Types of beneficial Acids (AHA, BHA, PHA)

Facial treatment using acid

If you have ageing, acne or dull skin concerns, acids are powerful ingredients that can have positive effects on your skin. We know it can be intimidating to apply it to your skin when you have no idea what the acronyms, AHA, BHA & PHA mean. And what do these acids even do for your skin? Let us decode the types of beneficial skin acids, so you can decide which one is best for your facial skincare routine.

AHAs
If you’re concerned with ageing skin, AHAs might interest you. AHA (Alpha hydroxy acid) are water-soluble acids made from sugary food. It is used to exfoliate the skin, treat pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone.

The most common AHAs in skincare are glycolic acid and lactic acid. With the smallest molecular structure as compared to other acids, it can penetrate the skin more deeply. Hence, AHAs products are favoured for those with normal to dry skin.

BHA
BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that is great for those who have oily skins and struggle with acne and blackheads. Since BHAs can be dissolved into the oil, they can work their way into blocked pores, dissolving sebum and dead skin cells that are clogging up your skin. The most common BHA is salicylic acid.

With their anti-inflammatory properties, BHAs can also soothe breakouts and diminish redness without stripping the skin’s essential oil.

PHAs
A second-generation of AHAs, PHAs are chemical exfoliants that remove your dead skin cells and even out skin tone and texture. The most common PHAs are gluconolactone, galactose and lactobionic acid. With its gentle properties, it is suitable for those with sensitive skin or those who have experienced an adverse reaction to AHAs and BHA previously.

Since PHA contains larger molecule sizes than AHAs and BHAs, it is only able to penetrate the skin on a surface level, making them ideal for any skin types. Other benefits include preventing glycation, rich in antioxidants and stimulate epidermal growth and repair.

Retinoic Acid
A holy grail sworn by dermatologists and skin experts, Retinol acid has a wide range of benefits. It is a multi-functional ingredient that restores the skin, smoothes wrinkles, works as an antioxidant to improve a vast range of skin concerns and slows down signs of ageing.

However, it is important to note that it’s best to introduce retinol into your daily skincare routine slowly. Your skin has to build up a tolerance to prevent unwanted side effects so you could start off limiting your usage to once or twice a week. We suggest applying a pea-sized amount of retinol to clean and dry skin at night and waiting at least 30 minutes before applying other skincare products.

Have burning questions you’d like to ask us on your skincare routine? DM us on Instagram, or WhatsApp us at 9026 2027.

Which facial is suitable for me?

Need a facial to tackle your skin concerns? We got you. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can choose among the selection of facial procedures that each has its own, unique function. To help you identify which facial works best for your skin type, here’s a breakdown of each facial and its benefits.

 

For the Acne-prone skin

Aeras Deep Detox Facial

Process: First, the skin goes through a double cleanse in preparation for a chemical peel that dislodges and unclogs pores to ease the extraction. To calm the skin after the extraction process, a Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque is applied, followed by a Yellow LED light therapy. The last step includes applying the Aeras pimple cream to prevent inflammation.

Benefits: Thoroughly exfoliates the skin, reduces blackheads and whiteheads (comedonal acne) and oil production.

Aftercare: Do not exfoliate for 3-7 days and avoid prolonged sun exposure 1 week after facial.

 

Aeras B&W Comedonal Buster

Process: The facial treatment begins with a deep cleansing and exfoliation using a Jetpeel Oxyjet machine. This is followed by a light chemical peel and an extraction using the AquaSmart system’s vacuum suction. For the stubborn clogged pores, our therapists will manually extract them, following a combination of blue and red LED light therapy to kill acne-causing bacteria. Finally, an Aeras honey oat is then applied to soothe the skin.

Benefits: Reduce and treat comedonal and popular/pustular acne, reduce acne inflammation and redness, kills acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, control sebum production, prevents acne and promotes skin healing

Aftercare: Exfoliate and moisturise with Aeras gentle exfoliating toner to ensure adequate hydration for the skin, while controlling sebum production

 

Aeras Calm your Zits! P-Acne Buster

Process: Consisting of similar initial steps to Aeras B&W Comedonal Buster, what sets Calm your Zits! P-Acne Buster apart is the application of advanced laser technology of Alma Dye-PL. Through using different wavelengths, the process aims to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and redness and lighten acne marks. Then, niacinamide is infused into the skin through cryotherapy to ensure deep penetration, reducing redness and preventing future breakouts. The final steps include using blue and red LED light therapy to boost the riddance of acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production. Afterwhich, the Aeras honey oat mask is applied to provide nourishment.

