We can all agree that nobody likes having acne, yet it always comes at the worst possible timings (think about those zits that grew out right before your Big Day). However, that doesn't mean you should just resign to fate and hope that those pimple patches can work miracles on your worst acne breakouts.
Bookmark this article and pull it out whenever you desperately need an effective acne facial to get rid of those pimples. You can thank us later for this handy facial guide that you cannot do without.
Porcelain
I've been struggling with acne for as long as I can remember – the onslaught of hormonal acne in my twenties, coupled with the fact that I had sensitive and acne-prone skin, meant that many acne treatment products and facials have never really managed to effectively clear my acne.
Some acne facials that I have previously visited also used improper extraction techniques, which resulted in acne scars on my face that would not go away completely despite all the methods I've tried over the years.
Hence, I was very interested when I heard that Porcelain prides itself on the fact that extraction facials are only performed by therapists who have honed their skills over a compulsory 6-month training period. Each therapist is personally trained by Porcelain's co-founder, Jenny Teng, to ensure they are using the right angle, technique and pressure in order to reduce scarring.
I heard that Quintessential Facial Treatment is Porcelain's signature, award-winning bespoke extraction facial that is designed for severely congested and acne-prone skin. Many people have raved about getting brighter skin with reduced acne and less congested pores, which sounded exactly like what I needed to clear my persistent acne, so I was curious to see how well it would work for me.
The interior of the place made a very good impression on me – it looked very professional, without losing any of the comfortable elements that would put customers at ease.
Before proceeding with the facial treatment, a thorough skin assessment was carried out in a consultation room so that my therapist could better understand my current skin condition and needs. This was the most detailed analysis that I have undergone at any facial place, and I was quite shocked that they could even pick out all the clogged pores and bacterial acne that I myself had never noticed before!
Skin analysis conducted at Porcelain
After identifying my skin type (combination-oily) and current issues (clogged pores, dehydration, and bacterial acne), I was ushered into the treatment room to carry out the Quintessential facial.
My skin was first double-cleansed and exfoliated – I was told that this would allow the full benefit of the treatment to penetrate the deeper layers of skin to restore skin's equilibrium.
The next step was the full-face extraction to decongest and clear clogged pores, which was the main cause of my acne. This step took up the bulk of the treatment, where my therapist spent time carefully picking out the gunk and pus from my pores and existing acne spots.
The extraction was far from painless – in fact, I would honestly say that this was one of the most intense extractions that I have ever experienced. However, the truth is that a painless extraction does not necessarily mean that it is good, as it could just mean that the therapist only did a superficial extraction that did not clear all the gunk from your pores.
Hence, even though the extraction process was very painful, I was quite impressed because it showed that Porcelain indeed focused on deep cleansing – I could tell that my therapist did not miss a single clogged pore on my face, and I could see that my pores were absolutely clean by the end of the treatment – something I had not seen from my previous extraction experiences! Porcelain's extraction was definitely much more thorough in comparison to other facial places that did only the bare minimum, which is also why this extraction step is also much lengthier in comparison (about an hour).
Depending on your skin type, a custom-blended mask is then concocted and applied at the end of the treatment to target specific concerns of each individual. After this step, the therapist will end off by applying a moisturiser and sunscreen (you can opt not to have this step).
Before I went for this facial treatment, I struggled quite a bit with clogged pores, blackheads, acne, and some acne marks, mostly due to the fact that I had just returned from a harsh winter climate.
Although my skin did look quite red and bumpy right after the Quintessential Facial Treatment, my therapist actually gave me very good advice on how to speed up the recovery process (avoiding seafood for a few days), as well as skincare tips for my blemished skin (using products with lower SPF because they are less oily, making sure I stay hydrated). I was also given a complimentary Porcelain's Soothe Aloe Vera Gel to apply on my face religiously over the next couple of days, which definitely helped to calm those red patches much faster than I initially feared!
I started seeing a much brighter skin tone the day after, while the clear and smooth skin came about four to five days later. I was really surprised to see that my skin already looked so much better after just one facial session – the acne I had previously cleared up after the gunk from my pores was thoroughly removed, and even my stubborn acne marks had faded by quite a fair bit! My skin texture also became smoother as the bumps from congested pores were gone, which made it so much easier for my foundation to go on.
I've also never received so many compliments on my skin after a facial treatment before – even my family and friends were impressed because they have never seen me with such good skin before. I was even able to go out confidently without foundation and/or concealer on a few occasions – something which I had not been able to do in a long time because I always needed something to cover my acne!
This facial treatment requires a certain level of pain tolerance in order to see the extraction through, as well as some patience (and diligent effort!), but I promise that you'll definitely be extremely satisfied with your upcoming good skin days.
