Stopping Acne Flares

Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit that affects about 85% of adolescents. It is characterised by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts which give it a spectrum of severity.

Yet, only about 40% of people affected seek medical help. ­­The cycle of increase in sebaceuous gland activity, coupled with abnormal follicular differentiation with an increase in keratinisation which in turn predisposes to microbial colonisation leading to increased inflammation propagates the spread of acne. 

Other contributing factors include:

• Hormonal disturbances from medications
• Family history
• Comedogenic products
• Dietary intake of high glycemic or dairy food which elevates IGF-1 levels and in turn cause an increased sebum production and follicular keratinisation

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What can we do to stop Acne Vulgaris?
​The answer lies in breaking the cycle of acne.

I would recommend the following steps to break the cycle effectively.
Other additional steps maybe added for specific skin types.

(1) Thorough Evaluation of Skin Care Regime 
These are the products that we use on our face daily and forms the foundation in our battle against acne. Any comedogenic products should be removed and the texture and consistency of products should be evaluated.

(2) Adjuvant Laser Therapy
A combination of R2 Glow Laser and Pigmentation Removal Laser aims to achieve the following results.
(A) Decreased Inflammation (B) Decreased Bacteria Counts (C) Lightening of Pigmentation & Redness

(3) Chemical Peel / Hydrafacial Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels help to remove excessive dead skin cells which can predispose to clogging of sebaceous ducts which in turn results in comedone formation. 

** You should always have your condition evaluated by a trained doctor to ascertain the diagnosis before commencing any form of treatment. 

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How do I know how severe is my acne?

Grading To Acne

(1) Clear
No lesions to barely noticeable ones; very few scattered comedones and papules

(2) Almost clear
Hardly visible from 2.5 meters away; a few scattered comedones and a few small papules; and very few pustules, comedones, and papules

(3) Mild
Easily recognizable; less than half of the affected area is involved; many comedones, papules, and pustules

(4) Moderate
More than half of the affected area is involved; numerous comedones, papules, and pustules

(5) Severe
Entire area is involved; covered with comedones, numerous pustules and papules, a few nodules and cysts

(6) Very severe
Highly inflammatory acne covering the affected area, nodules and cysts present

Do I need to be treated?
Or should I let time pass by and hopefully it gets better?

Like any disease, it is always better to treat it early before it spreads. 
Acne destroys our self confidence, takes away our self esteem and burdens our psychological health, creating a depressed self. 

Dr Sin Yong is a firm advocate against the acne and stands to utilise the best equipment at optimal treatment protocols to help you manage acne together. A common treatment regime will see good clearance of between 50-90% after 3 months.