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SKIN & FACE

Acne Vulgaris & Scars

Acne vulgaris, widely known as “acne”, is a common chronic skin disease involving blockage and/ or inflammation of pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous gland).

The sebaceous gland secretes oils (sebum) to keep the skin moist. When a follicle gets clogged from excess sebum, it can lead to pimples and cyst formation. Acne is very common. It spans from adolescence to middle age and affects people of all ages and genders. In severe cases, it can worsen in adulthood or be exacerbated through hormonal fluctuations.

The Acne Science

During puberty, the male sex hormones known as “androgens” increase in both boys and girls.

Rise in androgen levels -> Oil (sebaceous) glands start to grow->Enlarged glands produce more sebum->Excessive sebum breaks down cellular walls in the pores->Bacteria starts to grow->Inflammation and pimples form.

Rise in
androgen levels

Oil (sebaceous) glands start to grow

Enlarged glands produces more sebum

Excessive sebum breaks down cellular walls in the pores

Bacteria starts
to grow

Inflammation and pimples form

Rise in
androgen levels

Oil (sebaceous) glands start to grow

Enlarged glands produces more sebum

Excessive sebum breaks down cellular walls in the pores

Bacteria starts
to grow

Inflammation and pimples form

Rise in
androgen levels

Oil (sebaceous) glands start to grow

Enlarged glands produces more sebum

Excessive sebum breaks down cellular walls in the pores

Bacteria starts
to grow

Inflammation and pimples form

Normally the sebum produced travels through the hair follicles to the skin. However, skin cells can plug the follicles thus blocking the sebum. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria begin to grow inside the follicles causing the development of pimples.

Types of Acne

Types acne pimples healthy skin
Closed comedones

Whiteheads

Open comedones

Blackheads

Small red, tender bumps

Papules

Papules with pus on tips

Pustules

Large solid, painful lumps under the skin

Nodules

Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin

Cystic Lesions

Causes

Hormone changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle
Hormone changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle
Hormone changes during pregnancy
Hormone changes during pregnancy
Starting or stopping birth control pills
Starting or stopping birth control pills
Certain medication such as corticosteroids
Certain medication such as corticosteroids
Oil and grease from external factors
Oil and grease from external factors
Stress
Stress
3

Hormone changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle

1

Hormone changes during pregnancy

4

Starting or stopping birth control pills

5

Certain medication such as corticosteroids

2

Oil and grease from external factors

4

Stress

Hormone changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle

Hormone changes
during pregnancy

Starting or stopping
birth control pills

Certain medication such as corticosteroids

Oil and grease from
external factors

Stress
 

Acne Complications

Acne can result in possible scarring on the face. It takes on 2 main forms:

  • A scar develops when there is a loss in the tissue resulting in an indentation on the surface of the skin
  • A scar develops that is raised on the surface of the skin due to an overgrowth of scar tissue

Scarring can potentially alter physical appearance and affect mental well-being if left untreated. However, with the technological advancement in the medical aesthetic field, these concerns can be treated with safe and non-invasive solutions like acne scar reduction.

Types of Acne Scars

Types of Acne scar Illustrations

Solutions

In Singapore’s humid weather, which tends to kick our sebum production into overdrive, acne and the scars they leave can be hard to avoid. Combined with other factors that cause acne, such as stress and hormonal changes, acne can be challenging.

However, with the right treatment, you can remove acne and prevent the formation of new acne.

Acne and scar treatments

Medical facials

A medical facial is a deep cleansing facial treatment performed with appropriate equipment to cleanse, exfoliate, extract and deliver a variety of skin rejuvenating serums. We will unclog pores and remove dead skin cells with this multi-step treatment before treating your skin with a customised serum infusion to improve the condition of your acne.

Skin resurfacing

One common acne scar treatment in Singapore is laser resurfacing, which uses focused light energy to resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production. When the laser energy is delivered to the skin, it heats the area, causing controlled damage to the existing collagen fibres under the acne scar. This damage triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, leading to the production of new collagen.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are another option for treating acne scars. A chemical solution is applied to remove the damaged outer layer of the skin, revealing smoother skin underneath. 

Dr Jon Yong uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a low concentration to chemically reconstruct acne scars. Once applied, the TCA will trigger an inflammatory reaction which will stimulate the formation of new collagen fibres.

This treatment is ideal for atrophic, pitted, and ice-pick scars.

Subcision

Subcision is an incision-less surgical technique to lighten the appearance of depressed acne scars. A needle is inserted directly beneath the scar to loosen fibres that connect the scar tissue. This method helps to lift depressed scars and promote the release of collagen in the scar tissue.

Dermal fillers

For deep or severe acne scars, dermal fillers can be injected to plump the depressed areas and create a smoother skin surface. In some cases, treatments such as Subcision or punch excision, may be recommended.

With professional treatment, you can effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars and achieve a more even and rejuvenated complexion. To determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific acne scars, a consultation with a skincare professional is essential.

Protection

  • Cleanse face daily (2 times a day) 
  1. Remove impurities, dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin’s surface
  2. DRJY TIP – use a mild facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, you can try our in-house AC Cleanser, AC series 

  • Stay out of the sun!
  1. UV rays can increase inflammation and redness, possibly leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  2. DRJY TIP – always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis and re-apply if under prolonged sun exposure. Check out our in-house SPF 45
  • Cleanse face daily (2 times a day)  
  1. Remove impurities, dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin’s surface
  2. DRJY TIP – use a mild facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, you can try our in-house AC Cleanser, AC series 

  • Stay out of the sun!
  1. UV rays can increase inflammation and redness, possibly leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  2. DRJY TIP – always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis and re-apply if under prolonged sun exposure. Check out our in-house SPF 45

Prevention

  • Avoid touching your face as it can introduce and spread bacteria

  • DO NOT squeeze or pop your pimples as it can lead to permanent scarring, more noticeable and painful acne and inflammation
  • Certain topical and/ or oral medications can help in reducing acne formation. Speak to our specialist to know more!
  • Avoid touching your face as it can introduce and spread bacteria  

  • DO NOT squeeze or pop your pimples as it can lead to permanent scarring, more noticeable and painful acne and inflammation
  • Certain topical and/ or oral medications can help in reducing acne formation. Speak to our specialist to know more!

Treatment

  1. To deep cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cells from pores
  1. To deep cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cells from pores

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. Jon Yong has ten years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Having graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the National University of Ireland, he carries a diverse background in surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology. 

Dr. Yong served as the Director of Aesthetics for Singapore Medical Group (SMG) from 2014 to 2018 before establishing his practice, Dr. Jon Yong Aesthetic Clinic, in 2018. He actively participates in lectures, seminars, and practical training to keep abreast of the rapidly evolving medical aesthetic industry.

Dr. Jong Yong is committed to his patient’s well-being and has a “less-is-more” philosophy, meaning he will only provide the necessary treatment for each aesthetic concern.

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