Note: After the extraction is completed, you may also be recommended to follow up with other treatments in order to make sure that your skin recovers well. Due to the fact that I had very clogged pores and bacterial acne, I followed up with an Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and Sun Rescue Facial Treatment – the former helped to sanitise my skin with LED therapy, while the latter soothed my dehydrated skin with a combination of Oxygen – and Cryo – therapies.
Porcelain
Address: See full list of addresses here.
Opening hours: See full list of opening hours here.
To book an appointment: call +65 6227 9692, SMS +65 97211008, or book an appointment on https://porcelainskin.com/
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Face Shower Bar [Temporarily closed until further notice]
Ever been puzzled by the lack of results seen after a facial, or never had the time to actually go for one because you just can't afford to take a longer break from work? Face Shower Bar is the solution you've been looking for.
Face Shower Bar offers the unique concept of a "dry bar facial", where modern women can keep up with pampering for their skin with facials that only takes 30 minutes to complete. Its signature treatment is the Quick Shower Facial, which uses hydra-dermabrasion, an advanced exfoliation technology that removes clogged pores and blackheads.
This facial treatment follows a three-step patented DermaSOS, a programme that was designed by Face Shower Bar, together with an A*STAR researcher.
The first step is Dermabrasion, where a gentle vortex liquid wash dissolves impurities and softens dead skin cells. It is then followed by the second step, Dermaopen, which sloughs off dead skin cells and unclogs blemishes with a painless suction. The last step is called Dermasoothen – it eases irritated and dehydrated skin with a calming solution through vortex infusion.
Our reviewers who tried this acne facial at Face Shower Bar were all very impressed by the instant results they had seen after the facial treatment. The blemishes they had were not as obvious as before as the pores were thoroughly unclogged during the (painless!) extraction, and their skin continued to feel soft and smooth in the next few days after the acne facial too.
Impressed already? You can read full reviews of Face Shower Bar's facial by our reviewers here.
[Temporarily closed until further notice]
Website: Face Shower Bar
Address: One Raffles Link, B1-17A, Citylink Mall (near Marina Square exit), Singapore 039393
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Cambridge Therapeutics
A specialised medi-spa with solutions for the face, hair, and body, Cambridge Therapeutics marries a science-based approach with effective products to create a slew of treatment options. Curated by doctors, you can expect safe, high-quality treatments that deliver visible results. If you're struggling to heal your acne and acne scars, try the Neogen
Plasma Acne Treatment.
It uses plasma energy to heal and regenerate the skin. Plasma sterilises and kills harmful bacteria on the skin and inhibits their growth. This is why it is highly effective in treating mild to severe, inflamed adult acne. Compared to conventional acne and pore-tightening treatments, the Neogen Plasma has a more potent skin regeneration ability that suppresses sebum production too.
Since the Neogen Plasma is not a laser treatment, you won't experience any redness or sensitivity after – practically no downtime at all. It is suitable for all skin types and is especially recommended for those who are sensitive to laser-based acne treatments.
On top of that, the Neogen Plasma is able to treat several other skin conditions at the same time, from psoriasis and melasma to pigmentation, eczema, and enlarged pores.
Cambridge Therapeutics' Neogen Plasma Acne Treatment is priced from S$200 for the first trial.
Address: 391B Orchard Road, #08-05A2 Tower B, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238874
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon to Fri) | 10am – 4pm (Sat & Sun) | Closed on PH
Contact: Call 6733 6729, SMS/WhatsApp 9155 8869
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Lavish Beauty
Lavish Beauty is famous for their knowledgeable therapists, as well as effective and extensive range of treatments provided at affordable prices. If you urgently need an acne facial to keep your zits under control but don't have much cash to spare that month, check out the salon's Purifying Acne Facial Treatment.
The Purifying Acne Facial Treatment is a thorough service that takes about one and a half hours. It starts off with cleansing, followed by exfoliation and micro dermabrasion to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal clearer, younger skin underneath.
Gentle extraction is then carried out to remove all that gunk from your pores, which could be causing your acne breakouts. Reviewers say that this step is as gentle as the salon claims – perfect for those who have lower pain tolerance!
As the previous steps may cause a little redness in your skin, the therapist will help to calm it down with a purifying serum, before doing a detoxifying face massage to improve blood circulation in your face for better skin complexion. The last step will be a mask that packs all the hydration and nutrients you need for healthier skin in the long run.
Satisfied customers love the professionalism shown by the therapists throughout the treatment, and the noticeable improvement in their acne condition after the facial.
Website: Lavish Beauty Facebook page
Address: 10, #03-08 Anson Rd, International Plaza, 079903
Book a treatment at Lavish Beauty on Salon Finder.
