged skin barrier treatment and dry skin and hydration treatments.
Who should see a doctor before LDM for acne or redness
- Cystic or scarring acne: medical treatment comes first
- Flaring rosacea or eczema
- Skin infection, cold sores, or a fungal rash mistaken for acne
- Melasma, or dark marks after past procedures
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
FAQs: LDM for acne and sensitive skin
Does LDM work for acne?
A two-centre study found acne severity improved by 74% by the last session and 90% at follow-up. The study was small and uncontrolled. At the clinic, LDM is added to medical acne treatment.
Can LDM help rosacea?
Weekly dual-frequency ultrasound for 4 weeks lowered measured redness and water loss in rosacea and acne patients. Rosacea still needs medical treatment.
Is LDM safe for sensitive skin?
LDM is gentle and does not heat or peel the skin. Patients with active eczema, rosacea flares or infection should see the doctor first.
Can I do LDM while on isotretinoin or tretinoin?
Often yes, as a calming step. The doctor checks the skin first, because these medicines thin the barrier.
Does LDM help acne marks?
LDM can calm redness after breakouts. Brown marks (PIH) and scars need other treatments, such as pico laser or RF microneedling.
LDM assessments take place at Scotts Medical Center, 9 Scotts Road. Appointments can be booked through the contact page or by calling +65 6514 2688.
References
Show all 3 references
- Chervinskaya IG, Gaidash NV, Kruglikov IL. A retrospective pragmatic two-center clinical study to evaluate the clinical outcome of triple-frequency ultrasound in the treatment of mild-to-severe acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16672. doi:10.1111/jocd.16672 (PMID 39552138) https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16672
- Kim YJ, et al. The efficacy and safety of dual-frequency ultrasound for improving skin hydration and erythema in patients with rosacea and acne. J Clin Med. 2021;10(4):834. doi:10.3390/jcm10040834 (PMID 33670631) https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040834
- Xu M, et al. Review on experimental study and clinical application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in inflammation. Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2021. doi:10.21037/qims-20-680 https://doi.org/10.21037/qims-20-680