Acne Treatment in Singapore
By Dr Rachel Ho
Recurring breakouts can make it difficult to know whether to change your skincare, return to a previous medicine or consider a procedure. An acne assessment brings those choices together, with attention to what you have already tried and what remains troublesome.
Acne treatment is selected according to the type of lesions, severity, previous response and individual medical circumstances1,2. At The Skin Longevity Clinic, Dr Rachel Ho reviews these factors before discussing a plan for active breakouts and ongoing care.
Acne treatment options at a glance
Different acne patterns call for different treatment discussions2. The table provides an overview rather than a prescription, and the final choice also depends on individual suitability1,2.
Treatment can change as the skin improves or circumstances change. A review should establish whether the current approach remains appropriate before further medicines or procedures are added.
| Acne pattern | Treatment options that may be discussed |
|---|---|
| Blackheads and whiteheads | Topical treatment, often including a retinoid to address follicular blockage2,3. |
| Mild inflammatory acne | Topical combinations that address blockage, bacteria and inflammation1. |
| More extensive inflammatory acne | Topical treatment with an oral medicine where appropriate2. |
| Persistent acne in women | Topical treatment and, in suitable patients, hormonal options4. |
| Deep, scarring or difficult to control acne | Assessment for isotretinoin or other escalation of treatment1. |
| Flat marks or indented scars | Separate assessment of the residual colour or structural change, alongside control of active acne2. |
When should you see a doctor for acne?
Painful or persistent breakouts, developing scars and an inadequate response to previous treatment are reasons to seek medical assessment1. The effect on confidence and daily life also deserves attention, even when the number of visible spots seems small1.
Acne severity involves more than counting pimples2. The depth of the lesions, areas affected, scarring and personal impact all contribute to treatment decisions2. PubMed
What happens at an acne clinic consultation?
Dr Rachel Ho examines the acne pattern and reviews any associated sensitivity, pigmentation or scarring. The discussion includes your current skincare, previous medicines, how long they were used and whether they helped or caused irritation.
Mention relevant medicines and supplements, menstrual changes, pregnancy plans and every affected area, including the chest or back. These details help the consultation address the full concern rather than the most visible pimple on the day.
Before proceeding, ask what each part of the plan is intended to do, when progress should be reviewed and which symptoms should prompt earlier contact. Our guide to your first clinic consultation explains how to prepare and what to clarify about costs and follow up.
How are acne medicines selected?
Topical medicines
Topical retinoids help reduce follicular blockage and treat comedones, while benzoyl peroxide provides antimicrobial activity against acne associated bacteria2. Azelaic acid is another option, including when acne occurs alongside brown marks3. PubMed
Dryness and irritation can affect how comfortably these treatments are used3. The formulation and application schedule can be adjusted, with suitable moisturiser and gentle cleansing supporting tolerance3. PubMed Central (PMC)
For an explanation of the different treatment approaches, read Dr Rachel Ho’s guide to acne causes and treatment evidence. Use it alongside your consultation to clarify the purpose of each part of the proposed regimen.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics may be considered for inflammatory acne that requires more than topical treatment1. They should be combined with appropriate topical therapy, including benzoyl peroxide, and their duration limited to reduce antibiotic resistance1.
An antibiotic course should have a review point rather than continue indefinitely1. Ongoing acne control needs to be considered when the course ends3.
Hormonal treatment for adult female acne
Spironolactone and selected combined oral contraceptives are options for suitable women with persistent acne4. The choice requires consideration of pregnancy plans, medical history, other medicines and treatment preferences4.
The detailed relationship between hormones, blood tests and recurring breakouts is covered in Dr Rachel Ho’s adult female acne article. Mention any menstrual changes or recurring patterns during your consultation so these can be considered in the assessment.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin may be considered for severe acne, acne causing scarring or substantial distress, and acne that has responded inadequately to other treatments1. Treatment requires discussion of adverse effects and monitoring, including dryness and relevant blood tests3.
Pregnancy prevention is essential because isotretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy5. Your doctor should explain the precautions and review arrangements before treatment begins5.
Where do acne procedures fit?
Procedures should be considered for a defined concern, with the evidence and limitations explained alongside medical options. A discussion should distinguish treating active acne from addressing the marks or scars left behind.
Chemical peels
A systematic review of 12 randomised trials found that chemical peels may improve acne, although study quality ranged from very low to moderate6. The evidence was insufficient to identify one peel as consistently superior6.
