Introduction to the best pimple and acne cream in Singapore
Are you looking for the best pimple and acne cream in Singapore?
Most likely, you used to have flawless skin. Or even if you used to have an acne-prone face, it was not that bad and you know how to control it. But ever since the day when wearing masks became mandatory in Singapore, some of us inevitably start developing the infamous maskne – And it gets worse.
With so many skincare products on the market that help fight pimples and prevent acne, we’ve put together a list of the best 24 pimples and acne creams in Singapore.
REMEMBER – Several items on this list may not apply to you as everyone has different skin conditions. For example, ingredients used in pimples and acne creams like alcohol and fragrances may cause outbreaks for some, while others seem immune to it.
1. Clear Skin Complete Starter Kit from Skinlycious
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.skinlycious.com/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 93 |
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Where to buy |
Skinlycious, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Soothing Cleansing Gel (30ml) – Contains Encapsulated Turmeric extract and French Pine Bark Extract (strengthens the skin barrier, relieves sensitivity and redness) – Contains Olive-derived Moisturizing Agent and plant-derived Saccharide Isomerate (prevents irritation) Calming Cleanser (30ml) – Contains Calamine (reduce redness, restore PH balance) Glow Exfoliant (8ml) – Fast-acting spot treatment Hydrating Serum (5ml) – Contains Sodium hyaluronate, PCA and amino acids (Hydrates and strengthen skin barrier) Clarifying Serum (5ml) – Reduces blemishes, bumps and spots without dryness Barrier Booster Moisturiser (5ml) – Antioxidant (moisturises without clogging pores) Multiple Protection Mineral Sunscreen (5ml) – Offers high UVA protection without causing breakouts |
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How to use |
(May refer to respective products) |
2. Innisfree Bija Trouble Spot Essence – 15ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.innisfreesg.shop/products/bija-trouble-spot-essence |
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Selling Price |
$ 25 |
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Where to buy |
Innisfree, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Contains ingredients that help fight acne – Retinol: Reduce ance – Madecassoside: Wound healing and anti-inflammatory – Bija Oil: Smoothen skin and enhance the skin’s natural defence system Safe for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin – No known ingredients in clogging pores Lightweight gel-type texture – No heavy residue after application 6-free system – Paraben-free – Animal ingredient-free – Mineral oil-free – synthetic colouring-free – Artificial fragrance-free – Imidazolidinyl urea-free (an antimicrobial substance used as a preservative) |
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How to use |
Apply the essence gently to your pimple or acne using a cotton swab. (Sunscreen is a must to apply after using the essence during the daytime to avoid skin irritation caused by UV rays) |
3. Neutrogena Vanishing Cream – 21g
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.neutrogena.com/products/skincare/on-the-spot-acne-treatment/6801790.html |
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Selling Price |
$ 11.90 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Sephora, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide – Clinically proven to be effective on day 1 in clearing your skin Lightweight cream – Fast absorption – Oil-free Kills acne bacteria that cause pimples to grow – No known ingredients in clogging pores |
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How to use |
After cleansing your face thoroughly, cover the acne area with a thin layer one to three times daily. Excessive drying may occur to your skin. Gradually increase from one application a day to three applications daily. (Sunscreen is a must to apply after using the acne cream during the daytime to avoid skin irritation caused by UV rays) |
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) – 7.5ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.laroche-posay.sg/effaclar/effaclar-duo-plus-acne-moisturizer |
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Selling Price |
$ 9.90 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Sephora, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. Suitable for sensitive skin. – Anti-acne and pimples treatment moisturiser with niacinamide – Non-greasy – No known ingredients in clogging pores Anti-imperfections, anti-marks and anti-recurrence – Reduce pimple – Limits post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks |
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How to use |
Warm the cream using your hands and gently massage onto your face till the cream is fully absorbed. – Use daily to prevent new pimple breakout. – Use daily to clear existing pimple marks. |
5. Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment 2.5% BP – 67ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://paulaschoice.sg/products/clear-regular-strength-daily-skin-clearing-treatment |
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Selling Price |
$ 33 |
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Where to buy |
Paula’s Choice, Sephora, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Acne treatment with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide – Fight acne breakouts – Prevent breakouts – Reduce redness. Suitable for all skin types. |