Benefits: Reduce clogged pores, moderate-to-severe acne inflammation, bacteria count and redness

Aftercare: To help heal the damaged skin and provide nutrients for the skin to recover, use an Aeras EGF mask. For some cases of severe inflammation acne, a doctor’s prescription of topical or oral antibiotics and other medication will be required.

 

Glow-Getter Anti-Melanin Facial

Process: With seven steps, Glow-Getter Anti-Melanin aims to restore the skin’s radiance. Beginning with a double cleanse and extraction, it is followed by a JetPro OxyJet to exfoliate the skin with a solution that contains Vitamin C to brighten the skin and a natural whitening complex to reduce pigmentation. Then, using Alma Rejuve IPL, light energy is used to break up large particles of pigmentation into smaller particles, uneven pigmentation is reduced. The facial is finished off with a serum infusion, a lymphatic massage to lift the skin, reduce sagging and puffiness. To help with skin cell repair, the Aeras EGF bio-cellulose mask is used.

Benefits: To brighten and even out skin tone, gently reduce pigmented lesions without downtime

Aftercare: UV protection and avoidance recommended after treatment for 5 days. Use SPF50+ PA sunscreen to the face and neck and reapply as required. To see the best results, use the EGF mask daily for 5 days after treatment.

 

Time-Rewind Anaphasic Stemcell Facial

Process: Kicking off the treatment with a double cleanse, our therapist then begins extraction to remove any clogged pores. Then, a numbing cream is applied to reduce any discomfort before proceeding with the micro-needling process accompanied by Anteage anti-ageing ampoule. To calm the skin, cyro-electroporation is used to penetrate the ingredients into the skin, to ensure results are longer-lasting. The treatment is then finished off by applying an Aeras mask to help with skin cell repair.

Benefits: Skin rejuvenation, reduction in pore size, smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone and reduce pigmentation

Aftercare: UV protection and avoidance recommended after treatment for 5 days. Use SPF50+ PA sunscreen to the face and neck and reapply as required. To see the best results, use Caelcim serum twice a day and EGF mask daily for 5 days after treatment.

 

Large Pores

Pore-refining Micro-needling Facial

Process: Using the Dermapen 4 technology to puncture the skin with microscopic needles, allows an increased absorption rate of serum that is applied. With the body releasing its growth factor and the boost of collagen production from the inflammation, it will result in a reduction in pore size. A red LED light is then used to reduce inflammation while increasing the capillary size for healing. To complete the steps, an Aeras mask is applied to calm and soothe the skin.

Benefits: Minimised pores, improvement in skin texture.

Aftercare: UV avoidance and protection with SPF50+ PA sunscreen for 5 days. Gentle cleansing for 2 days. Hyaluronic acid 1% serum and Aeras EGF mask daily for 5 days is recommended for best results.

 

 

Scars

Acne Scar Reduction Facial

Process: The 6-step scar reduction facial begins with double cleansing, extraction, followed by applying a numbing cream and a micro-needling procedure using the Dermapen 4 technology. A cyro-electroporation HA serum is then applied to infuse the ingredients into the skin deeper, giving off a slight tingling sensation. Finally, a LED yellow light is used to speed up recovery, reduce redness and rejuvenate the skin.

Benefits: Reduces the depth and darkness of atrophic and hyperpigmented acne scars, causing an improvement in the texture of the skin.

Aftercare: UV avoidance and protection with SPF50+ PA sunscreen for 1 week. Gentle cleansing for 48hrs. Use post-procedure serum and Aeras EGF mask daily for 5 days to reduce downtime.

