Understanding the Stages & Types of Acne: How Facials Can Help You Heal Breakouts Gently and Effectively
Since My Cozy Room was founded in 2010, we have worked with many clients who feel frustrated and overwhelmed by acne. The truth is, acne is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It evolves in stages, takes on different forms, and requires tailored care. This is especially when you want clear skin without compromising sensitivity or comfort.
Let’s start by understanding the 4 main stages of acne, and how professional facials can support your skin at every point in your journey.
The 4 Main Stages of Acne
Understanding how acne develops is the first step to treating it effectively. While breakouts may seem sudden, they actually form over time in progressive stages. Each stage requires a different approach and knowing where your skin is can help guide you to the right treatment.
Here’s a breakdown of the 4 main stages of acne, from the earliest signs of congestion to more severe inflammatory lesions.
Stage 1: Clogged Pores (Microcomedones)
This is the initial stage, where excess sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities begin to block the pores. At this point, there’s little to no inflammation, and the clogged pore may not be visible yet. However, this is the perfect time to act before things escalate.
Stage 2: Non-Inflammatory Acne (Whiteheads & Blackheads)
As clogged pores evolve, they either stay sealed beneath the skin (whiteheads) or open up and oxidise (blackheads). These are non-inflamed but can easily progress to deeper breakouts if not professionally managed.
Stage 3: Inflammatory Acne (Papules & Pustules)
When bacteria invades clogged pores, the body responds with inflammation. This results in red, swollen pimples (papules) or pus-filled lesions (pustules). This stage is more painful and visually apparent, often prompting people to pick or pop—which worsens scarring.
Stage 4: Severe Acne (Nodules & Cysts)
In the most serious stage, acne forms deep within the skin. These nodules or cysts are painful, inflamed, and prone to long-term scarring if not properly treated. At this stage, facials must be gentle, healing-focused, and paired with supportive home care.
The 5 Main Types of Acne
Understanding your acne type is just as important as recognising the stage. Here are the five most common forms:
- Whiteheads (Closed Comedones) – Small, flesh-toned bumps under the skin caused by trapped sebum.
- Blackheads (Open Comedones) – Darkened pores filled with oxidised oil and dead skin.
- Papules – Small, red, inflamed bumps that are tender to touch.
- Pustules – Pimples filled with yellowish pus; typically have a white center with a red base.
- Nodules & Cysts – Large, painful lumps under the skin that are deep and long-lasting.
Each type requires a different level of care, and that’s where custom facials come in.
How Facials Can Help at Each Stage of Acne
Professional facials are a highly effective way to treat acne because they address the root causes (clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation) with targeted techniques and customised care. Unlike over-the-counter skincare products, facials use medical-grade tools and products to deeply cleanse the skin and calm active breakouts without damaging the skin barrier. Professional treatments like gentle manual extraction, enzyme peels, and LED light therapy also help to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, regulate sebum production, and speed up the skin’s healing process from within.
At My Cozy Room, we approach acne with both clinical precision and spa-level care. Our two signature treatments, Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial and Ultimate Anti-Acne LED Facial, are customised based on your skin condition, acne type, and tolerance.
For Whiteheads, Blackheads & Congestion
Our award-winning Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial is called the best extraction facial in Singapore for good reason. It is ideal for clearing whiteheads, blackheads & congestion. The treatment begins with a lactic and enzyme softening mask that gently preps your skin for our award-winning, pain-free manual extraction. This precise technique clears clogged pores without trauma, and minimises future breakouts while refining texture.
Our treatment also includes a Pore Refine Mask, Coolight therapy, and crystal eye massage, making it as indulgent as it is effective. This facial is best for those in stages 1 and 2 of acne, where early intervention can prevent more severe flare-ups.
For Papules, Pustules & Sensitive Skin
For inflamed acne, we recommend our Ultimate Anti-Acne LED Facial. This facial targets stage 3 breakouts with a combination of gentle extractions (if suitable) and customised LED light therapy.
We use:
- Blue Light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria
- Red Light to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Purple Light to fade acne scars and support regeneration
This facial also includes lymphatic massage to stimulate detoxification and improve circulation, paired with calming serums and soothing masks to minimise irritation.
For Deep Cystic Acne & Scarring
When dealing with nodules or cysts (stage 4 acne), aggressive extractions must be avoided.
Instead, our beauty therapists focus on reducing inflammation, preventing scarring, and restoring skin health through LED therapy, topical anti-acne treatments, and TDP lamp therapy. These steps can help to relieve pain, calm flare-ups, and support healing from within.
Why Extraction Is Essential (When Done Right)
Extraction, when performed professionally, is a cornerstone of acne management. It helps:
- Prevent mild acne from progressing
- Accelerate the healing of inflamed breakouts
- Reduce the risk of long-term scarring
- Restore a clearer, smoother complexion
At My Cozy Room, all extractions are performed manually by trained therapists who specialise in acne-prone and sensitive skin. We do not use aggressive tools or techniques, as our goal is to respect the skin barrier while clearing the root cause of acne. This also ensures that our extractions are gentle and pain-free!
Is Purging After a Facial Normal?
Yes, purging is definitely normal. And it’s nothing to fear!
Purging is a temporary phase where your skin clears out underlying congestion. This usually happens after treatments that increase cell turnover or deeply cleanse the pores. You may notice small breakouts in familiar areas, but they resolve faster than regular pimples.
Most clients find that purging subsides within a week, revealing brighter, smoother, and calmer skin afterward. We support your skin recovery with soothing aftercare products from our BeKind skincare line, specifically formulated to reduce inflammation and restore balance.
The Difference with My Cozy Room
At My Cozy Room, we’ve been helping clients achieve clearer, healthier skin since 2010. And with multiple awards and glowing reviews, we’re proud to be known as one of the best extraction spas in Singapore. Our team of highly skilled and experienced beauty therapists are experts at treating acne-prone skin with a personalised, gentle approach that gets results without causing trauma or redness.
Every acne facial is paired with our exclusive BeKind skincare line, specially formulated to treat common skin concerns in Singapore’s hot, humid climate. The BeKind range combines natural botanical ingredients with powerful actives to deeply cleanse, soothe inflammation, and support long-term skin recovery. Hence, it is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
But don’t just take our word for it! Our clients consistently share their results too:
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Best facial I’ve had so far. My skin is very acne-prone and I had a lot of bumps… The extraction was very thorough and surprisingly not painful. After just one session, my skin feels smoother and less inflamed.” – Stephanie Tsang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’ve always struggled with hormonal acne, but after regular facials here, my skin is clearer and calmer. No hard selling, just amazing service and care.” – Qiu Xin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Love the environment and how professional the therapists are. The extraction didn’t leave my skin red or swollen. Truly worth every dollar.” – Soh Wan Ying
Start Your Clear Skin Journey with My Cozy Room Today
Ready to experience acne-free skin? Here’s your chance to try out My Cozy Room’s award-winning facials with our exclusive first-time offers:
- Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial – just $144 (U.P. $338)
- Ultimate Anti-Acne LED Facial – only $198 (U.P. $388)
Exclusively for first-time customers. Singaporeans, PRs & valid pass holders only. Prices before 9% GST.
Clear, radiant skin doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with the right understanding, the right hands, and the right care. At My Cozy Room, we’re ready to walk that journey with you, one glowing facial at a time.
