Acne is a common concern that affects adults just as much as teenagers. At its core, the issue is often due to excess oil production — the catalyst behind frequent stubborn breakouts, including pimples, whiteheads and blackheads that can leave lasting scars.
“Hormonal, genetic or lifestyle factors like stress can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil,” explains Dr Gerard Ee, medical director at
The Clifford Clinic
, an aesthetic clinic. “When the excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, it creates a sticky material that clogs pores and creates the ideal environment for acne to form.”
Dr Ee adds that bacteria naturally found on the skin thrive in these blocked, oily pores, triggering inflammation. “The body’s immune system reacts to this, leading to redness, swelling and the different types of pimples we commonly see.”
For those dealing with recurring acne, Dr Ee says the key is to address the root cause — excess oil production — to break the cycle of clogged pores, bacterial growth and inflammation.
To tackle the root cause directly, The Clifford Clinic offers AviClear — a non-invasive laser treatment that reduces excess oil production. This technology has been cleared by the
US Food and Drug Administration
for the treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne.
“Unlike traditional treatments that focus on removing dead skin or controlling bacteria, AviClear uses targeted light energy to reduce oil gland activity,” says Dr Ee. “By shrinking the sebaceous glands — the source of excess oil — it helps prevent clogged pores, bacterial growth and inflammation, interrupting the acne cycle at its root.”
AviClear’s laser is designed to be absorbed easily by sebum and not the surrounding tissue, so the energy penetrates into the gland where the sebum is without harming surrounding skin, says Dr Ee.
“It gently heats each gland to about 60 deg C,” he explains. “This doesn’t burn the gland; it simply encourages it to shrink and become less active, so it produces much less oil over time.”
According to Dr Ee,
clinical studies
have shown that about three-quarters of patients see at least a 50 per cent improvement within three months.
For those who are worried about the effects of the treatment wearing off, Dr Ee says oil glands do not grow back quickly. Once the laser reshapes them, they are unlikely to return to their original size, making long-term recurrence much less likely.
For those who are concerned about heat and other sensations during the treatment, Dr Ee says AviClear’s unique cooling system helps to keep the patient comfortable throughout the session.
“The device’s tip, which is made from sapphire, is effective in absorbing and dispersing heat. It keeps the skin surface cool while allowing the laser energy to reach the deeper sebaceous glands,” he explains.
AviClear uses targeted light energy to shrink oil glands, helping prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
PHOTO: THE CLIFFORD CLINIC
For patients with darker or sensitive skin tones, this built-in cooling is especially helpful. By preventing heat from affecting the outermost layer of the skin — where pigment-producing cells are located — it reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
AviClear treatments are quick, typically lasting around 30 minutes. Dr Ee says at least three sessions are required, each spaced four to six weeks apart.
“You might feel a gentle ‘snapping’ sensation during treatment,” he adds. “Most patients find the treatment tolerable without numbing cream. However, for those who have more sensitive skin, we can always discuss using a topical anaesthetic beforehand.”
Immediately after the treatment, skin may feel warm – similar to a mild sunburn – for a few hours, with redness that can last up to 48 hours for those with sensitive skin.
“Downtime is minimal, but some patients may experience purging – a temporary increase in breakouts – over the next one to four weeks as the sebaceous glands recalibrate, but this is temporary,” Dr Ee adds.
Post- treatment, he advises patients to avoid harsh exfoliants and irritating skincare, as well as to keep away from direct sun exposure and heat such as saunas, and to not pick nor squeeze any pimples, especially in the first 72 hours.
Instead, they should keep their skin well hydrated to support barrier recovery by using a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser that does not block pores, he says.
“People with active skin infections, open wounds or severe cystic acne flares should avoid the treatment. It is also not recommended for those with light-sensitive skin, or for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as there isn’t enough clinical data on its safety for these groups,” he adds. Patients on long-term medication should also discuss with their doctor prior to treatment.
When the skin produces too much oil, it can set off recurring, stubborn acne that may leave behind permanent marks.
PHOTO: THE CLIFFORD CLINIC
For those with severe acne or existing acne scars, Dr Ee says AviClear can be paired with complementary treatments to address multiple skin concerns at the same time.
“We recommend treating both active acne and acne scars as part of your AviClear programme, spacing each session about a month apart for the best results,” he says.
“Depending on the severity of your acne and scarring, our team will customise a treatment plan that may include lasers, radiofrequency microneedling devices or injectables.”
One such treatment is
Agnes Acne
, where the doctor targets individual acne-prone follicles using a fine probe that delivers a small electrical current to the oil gland, shrinking it to reduce future breakouts. This differs from AviClear, which treats the entire skin surface.
For those looking for a more soothing option, the
Gold Photothermal Therapy
works by introducing tiny gold or platinum nanoparticles into the pores and oil glands. These particles absorb light and convert it into heat. A laser then activates them to gently reshape the pores and glands, reducing oil production over time.
When it comes to acne scars, Dr Ee says they tend to appear as discolouration or textured depressions. To tackle such pigmentation issues, he recommends two procedures offered at The Clifford Clinic – the
Q-switch laser
, which tackles brown pimple marks and acne-causing bacteria and the
Vbeam laser
, which helps reduce redness by targeting blood vessels, open pores and residual acne lesions.
The clinic also offers
Secret RF
, a non-surgical treatment that uses fractional radiofrequency and gold-plated microneedles to stimulate collagen and reduce indented acne scars.
“Healthy skin is foundational to overall well-being,” Dr Ee adds. “Treating acne early is important as it can make a lasting difference on both skin health and quality of life.”
To find out which treatment is right for you, book a consultation at
The Clifford Clinic.