 

Dull Skin (Hydration)

Aeras (C14H21NO11)n Aquabomb Facial

Process: Start your facial by removing your dead skin cells with JetPro Oxyjet, a technology that uses pressurised gas and solution to exfoliate your skin without drying it out. Next, the extraction process begins by using vacuum suction and it is continued by an infusion of serums and vitamin by vortex infusion technology. To end off the facial, go through a cyro-electroporation with 1% HA solution for 10 minutes and finish with an Aeras Hydrating Mask.

Benefits: Skin hydration, shrink pore size, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, soothe inflammation and redness and helps mild to moderate acne.

Aftercare: Avoid using products with Vitamin C on the same day as facial.

 

Hydrafacial 3-step Facial

Process: Using HydroPeel technology that provides customisation according to your skin’s needs, this facial will cleanse, exfoliates, purify and hydrate your skin. The second step involves infusing HydraFacial Skin Solutions into your skin to tackle skin conditions such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, clogged or enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. To boost the last step of the process, Vortex-Fusion technology is used to achieve maximum results in minimal time.

Benefits: Clear congested pores with gentle exfoliation and extraction for glory skin.

Aftercare: To enhance the results of this facial, consider using a great serum like SkinCeuticals’ Hydrating B5 or HA. For those with extremely dry skin, maintain and lock moisture in with SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Moisturizer.

Still undecided over which facial you should get? Drop by our store at 218 Orchard Rd #05-01 Orchard Gateway and enquire with our therapists.

Will my acne return after I stop my acne medication?

One very common question we get in our daily practice is, does acne come back after oral medication?

We understand that this can be a worrying thought to some patients, especially as they think about how they have to battle acne all over again after having come so far to having it well-controlled with oral medication. Much research and scientific studies have been conducted in an attempt to answer this question, especially with regard to oral isotretinoin medication.

The relapse rates quoted in patients with acne after treatment with oral isotretinoin vary between 10% and 60%; this is highly dependent on the dosage regimen used during the acute phase of treatment, the duration of the acute phase of treatment, the length of follow-up, and the characteristics of the study population, such as severity of acne to begin with1 In general, an adequate cumulative dose of oral isotretinoin would be at least 120 mg/kg, the acute phase of treatment should on average be 6-9 months long, and the length of follow-up of around 2 years of completion of isotretinoin medication.

There have been a few factors that are suggested to be associated with a higher rate of acne relapse after completion of oral isotretinoin treatment. These include: male gender, young patients below 16 years of age or conversely females above 25 years old, a low cumulative dose of isotretinoin, excessive sebum production, truncal acne, conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, smoking and the absence of a maintenance treatment regime after the completion of oral medication therapy. 2 Notably, most of the above factors cannot be controlled by the individual, except for smoking and the use of a maintenance treatment regime!

This brings us to the next point of the importance of a maintenance regime. Most studies suggest that a maintenance regime or protocol should be initiated after oral isotretinoin is stopped and continued for at least 1 year. Studies on oral antibiotics have also found a maintenance regime to be beneficial to prevent relapses. 3

Topical retinoids such as adapalene and topical benzoyl peroxide, used in combination, are some of the maintenance regimes that have been shown in studies to prevent relapses of acne, and may even help to continuously improve the skin over the next 6 months after discontinuation of isotretinoin. In one study, relapse occurred in only 3% of patients who were on a maintenance regime of topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide gel.

In conclusion, do speak to your doctor regarding possible steps you can take to prevent an acne relapse after stopping your oral medication, including the use of a suitable maintenance regime. This will help you stay acne-free!

1 (Truchuelo et al. Acne Relapses and Maintenance Therapy: an Update on Definition and Prevention. Scientific Journal of Clinical Research in Dermatology 2017.)

2 (Morales-Cardona et al. Acne relapse rate and predictors of relapse following treatment with oral isotretinoin. Actas Dermosifiliogr 2013.)
3 (Poulin et al. A 6-month maintenance therapy with adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel prevents relapse and continuously improves efficacy among patients with severe acne vulgaris: results of a randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 2011.)

7 ways to still feel confident when you have acne

Acne can affect nearly every one of us at any point in time after puberty. 88% of adolescents and up to 44% of adults in Singapore have identified themselves with acne, no matter how mild or severe it can be. Living with acne can be difficult – it not only affects our appearance, but it lowers our confidence and self-esteem as well.

