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TCM for Clear Skin & Holistic Acne Management

Balance Internal Elements. Calm Active Inflammation. Reclaim Your Skin Confidence.

Struggling with persistent breakouts or stubborn acne marks? PULSE TCM treats the root cause. By clearing internal heat and balancing your body’s ecosystem, our personalised solutions regulate sebum and calm inflammation to restore clear skin from within.
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How to manage acne naturally with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Conventional approaches often focus on treating breakouts after they appear. At PULSE TCM, we focus on understanding the root causes behind acne concerns by restoring balance within the body — including internal heat levels, and fluid balance. Through natural TCM acne care, we support healthier oil regulation, calmer skin, and a clearer complexion.

  • Clears Toxic Heat: Dispels internal heat from the Lungs and Stomach to calm inflamed active breakouts.
  • Eliminates Dampness: Addresses sluggish digestion to regulate excess sebum production, reducing clogged pores and oily skin.
  • Promotes Blood Circulation: Enhances natural microcirculation to accelerate the skin’s healing process and fade stubborn post-acne marks.

Reclaim Your Skin Confidence

Regulate sebum production to support a smoother, clearer complexion naturally.

Hormonal Acne
Oily Skin
Whiteheads
Blackheads

Calm Active Inflammation

Calm painful breakouts from within by restoring internal balance and reducing excess heat.

Cystic Acne
Redness
Swollen Lumps
Heat Flares

Speed Up Healing

Enhance local microcirculation to accelerate tissue repair and minimise lingering marks.

Acne Marks
Dark Spots
Blemish Scars
Dull Texture

The Path to Clearer Skin

Our programme is built on a core TCM principle: “Regulating the Interior to Clear the Exterior.” Instead of just masking surface symptoms with harsh chemicals, our MOH-registered physicians identify your unique body constitution to address the deep systemic imbalances causing your persistent breakouts.

Rebalance Your Skin’s Ecosystem

Target specific organ meridians to prevent clogged pores, and naturally reduce chronic breakouts.

Natural Inflammatory Support

Customised herbal remedies that clear deep-seated toxic heat and eliminate dampness to calm active, painful flare-ups from within.

Physician-Led Care

Safe, holistic, and evidence-based clinical consultations designed to manage your acne naturally and restore long-term skin health.

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Causes of Acne: A TCM Perspective

From a conventional perspective, acne occurs when excess sebum and dead skin cells build up and clog pores, creating an environment where bacteria can trigger inflammation and breakouts. Factors such as stress, diet, hormones, and lifestyle may contribute to recurring acne.

In TCM, we look deeper. Persistent acne may be a sign of internal imbalance, reflecting disharmony within your body’s internal systems.

Acne Face Mapping

Our TCM physicians use traditional face mapping to identify which specific organ systems may trigger recurring breakouts, helping us create a highly accurate, targeted treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Triggers Behind Chronic Breakouts

Lung Heat

Typically presents as small, red, scattered papules across the forehead and cheeks, often accompanied by dry skin or a sensitivity to sudden temperature changes.

Heat Dampness

Deep, oily, and painful cystic breakouts that take a long time to heal. This is usually linked to a sluggish digestive tract that struggles to process rich, greasy, or sugary foods.

Liver Qi Stagnation

Erratic, stress-induced breakouts that flare up cyclically along the jawline and chin, frequently aggravated by poor sleep patterns or emotional tension.

Yin Deficiency

Persistent, low-grade blemishes or dry, inflamed patches that reappear when the body lacks sufficient cooling fluids to anchor its natural internal heat.

Our Proactive TCM Approach to Immunity

Our physicians will recommend a personalised combination of the following therapies based on your unique body constitution:

Targeted Acne Acupuncture

A dual-action approach using body points to calm internal heat and precise facial points to stimulate microcirculation, rapidly reducing local swelling and accelerating blemish recovery.

Customised Herbal Prescriptions

Bespoke herbal formulations prescribed by our physicians to clear systemic damp-heat, support optimal digestive health, and regulate excess sebum production from within.

In-House Acne Supplements

Developed by our own PULSE physicians, these targeted daily supplements complement your clinical treatments. They help clear systemic heat, support skin cell repair, and fortify your skin barrier from within.

Your Clear Skin Roadmap

Achieving sustainable skin clarity is a journey of consistency. Here is what you can typically expect across your treatment phases:

Phase 01

Control & Calm

This initial phase focuses on diagnosing your unique body constitution and targeting active flare-ups. By combining targeted acne acupuncture with safety-regulated internal herbal medicine, we work to clear acute internal damp-heat and rapidly reduce painful surface inflammation.

