Acne Treatments: Everything You Need To Know About Their Efficacies, Side Effects And Costs.

 

Battling acne can be like navigating a minefield of trial and error.

With numerous acne treatment options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which acne care approach best suits you. Furthermore, the multitude of differing opinions on each acne treatment plan may lead to even more confusion. Everyone has a unique skin condition which may respond differently to treatments so what works for you may not work for someone else.

We have rounded up everything you need to know about the types of acne treatment available, their potential side effects and estimated costs, so that you can be empowered with the knowledge needed to create a personalised anti-breakout game plan customised to your needs and budget. 

 

1. Skincare Products

An effective acne-fighting skincare routine forms the backbone of acne care and it can give your quest to clear skin a significant boost. A good starting point will be to ensure that you have the fundamentals on hand – a gentle cleanser that removes excess sebum and impurities to prevent clogged pores, a non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep the skin well hydrated and a potent acne spot treatment gel to combat active pimples.

Study the ingredient lists of new skincare products before you incorporate them into your skincare routine. Look out for ingredients that help to banish blemishes such as Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil. Anti-acne ingredients that deliver a broad-spectrum of efficacies, such as ICTASOL which is not only anti-bacterial, but also anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic, can go a long way when it comes to tackling acne.

Steer clear of skincare products formulated with artificial fragrances and drying alcohols, such as SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol, that may irritate the skin and worsen acne. The side effects of skincare that does not suit your skin type are rarely very severe, but it is recommended that you do a skin patch test for new products to check for potential allergies and adverse reactions before usage.

Depending on the skincare formulation, an acne-fighting skincare routine may take anywhere between 4 – 12 weeks to deliver results. The cost of skincare products vary. Drugstore brands can cost between $10 – $30, premium brands can cost between $40 – $100 while luxurious brands can cost over a few hundred dollars.

 

2. Topical Treatments 

If you have moderate to severe acne, or acne that is unusually painful or itchy, it may be worth paying a visit to a dermatologist who can offer you professional advice on curating a better skincare routine or provide prescriptions for topical or oral medications. Prescriptions of topical acne cream may include Adapalene (Differin gel) or Tretinoin, while topical antibiotics may include Erythromycin or Clindamycin, both of which help to eradicate bacteria on the skin.

Common side effects of topical cream applications include skin irritation. If you experience such side effects, stop using the acne treatment for a few days and resume only when your condition improves. You may reduce usage from daily to alternate days. Inform your doctor of any reactions and seek clarifications on the next steps that you should take.

Topical treatments offer the best results after at least 12 weeks of regular use. Private dermatologists may charge around $80 – $140 for a consultation. Topical medical prescriptions may be an additional $150 – $300.

 

3. Oral Medication

A dermatologist may prescribe you with oral antibiotics, such as Tetracycline, Trimethoprim or Cotrimoxazole, to combat severe acne. These oral antibiotics work by fighting bacteria and infection from the inside out and are usually prescribed in combination with topical treatments.  It may take 6 – 8 weeks to see results and the course of treatment lasts several months. Side effects of antibiotics may include an allergic reaction, rash or skin photosensitivity.

For patients struggling with severe acne and do not respond well enough to oral antibiotic treatments, a dermatologist may prescribe Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane. Accutane reduces sebum production and regulates skin cell turnover so that pores are not clogged. An Accutane course lasts about 6 months to a year and blood tests are required before and during treatment to monitor liver and cholesterol problems. Common side effects of Accutane include dry skin, eyes and lips. Some patients may even experience nose bleeds and headaches. As the medication can cause development defects in unborn babies, pregnant women or women who are trying to conceive should not take Accutane.

Acne battlers on oral prescriptions may see initial results in 2 weeks, however, they have to continue taking the medication for at least 6 – 9 months in order to keep recurrences at bay. Private dermatologists may chargearound $80 – $140 for a consultation. Oral medications may cost anywhere between $100 – $250 a month depending on the type of medication and dosage prescribed.

Alternatively, doctors may prescribe birth control pills to female patients to help regulate hormone levels. In Singapore, Microgynon 30, Yasmin, and Diana-35 are the most popular contraceptive brands. Users of birth control may experience headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain or mood swings.

Birth control pills take 2 – 3 months to improve the appearance of blemished skin. A month’s supply of contraceptives can range from $9 – $40.

 

4. Laser Treatments

Medical lasers are generally used to treat acne scars and pigmentations. Fractional CO2 lasers are effective against acne indentations as they help to break down scar tissues and remodel collagen on the skin. Pico lasers are used to treat pigmentations that had developed from blemishes. People who undergo laser treatments may experience redness which is a sign that the skin is building new collagen and it typically subsides after a few weeks.

Some acne lasers require downtime which means that you will have to stay home as much as possible post-treatment to let your skin heal. Your skin may feel raw, appear red and have scabs all over. To minimise infections as your skin recovers from the treatment, it would be recommended to modify your daily activities such as swimming or workout plans to a later date as they can potentially aggravate the sensitised skin.

Acne scars can visibly fade after 3 – 5 laser treatment sessions, scheduled 4 – 6 weeks apart . The cost of facial laser packages can range from $1800 – $3500 for mild to moderate acne scars and $3500 – $7000 for severe acne scars.

 

5. Facial Treatments

 Facials targeting acne-prone skin generally involve a deep cleanse to purify the skin, exfoliation to remove dead skin cells or extraction to remove gunk from the pores. Regular facial treatments can effectively prevent clogged pores and minimise the occurrences of breakouts. Ensure that the facial salon has hygiene protocols in place and that their tools are properly sterilised before use.

You may experience some redness or blotchiness due to the pressure applied to the skin during the treatment process. Depending on your facial therapist, extraction can be a painful process for some if the therapist is not experienced. Avoid applying makeup or engage in strenuous physical activity after a facial session.

Blemished skin may improve after 3 – 5 facial sessions scheduled every month. Each facial treatment session may cost between $75 – $300, depending on the clinic you visit and the package you sign up for.

 

Which Acne Treatment Is Best For Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all acne treatment solution.

When formulating your anti-breakout game plan, take your skin needs, budget and lifestyle habits into consideration. For instance, if you are not only battling active acne but also acne scars, you may want to include laser treatments in your game plan. If you are trying to conceive, Accutane will not be a viable option for you so you may want to look into other treatment plans.

Regardless of the acne treatment chosen, building an effective daily skincare routine is essential to supplement your battle against acne as it helps to keep your skin clean and well-hydrated to perform its day-to-day functions. Unexpected breakouts can occur so keeping an acne treatment spot gel by your side can help to curb undesired pimples. Stay strong! The battle may be tough but persevere and stay consistent and results may prevail!

 

Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!

 

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