Types of Acne & What Each Requires
Acne is Singapore's most common skin condition — affecting up to 85% of people aged 12–24 and a growing number of adults. The right treatment depends entirely on your acne type and severity.
Blackheads and whiteheads. Responds well to topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) and salicylic acid.
Papules and pustules. Treated with topical/oral antibiotics (doxycycline), benzoyl peroxide, or azelaic acid.
Deep, painful cysts. Requires oral isotretinoin (Accutane) in most cases. Risk of scarring is high without treatment.
Jaw/chin breakouts in adult women. May respond to oral contraceptives, spironolactone, or combined topical therapy.
Dermatologist-Prescribed Treatments
Topical Medications
First-line treatment for mild-to-moderate acne. Dermatologists prescribe prescription-strength formulations not available over-the-counter:
- Tretinoin (0.025%–0.1%): Retinoid that speeds cell turnover, unclogs pores, reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide combination: Antibiotic resistance prevention with effective bacterial reduction
- Azelaic acid (15–20%): Particularly effective for Asian skin prone to PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Adapalene 0.3%: Newer-generation retinoid with better tolerability profile
Oral Medications
- Doxycycline / Minocycline: For moderate inflammatory acne; typically 3–6 month courses
- Oral Isotretinoin (Roaccutane/Accufine): Gold standard for severe or cystic acne; requires blood monitoring, liver function tests, and strict contraception protocol for women
- Combined oral contraceptives: For women with hormonal acne — Diane-35, Yasmin, or similar formulations
- Spironolactone: Anti-androgen used off-label for female hormonal acne
In-Clinic Procedures
| Procedure | How It Works | Sessions Needed | Cost/Session (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Chemical Peel (salicylic/glycolic) | Exfoliates pores, reduces comedones and PIH | 4–6 sessions | $150–$400 |
| Laser (Nd:YAG 1064nm) | Reduces sebaceous gland activity, kills P. acnes bacteria | 4–8 sessions | $300–$600 |
| PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) | Aminolevulinic acid + light — destroys sebaceous glands | 2–4 sessions | $400–$800 |
| Intralesional Steroid Injection | Rapidly deflates painful cysts within 24–48 hours | Per lesion, as needed | $50–$150/injection |
| Comedone Extraction | Manual extraction of blackheads/milia by dermatologist | As needed | $80–$200 |
| Fractional Laser (Acne Scars) | Resurfaces skin, reduces atrophic scarring | 4–6 sessions | $500–$1,200 |
Acne Scarring Treatment
Scarring occurs when inflammation damages collagen. Early aggressive treatment of active acne is the best scar prevention strategy. For existing scars, treatment options depend on scar type:
- Atrophic/ice-pick scars: Fractional COâ‚‚ or Erbium laser, TCA CROSS technique, subcision
- Rolling scars: Subcision + filler, radiofrequency microneedling (Sylfirm, Infini)
- Boxcar scars: Fractional laser, punch excision, filler
- Hypertrophic/keloid scars: Intralesional steroid, silicone gel, vascular laser
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Topical hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, Q-switched laser
What to Expect at Your First Dermatology Appointment
- Skin assessment: The dermatologist will classify your acne type, grade severity (I–IV), and examine for scarring
- Medical history: Medications, hormonal history, skincare routine, prior treatments
- Personalised treatment plan: Combination approach tailored to your acne type and skin tone
- Prescription + products: You'll leave with a clear regimen — prescriptions, recommended cleansers, SPF
- Follow-up: Typically 6–8 weeks for topical treatment review; sooner for isotretinoin (blood tests required)
Frequently Asked Questions
See our researched shortlist: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
View the shortlist →Dermatology consultations at private clinics cost $80–$200+. Topical prescription medications add $50–$150/month. In-clinic procedures like chemical peels run $150–$400/session; lasers $300–$800/session. A typical 3-month treatment course (consultations + topicals) costs $400–$800 in total at a private dermatology clinic.
Isotretinoin is highly effective and FDA-approved. Under proper medical supervision, it is considered safe. Key requirements: monthly blood tests to monitor liver enzymes and lipids, mandatory contraception for women of childbearing age (it is teratogenic), and no blood donation during treatment and for 1 month after. Most patients complete a 4–6 month course with sustained remission.
Topical retinoids: 6–12 weeks for noticeable improvement. Oral antibiotics: 4–8 weeks. Isotretinoin: Initial "purging" in weeks 2–4, significant improvement by months 3–4, clear skin typically by month 6. Laser treatments: Progressive improvement over 4–6 sessions. Patience is essential — acne treatment timelines are measured in months, not days.
Medisave does not cover acne treatment at private clinics as it is classified under aesthetic/cosmetic care. If you see a dermatologist at a restructured hospital (NUH, SGH, TTSH) through a referral, government subsidies apply. CHAS/Pioneer/Merdeka cardholders can access subsidised consultations at polyclinics for GP-managed acne.
For medical acne treatment (diagnosing, prescribing oral medications, managing severe/cystic acne), see a certified dermatologist (MBBS with specialist accreditation in dermatology, registered with SMC as a specialist). Aesthetic doctors are well-suited for aesthetic laser treatments and scar revision procedures after the active acne is controlled. Dermatology clinics like Dermatology & Co offer both under one roof.