We’ve had years of treating people with acne, have encouraged many during their treatment process, and also at the point when they feel the lowest. It is easier said than done, but with some support and help, these are some ways you can still feel confident when you have acne.

1. Realise that it is not as obvious as you think:

Each one of us is the worst critic of our own skin. You may think that you are going through a really bad acne phase in your life, it could be just mild to moderate and is not as noticeable as you think. Most people do not pay too much attention to your skin, and they shouldn’t – let your personality shine through while you tackle this skin condition.

2. Don’t scrutinise every pore, blackhead and pimple:

Your pores will always be there, and occasional pimple flare ups are normal, no matter how flawless our skin may be. The more you scrutinise your skin, the more critical you will be over even the tiniest flaw. Step away from the mirror and look at yourself as a whole. There are good days and bad days, cut yourself some slack!

3. Don’t let your acne stop you from doing things:

We have heard people tell us that their acne has affected their dating lives, their relationships with friends, and even their performance at work. We know that acne can sometimes make you not want to leave the house because you feel conscious about your skin, but it is only worse if you let acne control your life. Your skin does not make you who you are.

4. Stay positive:

There are days when you feel that your acne’s so bad, and your skin doesn’t seem like it’s getting any better. It can be tough to stay positive in such situations all the time. However, know that there is always help available. Acne is a medical condition that CAN be treated. Focus on the good things that are going on, stay positive, and the negative aspects would worry you less.

5. Be patient:

Patience is a virtue, especially when you’re on a journey to treat acne.

Acne does not resolve in a day or week, but requires a commitment and dedicated maintenance. Products and medications take time to work due to the skin cells’ renewal rate. Seek the right skincare products, medications, treatments and acne can be controlled and subdued.

Being impatient and putting stress on yourself will only hamper the effectiveness of treatments. The more patient you are with your skin and yourself, the easier the treatment journey will be.

6. Talk to friends, or people who have been through acne themselves:

Talk to people who understand acne – it could be a medical professional, a skincare guru, and especially those who have been through acne, and got their acne treated. They will be the ones encouraging you through a particularly long and tough purging period, telling you to be patient and hang in there. We understand that having acne can be tough and affect us all emotionally. We are always here to help you to understand your journey and path to recovery.

7. Know that help is always available:

It is always comforting to know that acne is a treatable condition and can be eradicated early. You might be in despair at some point in time, but acne is a treatable condition. We have seen the relief in people’s faces when they get better, and the evident increase in confidence when we see them again.

Understand the type of acne you are suffering from, and learn about types of skincare products that will work for your type of acne. Get proper, professional help and remember the above points at the start of your acne-free journey!

Does my diet or dairy cause breakouts?

The current evidence regarding food affecting acne breakouts it still controversial. It is very difficult to study to the role of diet in acne.

Some studies, have found possible associations with low-glycemic, low-protein, low-fat and low-dairy diets with improvements in acne. These benefits are thought to be related to the diet’s effects on lowering insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IFG 1). Insulin induces male hormones (androgens), glucocorticoids and growth factors. These can worsen acne by increasing keratinisation and sebum production. Most of these studies have been criticised for their quality, and their association is subject to many confounding factors.

Other studies have found weak associations with cow’s milk increased acne. This is hypothesised to be due to androgens, oestrogen, progesterone, and glucocorticoids in milk. These factors can also provoke keratinisation and increased sebum production. However, there is no strong evidence that milk, high-fat foods, or chocolate increases the risk of acne.

It is a good idea to have a healthy balanced diet with consumption of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, less red meat, and to moderate alcohol intake. Limiting consumption of high glycemic index foods such as sugar, biscuits, cakes, ice creams, and sugary drinks is also prudent. However, changing your diet does not always help with acne.

Always seek medical help early if you are concerned about your skin.

 


1Yosipovitch G et al. Study of Psychological Stress, Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents Acta Derm Venereol 2007; 87: 135–139

What Ingredients Should Be In My Skincare?

Active ingredients in acne-range skin care such as cleansers, exfoliators and toners which have been proven to be beneficial for acne include benzoyl peroxide (BP) and the family of hydroxy acids, of which there are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), and polyhydroxy acids (PHA) such as lactobionic acid and gluconolactone.

