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Having an acne flare-up? Here’s how you can control it.

Clogged hair follicles, bacteria, hormones and even the prolonged wearing of face masks can trigger acne, says Dr Low Chai Ling, medical director of SW1 Clinic.

Adopt a minimalist makeup routine to avoid acne if you need to wear a face mask for long periods of time. Photos: Unsplash

Adopt a minimalist makeup routine to avoid acne if you need to wear a face mask for long periods of time. Photos: Unsplash

Do you find yourself having skin breakouts recently?

You might not be the only one. According to Dr Low Chai Ling, medical director and founder of SW1 Clinic, the occlusion of skin due to mask-wearing, especially in a humid climate, can cause acne woes.

“As masks are made to be as impermeable to aerosol particles as possible, the level of occlusion can be high, especially when one wears it over long periods of time,” explained Dr Low. 

Acne can be triggered by many factors, such as when dead skin cells and excess oil production from sebaceous glands lead to clogged hair follicles. Bacteria and an excess activity of certain hormones, including androgens during adolescence or cortisol formed during times of stress, may also contribute to acne.

If you are experiencing acne due to the prolonged wearing of face masks, Dr Low recommends that you avoid thick makeup so that the skin stays breathable.

An anti-acne mist may also help, she added. SW1’s Clear Tonic Mint Infused Clarifying Tonic contains anti-bacterial and anti-comedomal ingredients aimed at preventing the formation of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, she said.

A DREADED INFLAMMATORY SKIN CONDITION

Acne comes in different forms and sizes, ranging from blackheads to inflamed, pus-filled pimples. Acne can also appear as large, painful nodules and cysts that reside deep underneath the skin’s surface and leave scars.

Whatever way it shows up on the skin, one thing’s for sure: For many people, the impact of acne is more than just skin-deep. Studies have shown that acne sufferers, especially those with more severe forms, have a higher risk of emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Anyone can get acne but it is most common in teens and young adults. The condition affects an estimated 80 per cent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point in their lives, said Dr Low.  

Severe cystic acne and deep nodules, if left untreated, may lead to permanent scars. Certain misconceptions about managing acne can also cause scarring.

For example, some people think they must express the pus of each pimple for it to heal more quickly. However, the manipulation of deep cysts can worsen the condition and lead to scarring, Dr Low warned.

Overdoing your face-cleansing routine can also aggravate acne.

“While keeping your skin clean is important, over-cleansing of the face may lead to skin irritation and surface dryness. Some forms of acne are due to hormonal factors and cannot be treated by simple cleansing,” she said.  

CONTROLLING ACNE WITH THE RIGHT TREATMENT

The good news is, acne can be managed. For those with acne scars, there are also treatments that can help. 

Dr Low said: “Early intervention usually leads to good results, so it is important to consult your doctor for advice.”

How acne is treated will largely depend on the type of acne you have. For more severe forms, oral medication may be required, Dr Low said.

“A combination of skincare products, anti-acne lasers and oral medication may help to keep acne under control,” she said.

Vbeam Perfecta is the latest-generation multi-tasking laser that uses pulsed dye laser technology to treat stubborn acne, acne scars and other skin problem such as pigmentation.

For those who already have some scarring, Dr Low recommends the Fraxel laser and SmartX laser. Customised according to the individual’s skin condition, the Fraxel Dual laser system consists of two lasers with different wavelengths that can be used together or separately. SmartX is a micro-resurfacing laser that combines fractional CO2 technology with a high-speed computer scanner to deliver micro laser pulses.

According to Dr Low, these lasers help to renew and restore damaged skin layers and smoothen the appearance of pitted acne scars.  

“If you are taking anti-acne medication, check with your doctor to see if you are suitable for lasers and if you can go under the sun,” she added. “Some medications and lasers can make you transiently photosensitive, which means a sunscreen is required during the duration of treatment.”

Treatments results depend on the severity of each individual’s acne scars. Mild scars may require two to three sessions while more severe scars may need five to six sessions, said Dr Low.

As with almost all skin conditions, acne management will require consistent care.

“A prudent skincare routine is still important even after you have achieved clear skin. It is easier to maintain your results if you are diligent with your daily skincare routine,” Dr Low said.

SW1 Clinic is located at Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, #13-03, and at OUE Downtown Gallery Tower 2, 6A Shenton Way, #02-19/20. Email help [at] sw1clinic.com, call 6817 8888, Whatsapp 8283 6968 or visit sw1clinic.com for more information.

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