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Skin Paradise
Reviewer: Aimee
Skin Paradise is a relatively new player among aesthetic salons in Singapore, which might explain why there aren't many reviews on their Facebook page yet (although all five reviewers gave them a 5-star rating!). However, their original location in Johor Bahru has been around since 2003 attracting many loyal customers from both Malaysia and Singapore.
They are located on East Coast Road, a bit further away from the downtown area. However, that's what gives the salon a quiet, peaceful feel even before you step foot inside, which you don't really get with salons that are more centrally located.
Before the facial started, Michelle, my therapist for the day, analysed my skin to identify my skin type and skin concerns. As my skin is oily with a dry surface, Michelle recommended the Vanadium Titanium Microcrystalline treatment (VT treatment, in short) as it would help with hydrating and repairing my skin barrier so it could absorb and retain moisture better.
The treatment started with a double cleanse to remove all dirt and makeup residue from my face, followed by a bubble mask to cleanse my pores. I could feel a mild tingling sensation on my face as the tiny bubbles expanded and popped, which was actually quite fun.
The bubble mask helps with detoxifying and removing impurities from your pores
After the bubble mask came the extraction. Michelle told me that all facials at Skin Paradise comes with an extraction as they believe that only when your pores are clear can the skin absorb the products and the treatments be effective.
I told Michelle that this was my first time doing extraction, so she used a lighter hand at first to let me get used to the pain before slowly increasing the intensity. It was, as everyone else had warned me, indeed painful. However, when Michelle passed me the mirror to have a closer look at my pores, I could tell that they were a lot less congested and my skin had never felt so smooth.
Next was the main part of the facial, the Vanadium Titanium Microcrystalline treatment. The name of the treatment comes from the device used: a needle-free injection instrument that uses magnetic energy to directly inject skincare products into the basal layer of the skin – the innermost layer of the epidermis. This allows nutrients and active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin and nourish it from within.
According to Michelle, the Vanadium Titanium Microcrystalline device will help improve the skin's metabolism, which boosts cell renewal for brighter and firmer skin. It can also replenish moisture in the skin to plump up areas such as the cheeks.
As there are no needles involved, there was no bleeding or trauma caused to the skin. I didn't feel anything as Michelle ran the instrument over my face twice, with two different serums.
The two serums used were customised depending on the customer's skin needs. The ones used on me were packed with active ingredients such as anti-ageing Portulaca Oleracea Extract to fight against free radical damage, anti-inflammatory Taurine to soothe the skin, Nicotinamide – a form of vitamin B3 – to repair the skin's barrier, and inhibit melanin production, and Sodium Hyaluronic to deeply hydration the skin.
The treatment ends with a peptide mask to seal off all the nutrients in the skin and provide the last boost of moisture and hydration.
I was also given two bottles of the two serums used during the Vanadium Titanium Microcrystalline treatment to use at home so that my skin can continues to be nourished even after the facial.
After the treatment, I was worried that my skin would be red and I wouldn't be able to go out, but the redness wasn't actually too noticeable. I also found that there was a glow to my skin and it felt more plump and well-moisturised.
Most of the redness and red marks from the extraction were gone the next day and I loved how smooth and plumped up my skin felt. I would definitely come back for future sessions!
Skin Paradise
Address: 134A East Coast Road, 428819 Singapore
Contact: 8799 5829
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 7:30pm
Website: https://skinparadise.asia/
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SOTHYS Premium Salon
If your acne is caused by the clogging of pores, it will usually clear up after you go for an extraction facial. However, for those who are suffering from more severely inflamed acne, you may want to consider going for a facial treatment that specifically targets this skin issue instead.
SOTHYS is a 73-year-old brand from Paris, and most people will be familiar with this professional spa chain. They offer a Matt-Stabilizer Synergy Treatment, which addresses sensitive, inflamed skin and reduces excessive sebum. It aims to soothe the skin and promote healing.
Source: I Love Bunny
The treatment involves aromatherapy techniques, where you are first made to relax over the soothing scent of lavender oil. The therapist then proceeds with the treatment, starting from a double cleanse, optional extraction, application of serum, and the star procedure – application of not one, but TWO ampoules.
At the end of the acne facial, you will be further rejuvenated with a facial point massage, multi-masking, followed by a blissful shoulder massage. All your frustrations about the acne – and of course, the acne itself – will disappear by the end of this acne facial.
Judging by the high ratings and good reviews of SOTHYS Premium Salon we've seen online, we are certain that their acne facial is worth checking out when you need help with those pesky zits.
Website: SOTHYS Premium Salon
Address: See full list of outlets here.
Book a treatment at SOTHYS Premium Salon on Salon Finder.
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