Benzoyl Peroxide

BP has keratolytic, comedolytic and antibacterial properties – it has a mild drying and peeling effect which is thought to help prevent breakouts and can also kill P. acnes bacteria. It is available in various concentrations. It may be used as an ingredient in acne cleansers, or as a spot treatment for certain acne lesions.

Hydroxy Acids (AHA, BHA, PHA)

The hydroxy acids chemically exfoliate the surface of the skin, improving skin texture and tone by removing dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. This signals the skin to increase cell turnover, which can help existing acne lesions heal faster and can prevent pores from becoming clogged. The exfoliation also helps alleviate dry, flaky skin.

They may be incorporated into cleansers and skincare in a low concentration, or as a chemical peel in a higher concentration.

Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most common AHAs used in skin care formulations, in creams and gels in 10% or lower strength. Salicylic acid is the most commonly used BHA.

PHAs are also known as the new generation of AHAs – they provide similar effects of traditional AHAs without the associated sensory side effects of irritation and stinging. Due to their larger molecule size, they are less penetrative and are able to break down the protein which binds dead skin cells to your face. Additionally, PHAs such as gluconolactone have strong moisturizing and humectant properties. This makes them suitable to be used on sensitive or inflamed skin, and less likely to cause skin irritation and dryness.

Zinc, Niacinamide, B3 & Tea Tree Oil

Other over-the-counter (OTC) ingredients which have been incorporated into acne skincare include zinc, nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide and vitamin B3) and tea tree oil. Both zinc and nicotinamide can be used in inflammatory acne as it has anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines. Tea tree oil has broad antimicrobial and antifungal properties and some anti-inflammatory activity as well.

What can I do during a sudden acne outbreak?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may wake up to sudden red, angry-looking acne breakouts on our skin. The whole pathogenesis of acne is a complex interplay of factors as mentioned earlier, but here are some of the most common triggers of an acne breakout, and what to do during a sudden acne breakout.

Common acne triggers

Hormonal Acne

Acne by its very nature can be considered a hormonal disease. Hormones, particularly androgens, play a major role in acne formation. In women, acne may also be due to the fluctuation of hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Hormones are responsible for the maturation of the oil glands in our skin and only once matured do these glands develop the capability of becoming acne lesions. This is also why children do not experience acne!

Stress

Stress affects the skin and acne through an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) and androgen production from the stress response. These are associated with a rise in sebum production and resulting formation of comedones. Sleep deprivation is also associated with higher circulating levels of stress hormones and the whole process as described above. Even those with dry skin experience this surge in oil production and hence, are not spared. Stress-related acne is a vicious cycle; when we stress about the acne, the whole cycle repeats!

On this note, it is a myth that exercise causes acne. In fact, exercise is known to reduce the levels of circulating stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol and adrenaline, and stimulate the production of endorphins (our body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators!). One just needs to take note to removal all traces of make-up before exercise, towel down with a clean towel during the work-out, and cleanse thoroughly after.

Reaction to Skincare

Cosmetics and skin-care products can trigger acne by clogging up the pores; excessive/unsuitable exfoliation products and devices can worsen comedones, cause bacteria to spread, and induce more inflammation (acne cosmetic and acne mechanica, as described above). In fact, data suggests that cosmetics trigger acne in as many as 60% of women.

There is no consensus on any “safe” makeup products, but regardless of brand, try to choose sheer or light coverage varieties which specifically claim to be non-comedogenic and are fragrance-free. Go bare when you can; but if you are applying makeup, try to use it sparingly.

What to do during an acne outbreak

We understand that a sudden acne breakout can be a stressful situation. Here are some tips on what and what not to do, should that happen.

Over-the-counter treatments

Very often, a short course of topical acne medication creams are useful for sudden breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide gel as a spot treatment is one of the most effective medications to kill bacteria and lessen inflammation. In Singapore, benzoyl peroxide is available in many different formulations, of which some are over-the-counter and easily available at drugstores and pharmacies.