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How to use |
Apply the cream twice daily after cleansing and exfoliating. (Sunscreen is a must to apply after using the cream during the daytime to avoid skin irritation caused by UV rays) |
6. The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel – 2.5ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-us/face/serums-essences/tea-tree-targeted-gel/p/p000695 |
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Selling Price |
$ 19 |
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Where to buy |
The Body Shop, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for oily and blemished skin. Quick-drying gel-like texture. |
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How to use |
Apply the gel using the wand applicator directly to the acne spot |
7. Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream – 30ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.klairscosmetics.com/products/midnight-blue-calming-cream-30/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 29.90 |
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Where to buy |
Guardian, Watson, Sephora, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for sensitive skin. Suitable for dry skin. Suitable for oily skin. – Calms inflammation and damaged skin – Strengthen skin barriers – Quick effect on irritated skin Star ingredients – Guaiazulene (extracted from Chamomile Oil with powerful calming effects) – Centella Asiatica (hydrates skin and relieves redness) |
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How to use |
Apply the cream as the last step to your evening skincare routine. Apply thick layers to your pimple or troubled areas. |
8. Mentholatum Oxy 10 Lotion – 10g
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Product Brand Website |
https://mentholatum.com.sg/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 8.40 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for oily skin. Suitable for acne-prone skin. – Kills acne bacteria that cause pimples – Unclogs pores and drys up excessive oil Contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide – Treats stubborn pimples and acne areas |
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How to use |
– Shake well before using. – Use a tiny amount of cream and apply it to your pimple areas. – Gradually increase from one application to two applications daily. |
9. Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Comedomed – 30ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.eau-thermale-avene.sg/face/daily-cares/oily-acne-prone-skin/cleanance-comedomed-anti-blemish-concentrate |
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Selling Price |
$ 42.90 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for acne-prone skin. – Clear blemishes and blackheads Anti-relapse of pimples – Contains concentrated plant-based active ingredients Lightweight gel-like texture – Non-oily – Non-sticky – Fragrance-free |
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How to use |
Apply twice daily after cleansing on troubled areas. |
10. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel – 15ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.clinique.com.sg/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 36 |
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Where to buy |
Sephora, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Effective and fast result in clearing troubled areas upon application – Prevents pimples growth |
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How to use |
Apply a thin layer twice a day after cleansing the face. |
11. Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel With Salicylic Acid – 10ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.origins.com/product/15351/18374/skincare/treat/blemish-remover/super-spot-remover/acne-treatment-gel-with-salicylic-acid#/sku/36934 |
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Selling Price |
$ 35 |
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Where to buy |
Sephora, Origins, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for acne-prone skin. Suitable for oily skin. – Contains 1.5% salicylic acid – Clears pore – Clears excess oil Vegan product – Free-of animal-derived ingredients |
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How to use |
Apply a thin layer one to three times daily after cleansing the face. Gradually increase from one time daily if peeling or drying occurs. |
12. Eucerin ProAcne Solution A.I. Clearing Treatment – 40ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.eucerin.sg/products/proacne/skin-renewal-treatment |
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Selling Price |
$ 37 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for acne-prone skin – Reduce pimple scar – Reduce acne appearance – Skin improvement after one week – Remove excess sebum Contains 10% Hydroxy Complex – Remove dead skin cells and resurface new skin cell – Unclog pores – Fights bacteria – Prevent new blemishes Contains Licochalcone A – Reduce inflammation – Soothe irritation |
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How to use |
Gently massage a small amount of the cream onto the face after cleansing. Once a day during the evening. |
13. Sebamed Clear Face Anti-Pimple Gel – 10ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.sebamed.com/products/clear-face/clear-face-anti-pimple-gel |
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Selling Price |
$ 7.45 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Suitable for acne-prone skin. Suitable for skin with inflamed pimples. – Combats skin impurities – Fast relief from pimples Antibacterial – Reduce irritation – Dries pimples |