Our chemical peel guide explains this treatment category. Ask which concern the proposed peel addresses and how it fits with your current skincare and medication.
LED light treatment
Studies of blue light treatment have produced mixed findings, with limitations including small samples, short follow up and risk of bias7. A systematic review advised caution when interpreting the available evidence7
The clinic’s LED light treatment guide provides further background. Discuss the expected contribution of light treatment before deciding whether to add it to a medical regimen.
Selective sebaceous gland radiofrequency
Selective sebaceous gland radiofrequency has been studied for inflammatory acne8. In a randomised study with 63 participants completing treatment, the treated group showed greater improvement in inflammatory lesions at 12 weeks than the control group8.
Our guide to selective sebaceous gland treatment explains the approach. Any recommendation should identify the lesions being targeted and the role of ongoing acne care.
How long does acne treatment take?
Many acne treatments need six to eight weeks before improvement becomes noticeable9. An initial treatment review at around 12 weeks is commonly recommended, although the appropriate timing depends on the treatment and clinical circumstances9.
The review should consider new breakouts, discomfort, irritation and how consistently the regimen has been manageable9. The purpose is to decide whether to continue, simplify or adjust treatment rather than judge progress from a single spot.
Contact the clinic earlier when treatment causes troublesome symptoms or the acne is worsening. Bring details of what has changed, including any products added since the previous appointment.
What happens when acne returns?
Acne can recur after treatment, including after a course of isotretinoin10. A large cohort study published in 2025 documented patients requiring further acne treatment after completing isotretinoin, illustrating that initial improvement and lasting remission are different outcomes10.
Maintenance treatment may help preserve improvement, with topical retinoids recommended for suitable patients after successful acne control3. The plan should explain what to continue, what can be reduced and when reassessment is appropriate3.
A return of breakouts is a reason to review the pattern and previous response. Discuss the timing, severity and any difficulty continuing the earlier routine before deciding on another course or additional procedure.
What skincare supports acne treatment?
Gentle cleansing and a suitable moisturiser can help reduce irritation associated with topical acne medicines3. Avoiding harsh cleansers and unnecessary astringents is also part of improving treatment tolerance3.
Keep a record of the products you use so the routine can be reviewed as a whole. Dr Rachel Ho’s guide to skincare ingredients for acne can help you prepare questions about ingredients already in your bathroom cabinet.
What about back and body acne?
Acne can affect the chest and back as well as the face2. The extent of involvement helps determine whether topical treatment is sufficient or an oral option should be discussed2.
The clinic’s back and body acne guide covers these concerns separately. Mention every affected area during assessment, even when facial breakouts are the main reason for your visit.
Can acne marks and scars be treated alongside active acne?
Flat red or brown marks differ from scars that alter skin texture2. Identifying which changes are present helps separate the goal of reducing new breakouts from treatment of existing colour or structural changes2.
The timing of additional treatment should be discussed alongside the acne plan. Some approaches can address acne and pigmentation together, while structural scar procedures require a separate assessment3.
Our guide to acne marks and acne scars explains the distinction. Readers concerned about indentations can also consult the acne scar treatment guide before discussing suitable options.
What changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy plans should be discussed before starting or continuing acne medicines5. Isotretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy, while spironolactone and topical retinoids should also be avoided during pregnancy5. Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are among the topical options that may be considered after medical review5.
Breastfeeding requires a separate assessment because the recommendations differ from those for pregnancy5. Tell the doctor about current pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to conceive so that the treatment discussion reflects your circumstances5.
What affects the cost of acne treatment in Singapore?
Understanding the likely cost of care is easier when the proposed stages are clear. Ask about the initial consultation, medicines, any indicated tests and review appointments, with optional procedures explained separately.
A quotation for one appointment may cover different items from an estimate for ongoing treatment. Clarify what is included now, what may be needed later and when the plan will be reassessed.
| Part of the plan | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | The assessment fee and what the appointment includes. |
| Medicines and skincare | Which items are recommended, whether they are prescribed or optional, and the expected cost of continuing them. |
| Investigations | Why a test is being proposed and whether its cost is separate. |
| Procedures | The purpose, treatment area and proposed sessions, with a separate quotation. |
| Follow up | When review is planned and whether subsequent appointments are charged separately. |
| Quoted total | Whether any applicable taxes and additional charges are included. |
Bring details of previous treatment, including what helped and why a course was stopped. Discussing a practical budget alongside your priorities can help make the proposed stages easier to understand.
