Acne is not just a problem that teenagers going through puberty face. There are plenty of adults who get acne in their 30s and 40s, with 80% of the population experiencing an acne breakout at some point in their life.
Also known as acne vulgaris, acne is a skin condition that appears as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts on the face, check and back. It is a result of a combination of factors including clogged pores, excess production of sebum and the presence of acne-causing bacteria.
Despite acne being the 8th most prevalent condition worldwide, there are still plenty of patients who aren’t seeing results with their treatment. Here’s why.
Acne is a multifaceted and complex condition
As mentioned earlier, acne is caused by three key factors: P. acnes bacteria, clogged pores and excess oil production.
There are also many other reasons that can exacerbate the symptoms of acne including hormonal changes, stress and lifestyle habits. Majority of patients that we see at our clinic also suffer from more than one type of acne on their face – all of which require different solutions.
Given that acne is a multifaceted problem that differs in its type, severity and symptoms, this makes it harder to treat – although not impossible.
When acne creams don’t work
Today, there are a variety of creams, gels and lotions available over-the-counter for consumers to treat their breakouts, the most common being benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Although they are effective for the occasional zit and mild acne, those suffering from moderate to severe acne may not find it useful for achieving clear skin. Also, most over-the-counter treatments also work to treat one facet of acne; for example, benzoyl peroxide is useful in reducing sebum production and fighting inflammation.
Not to mention, much of what happens during a severe breakout happens deep below the skin’s surface – making the majority of acne creams insufficient to banish acne for good. While they are a good starting point, most patients suffering from moderate to severe acne that refuses to go away will require a more individualized treatment plan that incorporates a combination of treatment modalities. If the breakout covers a large area of your skin (including your chest and back) and comes with more than one hard, pus-filled and painful lesion, you are likely to be suffering from cystic acne – the most stubborn form of acne.
If you tried all kinds of acne creams and have yet to see any improvements (it typically takes 4 – 6 weeks to see results), it is best to leave treatment into the hands of an experienced dermatologist who can help manage your acne.
How to banish acne for good: treat it at its root
Does this mean that there is no hope left? Not at all!
You simply need to change the angle at which you treat acne, starting from its root – a clogged pore. Remember that acne occurs due to the pores of your skin becoming clogged with sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria build-up that causes inflammation.
It is found that pores that are repeatedly being blocked are responsible for 90% of the acne on our face. By destroying the sebaceous glands and damaged pores that are responsible for recurrent acne, you are essentially removing the root cause of acne and take back control of your skin!
We help to treat your acne at its root using two innovative and powerful treatments: Gold Photothermal Therapy (PTT) and AGNES.
Gold PTT is one of the latest acne treatment that we are proud to offer at our clinic. It is an FDA-approved treatment that leverage on heated gold nanoparticles to treat your pores and precisely target the glands that are causing your acne.
The treatment is done by first applying the gold nanoparticles on the skin. Then, it is delivered directly into the pores using our Bellasonic ultrasound machine. A unique long-pulse diode laser is then used to activate the nanoparticles for them to work on destroying the sebaceous glands. This process takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes to complete, and depending on your condition, will require several sessions to see significant results.
We also offer AGNES – a safe and effective treatment that utilizes a tiny micro-needle attached to a radiofrequency current that works to shut down overactive oil glands. Patients will need roughly 3 sessions to see a 90% improvement in their acne condition with no recurrence!
Our doctors enjoy using these two treatments to treat cystic acne as they are both minimally invasive, safe and painless with minimal downtime. Best of all, they provide a permanent cure for acne!
Achieve flawless and acne-free skin
There is no magic formula for treating acne – the best acne spot treatment requires a comprehensive and multi-layered approach that is customized to each individual based on the type and severity of acne and their skin condition. If there is scarring involved, doctors also have to take this into consideration.
Our doctors have over 40 years of combined experience dealing with acne – we have curated a range of the most innovative and advanced technologies and treatments in the industry that includes laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, facials and topical and oral medications. In addition, we also offer acne scar removal treatments to help you achieve clear and healthy-looking skin!
No acne is “untreatable” at our clinic, and it is never to let to get started on your treatment – contact us to book your appointment today!