From A Dermatologist Series: Acne Skincare Routine

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people at various stages of life, from adolescence to adulthood. Whether you’re a teenager dealing with your first breakout or an adult facing persistent acne, the struggle to achieve clear, healthy skin can be frustrating and emotionally taxing. Acne doesn’t just affect aesthetics – it can have significant impacts on self-esteem and mental health¹. Addressing acne with a dermatologist-approved skincare routine is essential for managing and preventing breakouts effectively.

Acne can be influenced by numerous factors, including hormonal changes, genetics, diet, and stress. While over-the-counter products may help in mild cases, those with persistent or severe acne often require a more targeted approach². A proper skincare routine, guided by a dermatologist, can help mitigate the factors that contribute to acne, promoting healthier skin and reducing the risk of scarring. Below, we’ll explore a dermatologist-approved acne skincare routine, including tips, recommended products, and treatments to help you achieve clearer skin.

Acne and its causes

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells². This blockage leads to inflammation, which results in different types of acne, such as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts. Several factors can exacerbate acne, including:

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase oil production, leading to acne³.
Genetics: If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to develop it as well.
Diet: Some studies suggest that high-glycemic index foods and dairy products may trigger acne in some individuals⁴.
Stress: Stress can cause the body to produce more hormones like cortisol, which can increase oil production and lead to breakouts⁵.

Step-by-step acne skincare routine

1. Cleansing

Start with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. It’s essential to cleanse your face twice daily, in the morning and evening. Look for cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help reduce acne by unclogging pores and killing bacteria². Avoid frequent use of harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin and worsen acne.

2. Toning

After cleansing, use a toner to help balance your skin’s pH levels and remove any residual impurities. Toners with ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can help minimise pores and reduce inflammation. Be cautious with alcohol-based toners, as they can dry out the skin and trigger more oil production.

3. Treatment

The treatment step is crucial for targeting active acne. Depending on your skin type and severity of acne, a dermatologist may recommend topical treatments such as retinoids, azelaic acid, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Retinoids, like adapalene, help promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria⁶. For more severe cases, oral medications such as antibiotics, hormonal treatments and isotretinoin may be prescribed.

4. Moisturising

Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturising is a vital step in your skincare routine. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that won’t clog your pores. Moisturisers help maintain the skin’s barrier function and prevent over-drying, which can lead to increased oil production⁷. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin without making it greasy.

5. Sun protection

Applying sunscreen daily is essential, especially when using acne treatments that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ that is non-comedogenic⁸. Sunscreen works by not only protecting your skin from harmful UV rays but also in helping prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can occur after acne heals.

Advanced acne treatments

In some cases, a topical skincare routine may not be enough to manage acne, particularly when dealing with stubborn acne scars or pigmentation. Advanced treatments like PicoWay and PicoSure laser in Singapore offer effective solutions for improving skin texture and tone.

PicoWay laser

PicoWay is a state-of-the-art laser treatment that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to target and break down pigmentation, acne scars, and other skin irregularities. The treatment is non-invasive and requires minimal downtime. It’s an excellent option for those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and achieve a smoother complexion.

PicoSure laser

PicoSure is another advanced laser treatment that uses picosecond technology to target acne scars, pigmentation, and even fine lines. The laser works by delivering short bursts of energy that stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation. PicoSure is known for its effectiveness in treating various skin concerns with minimal discomfort and recovery time.

Both PicoWay and PicoSure laser treatments are available together in combination at Angeline Yong dermatology clinic in Singapore and can be tailored to your specific skin needs by a qualified dermatologist.

Conclusion

Achieving clear, healthy skin requires a comprehensive approach that includes a consistent skincare routine, proper treatment of acne, and advanced solutions for scar reduction and skin rejuvenation. Acne can be a persistent and challenging condition, but with the right guidance from a dermatologist, it is manageable.

Angeline Yong Dermatology offers a range of dermatology services and treatments in Singapore, including Dr Angeline Yong’s bespoke skincare range designed to cater to every individual’s needs and skin type. Based on your skin type and skin issues, Dr Yong will customise a skincare regimen that suits your lifestyle and personal preferences. The core AYD skincare range is a collection of products free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, and mineral oil, with all ingredients being medical grade and scientifically proven to work. Whether you need help managing acne or wish to improve your skin’s overall health, AYD provides the expertise and care you need for glowing, clear skin.

References

Koo, J. Y., & Smith, L. L. (1991). Psychologic aspects of acne. Pediatric dermatology, 8(3), 185–188. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.1991.tb00856.x

Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., Bowe, W. P., Graber, E. M., Harper, J. C., Kang, S., Keri, J. E., Leyden, J. J., Reynolds, R. V., Silverberg, N. B., Stein Gold, L. F., Tollefson, M. M., Weiss, J. S., Dolan, N. C., Sagan, A. A., Stern, M., … Bhushan, R. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945–73.e33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037

Dawson, A. L., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2013). Acne vulgaris. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 346, f2634. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f2634

Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., & Woolf, K. (2014). Relationships of self-reported dietary factors and perceived acne severity in a cohort of New York young adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(3), 384–392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2013.11.010

Chiu, A., Chon, S. Y., & Kimball, A. B. (2003). The response of skin disease to stress: changes in the severity of acne vulgaris as affected by examination stress. Archives of dermatology, 139(7), 897–900. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.139.7.897

Fabbrocini, G., Annunziata, M. C., D’Arco, V., De Vita, V., Lodi, G., Mauriello, M. C., Pastore, F., & Monfrecola, G. (2010). Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatology research and practice, 2010, 893080. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/893080

Draelos Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 17(2), 138–144. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12490

Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.-b). https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

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From A Dermatologist Series: Acne Skincare Routine