Contact The Skin Longevity Clinic to ask about the consultation fee and how to obtain an individual treatment estimate. Request clarification of each component before deciding whether to proceed.
FAQs
What is the best acne treatment in Singapore?
The best treatment depends on lesion type and severity. Combination topical therapy suits many patients, oral antibiotics can help widespread inflammation, hormonal treatment can suit selected women and isotretinoin is often the strongest option for severe or scarring acne.
Is isotretinoin the best acne treatment?
Isotretinoin is the most effective systemic treatment for severe, scar forming and treatment resistant acne. Mild comedonal acne usually does not require the exposure and monitoring associated with an oral retinoid.
Are lasers or RF better than acne medication?
Medication has the strongest and most consistent evidence across common acne patterns. Laser, LED, peels and selective RF can add value for selected patients, but each addresses only part of acne biology.
Can acne be cured permanently?
Many patients achieve prolonged control, and isotretinoin can produce remission. Acne can still relapse because hormonal influences, sebum activity and genetic susceptibility continue over time.10
Do I need blood tests before acne treatment?
Blood tests are selected according to the medicine being considered and the findings at assessment. Oral isotretinoin, for example, involves lipid and liver function checks before and during treatment1,3. Your doctor should explain which tests are needed and how the results affect the plan.
Should I apply acne cream only to individual pimples?
Most topical acne medicines are applied as a thin layer across the whole acne prone area rather than dotted on visible spots, because they also work on blockages that have not yet become visible1. Follow the instructions for your prescribed product, including how much to use, how often and which areas to avoid.
Related reading for your acne concerns
Acne at different stages and on different areas
Our guides to teenage acne and adult acne discuss these concerns in more detail, with separate guides to hormonal acne and cystic acne. For breakouts beyond the face, read about back and body acne.
Skincare, irritation and medication questions
Read about acne with a damaged skin barrier when discomfort affects your routine. Our article on retatrutide and questions about breakouts addresses that specific medication related question; mention all medicines and supplements during assessment.
Understanding a proposed procedure
The clinic’s selective sebaceous gland ablation guide explains the procedure, while acne recurrence after oil gland treatment focuses on expectations. Read the chemical peel treatment guide, peel aftercare guide and LED treatment guide for those separate discussions.
Marks and scars after acne
Our acne marks and scars guide explains colour changes and altered texture. The acne scar treatment guide covers assessment and treatment planning for structural scars.
The Skin Longevity Clinic is a doctor led practice at 9 Scotts Road, #06-05 Scotts Medical Center at Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210, near Orchard Road. To arrange an acne assessment, contact the clinic or call +65 6514 2688. Bring your current skincare and treatment details, together with the questions you would like the assessment to address.
Journal references
1. Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024;90(5):1006.e1 to 1006.e30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017.
2. Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review. JAMA. 2021;326(20):2055 to 2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17633.
3. Oon HH, Wong SN, Aw DCW, Cheong WK, Goh CL, Tan HH. Acne Management Guidelines by the Dermatological Society of Singapore. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2019;12(7):34 to 50. Full article.
4. Smith CA, Gosnell E, Karatas TB, et al. Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists. Dermatology and Therapy. 2025;15(1):45 to 59. doi:10.1007/s13555-024-01324-8.
5. Ly S, Kamal K, Manjaly P, Barbieri JS, Mostaghimi A. Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Narrative Review. Dermatology and Therapy. 2023;13(1):115 to 130. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00854-3.
6. Chen X, Wang S, Yang M, Li L. Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e019607. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019607.
7. Scott AM, Stehlik P, Clark J, et al. Blue Light Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. Annals of Family Medicine. 2019;17(6):545 to 553. doi:10.1370/afm.2445.
8. Ahn GR, Kim JM, Park SJ, Li K, Kim BJ. Selective Sebaceous Gland Electrothermolysis Using a Single Microneedle Radiofrequency Device for Acne Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2020;52(5):396 to 401. doi:10.1002/lsm.23152.
9. Santer M, et al. Managing acne vulgaris: an update. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. 2024;62(1):6 to 10. doi:10.1136/dtb.2023.000051.
10. Lai J, Barbieri JS. Acne Relapse and Isotretinoin Retrial in Patients With Acne. JAMA Dermatology. 2025;161(4):367 to 374. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.5416.