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How to use |
Use a small amount on the pimple. May be used daily as required. |
14. Mario Badescu Skincare Drying Lotion – 29ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.mariobadescu.com/product/drying-lotion |
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Selling Price |
$ 36 |
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Where to buy |
Sephora, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
On-the-spot solution that is effective and fast-acting – Dry up surface blemishes overnight Contains – Salicylic Acid (reduces redness of blemishes) – Sulfur (unclog pores) – Zinc Oxide (absorbs excess oil) |
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How to use |
Use during the evening after cleansing and toning. 1. Dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle 2. Dab directly on the surface blemish (DO NOT RUB. DO NOT USE ON BROKEN SKIN) 3. DO NOT dip the same cotton swab into the bottle again to avoid contaminating the product with bacteria. 4. Let dry and rinse off in the morning. (DO NOT SHAKE the bottle.) |
15. My Clarins CLEAR-OUT Targets Imperfections – 15ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.clarins.com.sg/blemish-imperfection-treatments/my-clarins-clear-out-targets-imperfections-CS00639160.html |
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Selling Price |
$ 30 |
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Where to buy |
Clarins, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Cooling, non-greasy gel-like texture – Vegan-friendly – Dries quickly – Easy to apply Effective result – Visible reduce blemishes and pimples – Calms irritation – Reduce redness |
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How to use |
Can be applied during any time of the day when you need treatment. |
16. ICM Pharma Acne Clear Pimple Treatment Cream – 15g
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Product Brand Website |
https://icmpharma.com/product/acne-clear-cream/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 6.20 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Non-oily formula – Unblock pores and kills acne bacteria – Dries up pimple – Dries up excessive oil – Contains 4 active ingredients (Sulphur BP 4% w/w, Zinc Oxide BP 8% w/w, Resorcinol BP 2% w/w) Effective treatment – Sooth and calm irritations |
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How to use |
Apply the cream thinly on affected areas twice daily after cleansing the face. (Mild peeling of the skin may occur. Reddening may occur.) |
17. Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream – 30g
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.cosrx.com/products/centella-blemish-cream |
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Selling Price |
$ 30.90 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica – Soothe irritated skin – Calm inflamed skin Spot treatment – Prevent acne scar Minimal ingredients list to keep it simple – No unnecessary ingredients that may cause irritation |
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How to use |
Apply a thick layer of cream on the troubled area. |
18. Curél Sebum Trouble Care Moisture Facial Gel – 120ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.kao.com/sg/products/curel/crl_care_gel_00/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 34.90 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Zero-in sebum control technology – Control oil and acne – Regulate sebum secretion Contains active ingredient – Antiphlogistic (reduce acne occurrence) Contains eucalyptus extract – Replenishing and regenerating Ceramide Hydrating and penetrating moisture retaining formula – Strengthen skin resilience against external irritants Gel-like texture – Spreads easily onto the skin – Quick absorption – Keeps skin hydrated |
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How to use |
Massage gently onto the face twice a day. |
19. Himalaya Herbals Acne-n-Pimple Cream – 30g
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Product Brand Website |
https://shopee.sg/Himalaya-Acne-N-Pimple-Cream-30g-i.240879521.3728953606 |
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Selling Price |
$ 11.30 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Key Ingredients – Aloe Vera (moisturise and heals skin) – Five-Leaved Chaste Tree (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal) – Silk cotton tree (treating acne and skin eruptions) |
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How to use |
Apply a small amount of the cream over the pimple twice daily after cleansing. |
20. Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel – 20g
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Product Brand Website |
https://humannature.com.sg/product.php?prodgrpid=04015-acnegel&Size=20g |
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Selling Price |
$ 16.90 |
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Where to buy |
Human Nature, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
Clinically tested – Effectively dry out pimples – Prevent pimple breakouts – Reduce oiliness – Reduce redness Potent blend of tea tree oil and pimple-fighting actives – Fight pimple-causing bacteria without drying and peeling. |
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How to use |
Used twice a day after cleansing and toning or used as required. Dab a thin layer of gel on the pimple or troubled area (DO NOT RUB). |
21. Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment – 7.68ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.burtsbees.com/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 14.37 |
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Where to buy |
iHerb |
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Product Details |
100% natural ingredients – Formulated with tea tree, calendula, yarrow, and parsley extracts – Calms and reduces redness – Promotes healthy skin – Reduce blemished within 48 hours Contains salicylic acid – Penetrate clogged pores – Reduce acne – Prevent future pimple breakouts |
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How to use |
Apply twice daily to the face after cleansing |
22. Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment – 15g
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Product Brand Website |
https://differin.com/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 25.73 |
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Where to buy |
iHerb |
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Product Details |
Fragrance-free gel – Contains the retinoid adapalene (active ingredient for acne) – Clears acne – Prevents breakouts – Prevents blemishes – Prevents clogged pores – Restores skin cells |
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How to use |
Apply a thin layer of gel over the face after cleansing daily. |
23. Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment – 15ml
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.murad.com/product/rapid-relief-acne-spot-treatment/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 47 |
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Where to buy |
UBuy |
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Product Details |
Suitable for all types of skin Key ingredients – Salicylic Acid 2.0% (treats pimples breakout quickly) – Patented Pine and Thyme-Inspired Complex (Fights bacterias that irritate the skin. Keeps skin healthy) – Horse Chestnut and Oat (Soothes skin. Reduce redness.) |
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How to use |
Apply the cream directly on the pimple. |
24. Hiruscar PostAcne Gel – 10g
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Product Brand Website |
http://hiruscar.com.sg/ |
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Selling Price |
$ 18.32 |
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Where to buy |
Watson, Guardian, Lazada, Shopee |
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Product Details |
100% anti-bacterial clear gel – Fast absorption – Reduce acne scars – Prevent acne reoccurrence – Heals wounds – ALcohol-free Key ingredients – Allantoin (Promotes wound healing. Improves cell regeneration. Removes dead cells. Moistures face) – Vitamin E (Antioxidant) – MPS – Mucopolysaccharide Polysulphate (Promotes wound healing.) – Vitamin B3 (Improves scarring. Control oil secretion.) |
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How to use |
Apply gel to the troubled spot two to three times daily. |
25. Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 – 28g
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Product Brand Website |
https://www.cleanandclear.com/classics/persa-gel-10 |
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Selling Price |
$ 10.34 |
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Where to buy |
iHerb |
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Product Details |
Suitable for acne-prone skin. Suitable for Oily skin. Suitable for combination skin. Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. – Treats pimples quickly – Prevents acne reoccurrence |
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How to use |
Gently apply the gel on affected areas after cleansing as required. (Sunscreen is a must to apply after using the essence during the daytime to avoid skin irritation caused by UV rays) |
Conclusion About Preventing and Fighting Acne in Singapore’s Humidity
Won’t you agree that it’s never easy to:
- Fighting acne;
- Finding the right acne product; and
- Finding the right skincare routine.
The frustrating thing about acne is that everyone is different — no single acne cure-all works for everyone. At times, this can seriously be annoying when your filthy friend who uses bar soap to clean his face has flawless skin, yet we’re stuck with stubborn acne that needs a high-end product.
Before immediately resorting to expensive products, try natural remedies such as modifying your lifestyle and routines.
To get you started, we have put together some tips worth trying out that cost you nothing. The difficult part? Consistency and persistence – Do not expect flawless skin overnight as time is needed to see an improvement.
Changing your pillowcase frequently
Bacteria, dirt, and sometimes even makeup will build upon your pillowcase after a few uses. Even if you cleanse your skin right before bed, there will still be a tiny amount of oil and bacteria that will linger on your skin — and get transferred to your pillowcase.
Experts recommend changing your pillowcase every three days or less to reduce the amount of gunk buildup you’re lying your face on every night.
If this seems too inconvenient, an alternative is covering your pillow with clean shirts or towels every night. Flipping them inside out can also give you a couple more uses before needing to wash them.
Dyes, perfumes, fragrances
People with a certain type of skin are more sensitive to dyes, perfumes and fragrances which may irritate their face during contact. Try your best to keep them from reaching your face (i.e. your hand may have a bit of perfume and you touch your face).