  • Focus: Calming angry, red breakouts and stabilizing erratic sebum (oil) production.
  • Frequency: Once or twice weekly, depending on your physician's clinical assessment.
  • What you'll notice: A visible reduction in the pain, swelling, and redness of active acne lesions, alongside more balanced, less greasy skin.

Phase 02

Once acute breakouts are controlled, the focus shifts to internal regulation and tissue repair. We use custom herbal prescriptions alongside your physician-formulated daily supplements to strengthen your digestive tract, balance internal hormones, and accelerate cell turnover to fade stubborn post-acne marks.

  • Focus: Addressing underlying organ disharmonies to prevent new breakouts from forming while encouraging structural skin healing.
  • Frequency: Once every 1 to 2 weeks, as your skin condition stabilises.
  • What you'll notice: A significant drop in the frequency of new breakouts, smoother overall skin texture, and a gradual fading of dark spots and blemish marks.

Phase 03

True skin clarity means preventing future vulnerabilities. In this final phase, minor maintenance sessions coupled with targeted dietary adjustments help fortify your skin barrier and sustain internal organ harmony, ensuring long-term resilience against lifestyle or stress-triggered flare-ups.

  • Focus: Sustaining internal metabolic balance and protecting your skin from hormonal or environmental triggers.
  • Frequency: Once a month or fortnightly for preventive care.
  • What you'll notice: Long-term skin stability, improved digestive health, and a healthy, clear complexion that easily bounces back from daily stress.

Note on Personalised Care: The treatment roadmap outlined above serves as a general guide. Because every individual’s body constitution, acne severity, and lifestyle factors are unique, the exact number of sessions, treatment frequency, and progress speed will be dynamically customised by your attending physician following your initial clinical assessment.

The PULSE proactive approach to Acne Management

We decode your body’s unique internal signals to rebuild lasting vitality and resistance from the inside out.

Decoding Body Patterns

A comprehensive diagnostic assessment using tongue analysis, pulse reading, and traditional face mapping to isolate the exact root causes of your acne, such as internal damp-heat or liver Qi stagnation.

Personalised Treatment Plan

A bespoke clinical strategy combining targeted face and body acupuncture to clear deep toxic heat, soothe immediate local inflammation, and regulate excess sebum production.

Proactive Restoration

Continuous, dynamic adjustments to your treatment plan as your skin health improves—fading stubborn post-acne marks, rebuilding your skin barrier, and preventing future cyclic breakouts.

ADD-ON
Physician-Formulated Herbal & Supplement Support

Custom-blended herbal prescriptions and physician-formulated daily supplements selected precisely to support your digestive functions, clear residual blood heat, and accelerate cellular repair from within.

NOTE:Our programme complements, rather than replaces, conventional Western dermatological care. For acute skin infections or medical emergencies, please seek immediate medical attention. Our registered physicians will refer you to Western healthcare providers whenever clinically necessary.

Our Acne Management & Skin Health Physicians

PULSETCM-Physician-Dr-Sim-Beng-Joo
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Dr Sim Beng Joo

Advisor (Science & Strategy) / Consultant Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T1303003A
Gastrointestinal SyndromesPain ManagementSleep / Fatigue / Concentration Syndromes
Dr Tang
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Dr Kevin Tang

Consultant Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T0502026E
TCM OncologyPain ManagementGynecology
Physician Ong Fang Ying
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Physician Fang Ying

TCM Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T1303099F
Pain ManagementSports InjuriesGynaecology
Physician Ji Hui Jun
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Physician Ji Hui Jun

TCM Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T1002607G
Gynaecological IssuesWomen’s HealthDigestive Issues
Physician Yumi Yen
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Physician Yumi Yen

TCM Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T1002697B
Pain & Injury ManagementDry eye-related Issues and DisordersInternal Medicine
Physician Patricia Wang
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Physician Patricia Wang

TCM Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T1002687E
Eye ConditionsInternal MedicinePain Management
Physician Ng Yu Xiang
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Physician Ng Yu Xiang

TCM Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T2504104A
Internal MedicinePain & Injury ManagementBeauty and Aesthetic Care
Physician Judy
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Physician Judy Zhu

TCM Physician
TCMPB Reg No: T2203880F
Facial Beauty AcupunctureFacial Nerve ParalysisTCM Cosmetology

Testimonials & Patient Success Stories

My cystic acne has improved significantly with the treatments (Acupuncture and medication)
Patricia Tan
The TCM treatments on the facial area have significantly improved the acne problem and texture of my skin. The acupuncture was gentle yet effective, resulting in a noticeable reduction in acne and improved overall skin condition. The treatment also looked at my overall health and managed to resolve my long time migraine.
Yokie Ong
Been going to PULSE for more than a year now for facial acupuncture with Phy Ong who will answer all your queries. It is relaxing and have recommended to several friends!
Winona Tan

Frequently asked questions

How does TCM treat acne differently from conventional Western dermatology?

