In this article, we will cover what are the symptoms of acne, the various ways you can treat your acne in Singapore and how Zoey can help you get the prescription medication you need to treat more stubborn acne.

What Are The Symptoms Of Acne?

While the most common area is the face, acne can develop on almost every part of your body like your neck, chest, shoulders, back and even your butt.
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Symptoms of acne can vary depending on the severity:

- Blackheads (open comedones that look black)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones that look white)
- Papules (Small red raised bumps)
- Nodules (Large, solid painful lumps under the surface of the skin)
- Cystic lesions (Painfully large pus-filled lumps under the surface of the skin)

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when your hair follicle is clogged with dead skin cells and excess sebum. The bacteria that is trapped in your pores thrive off the sebum present, which releases fatty acids that cause inflammation and swelling.

Acne Treatments Available In Singapore

Treating Mild Acne At Home ‍

If your acne is mild, it is possible to clear them up at home with these following steps:

‍No Touchy!

While it might be tempting, especially if your acne seems to be ready to pop, don't touch, pick or squeeze at your pimples! This can spread the bacteria and excess sebum across the skin, potentially causing an acne breakout. So leave the pimple popping to the ASMR video on Youtube!

Regular Face Washes

To prevent the build up of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria on your face, it is important that you regularly wash your face. You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and another time before going to bed.

To avoid drying your face with the washes, remember to apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer after to ensure your skin is hydrated.

‍‍‍Using a Gentle Cleanser‍

Be sure to use a gentle cleanser to remove all the dirt, sweat, excess oils and bacteria that builds up on your face. If your skin is sensitive, avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or are scented as this could further irritate your skin and drag out the healing process.

If you find that your acne isn't going away, try using medicated cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid prevents your pores from getting clogged while benzoyl peroxide dries out your existing pimples and prevents new ones from developing. Benzoyl peroxide also helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne.

‍Take a Break From Using Makeup‍

Makeup products like foundation, concealer and blush can clog up your pores. Makeup brushes are also a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive if not cleaned properly.

To speed up the healing process, try to avoid wearing makeup until your acne has healed up.

If you do have to apply makeup, look for products that are either water-based or non-comedogenic. Remember to clean your makeup brushes and applicators regularly too!

What Medication Is Available To Treat Acne In Singapore

‍Over-The-Counter Medication

If home remedies and self-care doesn't improve your acne, there are topical OTC medication and creams available for you to try. These medications contain ingredients that reduce oil and bacteria present on the skin.

Look out for these ingredients:

- Benzoyl peroxide: This dries out your existing pimples and prevents new ones from developing. Benzoyl peroxide also helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid prevents your pores from getting clogged‍

‍Differin Gel‍

‍‍Differin gel can be contains adapalene 0.1% and is a retinoid medicine (a vitamin A derivative). Differin works to clear and prevent acne by increasing the turnover of skin cells. This helps to naturally exfoliate the surface layer of skin and helps to unblock both pores and sebaceous glands (glands that produce sebum, the skin's natural oil). This allows the sebum to escape and reduces the formation of blackheads and spots.

Differin also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which reduces the redness and swelling of the skin.

‍‍‍Prescription Medication ‍

If your acne continues to persist or worsen, you might want to see a doctor or a dermatologist for a consultation. They can help uncover the root cause of your acne and prescribe you an antibiotic medication to heal your acne and prevent any scarring.

These prescription medications include:

‍Clindoxyl‍

Clindoxyl treats acne by killing the bacteria that causes acne and keeping skin pores clean. Clindoxyl contains two medications: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.

Clindamyn is an antibiotic that stops or slows down the growth of and clears acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that breaks down a protein known as keratin, removing dead skin cells and softening the skin. This then helps to reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide also possesses antibacterial properties, killing bacteria that causes acne and reducing inflamed acne spots. ‍

Doxycycline‍

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that comes in the form of a tablet and is prescribed to fight moderate to severe inflamed acne. Belonging to a classification of antibiotics called tetracycline, they help treat the infection by blocking bacterial protein from being produced.
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How Can I Get Prescription Medication (Clindoxyl) To Treat My Acne In Singapore

So how can you get prescription medication like Clindoxyl to treat your stubborn acne in Singapore?

With Zoey, a zero-judgement digital health clinic for women in Singapore, you'll be able to get the acne medication you need from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Getting started with Zoey couldn't be simpler - all you have to do is answer an online medication evaluation. Once complete, you will be able to book a teleconsultation session with a licensed doctor at your convenience. If prescribed, your medication will be delivered discreetly within 4 hours, at no additional cost.

You don't have to worry about the legitimacy and safety of the medication provided as Zoey is a recognized by the Ministry Of Health (MOH) as a direct telemedicine service provider.