Benzoyl peroxide is actually the only known substance which can bring oxygen under the skin surface. Since the P. acnes bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, when used in an adequate dosage, benzoyl peroxide eradicates 99.9% of these bacteria almost immediately. It also exerts a mild drying and peeling effect, which is thought to help prevent breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide also helps lessen inflammation. Studies have found that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is just as effective as higher concentrations, but with less side effects.1

Taking some oral zinc supplements in doses of 30-50mg a day may help the acne lesions to heal faster as zinc helps heal wounds, is an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant. It has been shown in some studies to help heal acne.2

Gentle icing on inflamed acne lesions such as cysts and nodules may also calm the skin down. Ice can reduce pain, swelling and redness. and those same principles apply for pimples. You may place one ice cube in a plastic bag and press it gently to the pimple for 5 minutes.

We generally do not recommend trying any new products or home remedies when having a sudden acne breakout to avoid the risk of causing more inflammation to the skin.

Proper Skincare

An acne cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen will still be essential even when having a sudden breakout. Check out our article on  appropriate skincare regime for acne and acne-prone skin and the types of ingredients that are beneficial for treating and preventing future acne breakouts.

However, for very inflamed skin, exfoliation and toner may be omitted while the skin is healing. Also, for such skin, we advise washing your face with bare hands and avoiding the use of washcloths, or hand-held cleansing devices as these can cause unnecessary irritation to inflamed skin.

Seek medical opinion

Aside from topical benzoyl peroxide, other topical medications that may be initiated include topical salicylic acid (an exfoliating ingredient that unclogs the pores), topical retinoids such as differin and tretinoin (slows down the accumulation of skin cells inside the follicle that plug the pores, also has anti-inflammatory effects), and topical antibiotics (to kill P. acnes bacteria). However, these medications may have certain side effects and may not be suitable for everyone and/or all types of acne breakouts, so we recommend that you consult a doctor first before starting any of these on your own.

Your doctor will also be able to assess the severity of your breakout, and identify possible causes and triggers for your current sudden breakout. It is also important that your doctor rule out some other conditions that may seem like an acne breakout but may in fact be another different condition, such as folliculitis or rosacea.

Based on your diagnosis and severity, your doctor will be able to advise more on which topical medication is most suitable for you and whether you may need a period of oral medication to help with your acne breakout. In addition, your doctor will be able to provide more information on procedures that may be beneficial and used concurrently to more effectively target your current acne breakout. Some examples of procedures include chemical peels, light therapy, photodynamic therapy, and lasers.

Just a note on this, as we have been frequently asked on the efficacy of home-use light therapy devices: The American Academy of Dermatology issued the following statement in 2011 regarding the at-home light therapy devices: “While scientific research substantiates the effectiveness of in-office light treatments, there has been little research performed on many at-home light devices…many of the home-use devices are relatively underpowered and some are not approved for the indications for which they are marketed. Since it is unclear whether these devices are relatively effective or more akin to purchasing ‘hope,’ consumers should discuss their treatment options with a doctor to ensure the best results for their individual condition.

What NOT to do

In general, one should not “pop”, squeeze, scratch or touch acne lesions, as doing so inappropriately may increase your risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and acne scars, which can be more difficult to treat than the acne itself!

Trying to pop papules (which usually progresses into pustules) can lead to even more issues. When you push and squeeze on a papule, the pressure could send the bacteria deeper into the skin. This makes the infection larger and last longer, which is what many articles mean when they say popping a pimple can make acne worse.

Also, unlike properly popping a pimple, scratching and picking can cause irritation, and when the skin is irritated, it produces more sebum. This sebum then clogs pores and leads to more acne.

  • Blackheads and whiteheads shouldn’t be popped at home, but should be extracted by trained therapists.
  • Cysts cannot be “popped” and should be treated at a doctor’s office, either through an incision and drainage procedure or a corticosteroid injection. Incision and drainage is a more sterile and controlled procedure. Never try to pop a cyst at home as it will likely lead to scarring and could spread infection.
  • The only pimples that should ever be “popped” are pustules – meaning the reddish bumps with a yellow or white centre. If you must do it, it is important to do it safely and effectively too. Here’s a video on how to pop your pimple safely (and properly)!

Unsure, or still have questions on what to do about your acne break out? Drop us an email and let us try to help you instead.


1Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 2010
2Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; 2010