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TCM for Clear Skin & Holistic Acne Management

Reclaim Skin Confidence. Soothe Active Inflammation. Restore Internal Balance.

Struggling with persistent breakouts or stubborn acne marks?

At PULSE TCM, we treat acne at its root by addressing the underlying causes to help regulate sebum production, calm inflammation, and support clearer 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 identifying and addressing the root causes of acne to promote long-term skin clarity, strengthen skin resilience, and support a naturally 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 acne programme is built on a core TCM principle: “Regulating the Interior to Clear the Exterior.” Start your journey with our MOH-registered physicians to assess your unique body constitution and address the underlying systemic imbalances contributing to 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: 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

Traditional face mapping is a TCM diagnostic method that helps identify potential internal imbalances linked to recurring breakouts, allowing us to develop a targeted and personalised treatment plan.

Internal Triggers Behind Chronic Breakouts

Lung Heat

Typically appears as small, red, scattered bumps on the forehead and cheeks, often accompanied by dry skin and sensitivity to sudden changes in temperature.

Heat Dampness

Deep, oily, painful cystic breakouts that take longer to heal. This is often associated with digestive imbalances and difficulty processing rich, greasy, or sugary foods.

Liver Qi Stagnation

Recurring stress-induced breakouts along the jawline and chin that tend to flare up cyclically, often associated by poor sleep and emotional stress.

Yin Deficiency

Persistent, low-grade breakouts or dry, inflamed skin that repeatedly returns when the body lacks sufficient cooling fluids to balance internal heat.

Our Holistic TCM Approach to Healthy Skin

Every treatment plan is personalised by our TCM physicians based on your unique body constitution and health needs:

Targeted Acne Acupuncture

A dual-action approach using body acupuncture to address internal heat and facial acupuncture to stimulate microcirculation, helping reduce local swelling and accelerate 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 PULSE physicians, these targeted daily supplements complement your clinical treatments by supporting skin repair and strengthening your skin barrier from within.

Your Clear Skin Roadmap

Every skin journey is unique but with the right treatment. Here’s what you can typically expect at each stage of your journey:

Phase 01

Control & Calm

This initial phase focuses on assessing your unique body constitution and targeting active flare-ups through targeted acne acupuncture and personalised herbal medicine.

  • Focus: Calm breakouts and regulate excess sebum (oil) production.
  • What you'll notice: A visible reduction in the swelling and redness of active acne lesions, alongside more balanced, less oily skin.

Phase 02

With active breakouts under control, the focus shifts to restoring internal balance and supporting the skin’s natural repair process. This may help strengthen the digestive tract, promote healthier skin cell renewal, and reduce any stubborn post-acne marks.

  • Focus: Improving underlying organ disharmonies to help prevent new breakouts while promoting the skin's natural healing process.
  • What you'll notice: A significant drop in new breakouts, smoother skin texture, and a gradual fading of dark spots and blemish marks.

Phase 03

Build skin resilience for long-term skin clarity. In this final phase, periodic maintenance treatments and personalised dietary adjustments help strengthen your skin barrier, maintain internal balance, and reduce the risk of lifestyle- and stress-related flare-ups.

  • Focus: Maintaining internal balance to help protect your skin from hormonal and environmental triggers.
  • What you'll notice: Long-term skin clarity, fewer recurring breakouts, improved digestive health, and skin that is more resilient to everyday stress.

Note: This treatment roadmap serves as a general guide. The recommended treatment plan, number of sessions, and treatment frequency will be personalised by our TCM physicians based on your unique body constitution, acne concerns and severity.

The PULSE's 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.

NOTE: For acute skin infections or medical emergencies, please seek immediate medical attention. Our programme complements, rather than replaces, conventional Western dermatological care. Our registered physicians may 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 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?

Unlike conventional treatments that often uses topical creams or medication to target surface bacteria and clear active sebum. TCM focuses on identifying the internal imbalances contributing to acne, such as excess body heat or digestive dysfunction. With personalised TCM treatments, we help address these underlying causes while supporting clearer, healthier skin from within.

Is it suitable for all acne types?

This programme is most effective for skin with active acne and acne marks.

What should I expect during my first acne management session?

Your first session begins with an in-depth consultation. Our registered TCM physicians will use traditional diagnostic methods to assess your unique body constitution. Based on the assessment, physician will develop a personalised treatment plan.

If you agrees to proceed, both body and facial acupuncture treatments may be performed during the same visit.

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?

Many patients notice a reduction in redness and swelling within the first 2–3 treatment sessions. However, skin renewal takes time and every individual’s body constitution is unique, so results may vary, especially for chronic or hormonal acne.

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 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
Begin the journey to clearer skin and more confident you.
Book your appointment with a PULSE physician today.

Ready to regain your Skin balance? Let's Talk .

Clarity, personalised support, and actionable insights are just a consultation away. Secure your session today to gain expert physician guidance and start your path toward optimal skin health. Prefer to chat? Connect with a specialist on WhatsApp.

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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

    View full profile

    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.