Cystic Acne
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 17
Finding the Right Care for Your Skin
Among the different types of acne, cystic acne can be one of the most difficult to manage. These deep, painful spots form beneath the skin and may last for weeks. They can cause visible discomfort and emotional frustration, especially when treatments feel like trial and error.
At The Acne Clinic in Katong, Singapore, we understand how challenging it can be to live with cystic acne. Every skin tells a different story, and we’re here to offer care that is personalised, medically guided, and supportive at every step.
What Is Cystic Acne?
Ever felt like there’s a painful bump under your skin that just won’t go away, no matter what you try? That’s often what cystic acne feels like. It forms when pores become clogged and the inflammation runs deep, creating swollen, tender spots that rarely come to a head and can linger for weeks.
These breakouts tend to appear along the chin, jawline, or cheeks, and are often linked to hormonal shifts or internal triggers. Unlike the more predictable cycle of hormonal acne, cystic acne can show up uninvited, stay longer than expected, and leave you feeling like you’re constantly fighting your skin.
What Can Trigger Cystic Acne?
Ever wonder why those deep, painful breakouts seem to appear out of nowhere, and stay longer than they should? Cystic acne is rarely caused by just one thing. More often, it’s a mix of triggers working beneath the surface, including:
Hormonal changes that increase oil production
Bacteria trapped deep within clogged pores
Stress, heat, or humidity, especially common in Singapore’s climate
Possible sensitivities, including certain foods or lifestyle factors
Understanding what’s behind your breakouts is the first step in finding a treatment plan that actually makes sense for your skin, not just the symptoms.
Why Home Remedies May Fall Short
When your skin is sore and inflamed, it’s tempting to do something, anything, to make the pain go away. Maybe you’ve tried scrubbing it raw, layering on the strongest product you could find, or waiting it out with ice and prayers. But with cystic acne, quick fixes usually don’t fix anything. They can irritate your skin further, drive inflammation deeper, and leave behind lasting marks.
Because these breakouts form far beneath the surface, surface-level solutions simply can’t reach them. Real progress starts with understanding what’s happening underneath and treating it with care that’s designed to go deeper.
Our Approach to Cystic Acne at The Acne Clinic
We take time to understand your skin, including your triggers, concerns, and goals, before building a personalized plan. Based on your needs, your treatment may include:
Fractional Laser
Targets deep inflammation and promotes skin renewal, helping to improve texture and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks caused by cystic breakouts.
Chemical Peels
Helps exfoliate the skin gently to reduce congestion, support cell turnover, and minimise pore blockage that can lead to cyst formation.
Subcision
Used to release deeper cystic lesions or early scarring beneath the skin’s surface, encouraging smoother, healthier skin healing.
Polynucleotides (PN)
Repairs and strengthens inflamed or sensitised skin, enhancing recovery and resilience after cystic flare-ups.
Hybrid Dermal Fillers (PDLLA)
Stimulates collagen production and helps restore skin firmness where repeated cystic acne has led to texture irregularities.
Topical Treatments
Prescription creams or gels designed to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and prevent new cystic breakouts.
Oral Medications
Considered when needed for hormonal, deep, or recurring cystic acne, working from within to address the root causes of inflammation.
All care is overseen by Dr Ramita, who combines medical expertise with a thoughtful, patient-first approach that considers both your skin and how acne impacts your daily life.
It’s Time to Stop Guessing
If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of painful breakouts and hit-or-miss treatments, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to ask for help. At The Acne Clinic in Katong, we’re here to take your skin seriously.
Book a consultation and let’s figure out what’s really happening beneath the surface, so you can move forward with clarity, support, and care that’s made for you.
