Who qualifies for breast fat transfer in Singapore? Check health criteria, donor fat, contraindications and timing after pregnancy.
October 26, 2026
Table of Contents
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease with recurrences and relapses. It affects about 650 million people worldwide, making it the 8th most common disorder globally [1, 2]. In Singapore, it is the most common skin problem among adolescents and some adults. The four main types are comedonal, inflammatory, cystic and nodular, ranging from mild blackheads and whiteheads to severe, deep, painful lesions.
Key takeaways
- At least 88% of Singaporean teens aged 13-19 have acne, and comedones are the most common type [3].
- 41% of adults seeking acne treatment at the National Skin Centre had acne since their teens.
- More males have acne in adolescence; more females have it in adulthood.
- Hormones, oil production, bacteria and humid weather all contribute.
- Cystic and nodular acne need medical intervention.
How common is acne in Singapore?
Acne is most common in teenagers but can persist or appear for the first time in adulthood. A National Skin Centre Singapore study reported that 41% of adults seeking acne treatment had acne since their teenage years.
In another study, acne occurs in at least 88% of adolescents aged 13-19 in Singapore, and comedones are the most common type among average teenagers [3].
Severity of acne among Singaporean teens
| Severity | Share of teens |
|---|---|
| Mild | 51.4% |
| Moderate | 40% |
| Severe | 8.6% |
The study also noted that teenagers experienced psychological distress over acne and believed hormones, diet and hygiene were key causes.
Female vs male acne in Singapore
According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, females experience more acne than males because hormonal fluctuations increase oil production in the pores. These fluctuations occur:
- before the menstrual cycle
- while taking birth control pills
- in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- during pregnancy
- around menopause
| Female acne | Male acne | |
|---|---|---|
| Acne in adulthood | 22% of adult women, especially in their 20s and 30s [4] | Less than 5% of adult men [4] |
| Mild adult acne | 20.3% of females [5] | 8.6% of males [5] |
| Acne severity in adults | 30.4% of females [5] | 48.6% of males [5] |
| Adolescent acne | 38.8% of female teens [6] | 61.3% of male teens [6] |
| Adult acne | 69% of female adults [6] | 31% of male adults [6] |
| Common locations | Women aged 14-50 can develop deeper acne on the face and neck; the nose, chest and back are mostly spared [4] | Face and neck, plus chest, back, upper arms and shoulders [7] |
Summary: More males than females have acne in adolescence, and more females than males have it after adolescence.
How to identify the 4 types of acne
| Comedonal | Inflammatory | Cystic | Nodular | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severity | Stage 1, non-inflammatory | Stage 2-3 | Most severe stage | Severe |
| Looks like | Blackheads and whiteheads | Red, swollen, painful; contains pus, dead skin cells and oil | Painful, inflamed, pus-filled deep cysts | Large, painful lesions deep in the skin; typically no whitehead or blackhead |
| Painful? | Typically not | Often | More painful (deeper) | Often very painful and tender |
| Itchy? | Not usually, unless inflamed or infected | See note below | Possible, due to deep inflammation or infection | Can cause itching |
| Who gets it | Men and women with oily skin | Teens, young adults and adults, especially women | Teens, young adults, those with genetic predisposition | Men and women with hormonal changes (puberty, menstruation, birth control pills) |
Comedonal acne (Stage 1)
Comedones form when hair follicles are blocked by sebum and dead skin cells.
- Open comedones (blackheads): Trapped oil and dead skin cells in a clogged but open pore oxidise and turn dark.
- Closed comedones (whiteheads): The clogged pore stays closed, causing tiny bumps to rise from within the skin.
- Causes: Clogged pores, hormonal changes, diet, irregular facial cleansing, improper skincare.
- Treatment: Products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids and/or professional extraction.
- Prevention: Gentle ingredients, regular deep cleansing, a light non-comedogenic moisturiser and good face hygiene.
Inflammatory acne (Stage 2-3)
It develops when clogged pores become inflamed from bacterial infection and the body’s immune response.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 (mild) | Whiteheads, blackheads, papules and/or pustules |
| Grade 2 (moderate) | Comedones, papules and/or few pustules |
| Grade 3 (moderately severe) | Papules, pustules, inflamed nodules |
| Grade 4 (severe, nodulocystic) | Huge, painful, inflamed pustules and nodules, with scarring risk |
- Causes: excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria leading to infection within the skin.
- Treatment: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or retinol, and/or professional extraction with deep facial cleansing.
- Prevention: the same skincare routine as above, plus managing stress healthily and mindfully.
Cystic acne (most severe stage)
Bacteria-infected clogged pores cause deep swelling in the skin.
- Causes: Hormonal changes, genetics, excess oil, bacterial infection, humid weather, and not thoroughly cleansing grime and sweat.
- Treatment: A tailored acne management plan with a physician experienced in treating men and women in Singapore.
- Prevention: Regular deep cleansing, good face hygiene and stress management.
Nodular acne (severe)
Nodular acne forms deep in the skin and typically does not form a whitehead or blackhead. Variants include:
- Nodulocystic acne: A severe form with both nodules and cysts.
- Acne conglobata: A rare, severe form with interconnected nodules and deep abscesses.
- Acne fulminans: A very rare, severe form of cystic acne; ulcerated, nodular and painful, it can bleed, crust over and cause significant scarring.
- Causes: Clogged pores, overactive sebum glands and bacterial infection.
- Treatment: Medical intervention, which may involve oral and topical medications, cortisone injections or extraction.
- Prevention: Gentle skincare, deep cleansing, non-comedogenic moisturiser, face hygiene and stress management.
Acne treatment in Singapore at Amaris B. Clinic
Different hormones make acne conditions unique, so treatment needs a clear strategy targeting those hormonal factors, which also reduces the chance of acne scarring [4].
Book a private consultation with Dr Ivan Puah, medical director, who has almost 20 years of experience treating skin conditions and acne in teenage and adult men and women. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Family Practice Dermatology.
Next steps
If over-the-counter products aren’t working, or you have painful, deep or scarring acne, consult Dr Ivan Puah for a tailored plan.
FAQ
How common is acne around the world and in Asia?
Reported prevalence includes 68.1% in Malaysia, 66.6% in India, 62.2% in Portugal, 57.8% in several European countries and 55.9% in Pakistan. In China, 10.4% of students report moderate to severe acne [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13].
Why are Asians so prone to different types of acne?
Research indicates Asian skin may produce more oil than Caucasian skin, which could raise the risk of acne vulgaris. This higher sebum production is often attributed to the warmer climates in which many people in these regions live. Untreated outbreaks can lead to acne scarring, including keloids and hardened bumps.
Can Singapore’s humid weather cause or worsen acne?
Yes, it can contribute. Dreno et al. showed hot weather is a risk factor, and acne was significantly more common in hot or humid regions [4], like Singapore.
What kills acne bacteria?
Benzoyl peroxide. It acts as an antiseptic with anti-inflammatory effects, significantly lowers bacteria on the skin’s surface and helps clear blackheads and whiteheads. It comes as a cream or gel and is applied topically once or twice a day.
How much is acne treatment in Singapore?
Cost varies with the treatment chosen, the clinic, acne severity and treatment length. Book a consultation for a personalised quote.
What antibiotics are used for acne in Singapore?
Doxycycline, erythromycin and minocycline are first-line treatments for moderate or severe acne, alongside isotretinoin. Take them only as your doctor prescribes.
Is acne itchy?
Comedonal acne is usually not itchy unless inflamed or infected. Cystic and nodular acne can itch.