Conventional treatments often use topical creams or medication to target surface bacteria and clear active sebum. TCM looks deeper. Our focus is on identifying and correcting the internal systemic imbalances—such as accumulated body heat or a sluggish digestive system—that cause breakouts in the first place. By combining acupuncture with custom herbs and physician-formulated supplements, we address both the internal root cause and external skin symptoms simultaneously.

Is it suitable for all acne types?

This programme is most effective for skin with active acne and acne marks. For pitted acne scars, more cycles may be required to boost collagen production.This programme is most effective for skin with active acne and acne marks. For pitted acne scars, more cycles may be required to boost collagen production.

What should I expect during my first acne management session?

Your first session begins with an in-depth consultation. Our registered physicians will use traditional diagnostic methods, including pulse reading, tongue analysis, and acne face mapping, to determine your unique body constitution. After identifying your specific internal imbalances, your physician will customize a targeted treatment plan for you, which may include body and facial acupuncture on the same day.

Does facial and body acupuncture for acne hurt?

Most patients find the treatment highly comfortable and relaxing. We use single-use, medical-grade needles that are incredibly thin—often comparable to a strand of hair. While you may feel a brief, mild tingling sensation or a slight dull ache (known as De Qi) when the needles are inserted, it is not painful. Our physicians are highly skilled and will adjust their technique to match your personal comfort level.

How many sessions will it take before I see visible improvements in my skin?

Because skin cell cycles naturally take time and everyone’s body constitution is unique, results vary. Many patients notice a reduction in acute redness and swelling within 2 to 3 sessions. However, for chronic or hormonal acne, we generally recommend a structured programme of 10 sessions to fully rebalance your internal systems and break the cycle of recurring breakouts.

Is there any downtime after an acne acupuncture session?

There is absolutely no downtime required, and you can return to your regular daily activities immediately. You may experience some minor, temporary skin pinkness at the needle insertion sites, which typically fades within an hour. On rare occasions, minor localized bruising may occur, but this is completely harmless and clears up quickly on its own.

Are your herbal medicines and daily skin supplements safe?

Yes, your safety is our utmost priority. All custom herbal formulas prescribed by our physicians and all our in-house skin supplements are processed under strict quality controls and adhere firmly to Singapore’s safety regulations. They are derived from high-quality, natural ingredients designed to clear systemic heat and protect your skin barrier without the harsh side effects often associated with strong synthetic medications.

Find an Acne Management TCM Clinic Near You

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PULSE TCM Clinic Marina Bay Link MallMARINA BAY LINK MALLTCM Clinic
PULSE TCM Clinic Paragon OrchardPARAGONTCM Clinic
PULSE TCM Clinic MILLENIA WALKMILLENIA WALKTCM Clinic
PULSE TCM Clinic RAFFLES PLACE - Collyer Quay CentreRAFFLES PLACECollyer Quay Centre
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    References

    • Law, M. P., Chuh, A. A., Molinari, N., & Lee, A. (2010). An investigation of the association between diet and occurrence of acne: a rational approach from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective. Clinical and experimental dermatology, 35(1), 31–35. [ PMID: 19549242 | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03360.x ]
      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19549242/
    • Chen, H. Y., Lin, Y. H., & Chen, Y. C. (2016). Identifying Chinese herbal medicine network for treating acne: Implications from a nationwide database. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 179, 1–8. [ PMID: 26721214 | DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.032 ]
      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26721214/
    • Huang, H., Liu, Y., Wu, S., Zhao, D., Zheng, H., & Zhu, M. (2025). Current state of research on acupuncture for acne: a scoping review. Frontiers in physiology, 16, 1661850. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1661850 | PMCID: PMC12532008 PMID: 41113620
    • Sheng, Y., Zheng, X., & Xu, J. (2026). Anti-acne mechanisms of Yuqingyan, a novel multi-herbal formula derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 358, 121002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.121002 | PMID: 41349703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.121002
    PULSETCM-Physician-Dr-Sim-Beng-Joo
    Reviewed by: Dr Sim Beng Joo
    Advisor (Science & Strategy) / Consultant Physician TCMPB T1303003A

    Dr Sim Beng Joo is a fully MOH-licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, registered with the Singapore TCMPB.

    Expertise: Gastrointestinal Syndromes Pain Management Sleep / Fatigue / Concentration Syndromes

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    Note: The information shared is based on clinical experience and TCM principles. This is for educational sharing and should not replace a personalized consultation. Always speak to your healthcare provider before starting new treatments.