Remove dairy from your diet
Milk contains proteins that when digested by us, a hormone similar to insulin is released (IGF-1). Studies have shown that this hormone is proven to cause breakouts and acne.
The sugar in milk is called Lactose, and lactose-intolerant people could suffer a reaction from their body, which leads to breakouts and pimples. Remember that 65% of the world is Lactose intolerant, so there’s a high chance you could fall into that category unknowingly.
Wash your face with lukewarm to cold water
A licensed cosmetologist, Sophia Knapp, said “Hot water strips the oils that can cause breakouts, and it may trigger your skin into producing even more”.
On the other hand, cold water has more benefits than harmful effects. Coldwater increases blood flow to your face, giving you better protection from things like pollution. A simple tweak in your routine can give your skin a healthier glow. However, cold water may not clean your face thoroughly as excess oils will not be dissolved, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
The sweet spot? Lukewarm water.
Avoid overwashing your face
Overwashing? How can being too clean be a problem?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but overwashing can strip away all of the natural oils that keep your skin healthy. The result? Dry, flaky, red and irritated skin becomes even more prone to acne.
Scrubbing your face is also known to worsen your acne condition. Acne is one of the things that you need to kill with kindness.
Avoid touching your face at all costs
Especially while wearing a mask, we may accidentally scratch our face while readjusting it. As much as possible, avoid touching your face to prevent the transfer of grease and dirt from your fingers.
Have a separate towel for your face
Let’s face it — our towels are pretty disgusting.
No matter how clean you are after getting out of the shower, your towel will inevitably still have some dirt and oil buildup from the dozens of uses. Having a small, dedicated towel for your face has been a serious game-changer for many people.
Exercise, but make sure to shower immediately after
You probably already know that exercising improves blood circulation and gives your skin cells more nutrients, giving you healthy & glowing skin. But what’s even more crucial is that you shower immediately afterwards to prevent the buildup of bacteria, dirt, and oil.
If showering is not possible, washing with water or wiping with wet wipes is a good alternative.
Change your diet
When I say change your diet, I don’t mean you switch entirely to a different one. Changing your diet can mean adding 2-3 foods while subtracting 1-2 foods from your intake. Here are some ideas.
Foods to add to your diet:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Dark chocolate
- Antioxidant-rich berries
- Oysters
- Green tea
- Pumpkin seed
- Protein-rich foods like meat and eggs
- Drink more water
Foods to subtract from your diet:
- Alcohol
- Excessive sugar
- Dairy
- Processed food
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing And Fighting Pimples And Acne Outbreaks In Singapore
1. Why does wearing a mask cause pimples and acne outbreaks? (A.k.a Maskne)
You may be wondering, “Why on earth does wearing a mask can cause pimples to grow or have an acne outbreak?”
Some of the reasons (but not limited to) are:
– Friction (The rubbing between the mask and the face may cause small wounds that cant be seen by the naked eyes)
– Stuffiness, sweat, hot air regulating (Bacteria trapped within the mask)
– Wearing the same mask for too long. (Again, bacteria)
2. Can I trust the online reviews about the various pimples cream and acne creams available in Singapore?
While positive reviews would help verify if the product is trustworthy, it may not be suitable for the skin type of everyone.
A product that does wonders to person A may not necessarily have the same effect and achieve the same results for person B. The only judge is yourself.
3. Can I trust a product based on the brand name?
A huge NO.
A brand that produces excellent toner may not necessarily make the best pimple and acne cream. More prominent brands often have the marketing budget to market products that don’t really work or perhaps take longer for you to see results. This way, consumers can keep coming back for more.
4. Can I judge a product based on the price? (A.k.a expensive product guarantee effective result.)
Certain brands and products charge higher prices due to their patented ingredients, which have proven effective against pimples and acne.
However, always remember – Everyone has different skin types and reacts differently to certain products. So just stick to the product that works for you.
If the cheap drugstore pimple or acne cream has proven excellent results for you, continue using it.
