Guide · Skin clinic Singapore
Skin clinic in Singapore skin doctor, dermatologist, aesthetic clinic or salon: where to start
'Skin clinic' can mean a GP, a dermatologist's practice, an aesthetic clinic or even a beauty salon. Here is what each one does in Singapore, who may call themselves a skin specialist, and where to start for common skin concerns.
Quick answer
- A skin clinic in Singapore is a practice where a doctor examines and treats skin, usually a GP clinic, a dermatologist's clinic or an aesthetic clinic, and each must hold a Ministry of Health licence. Beauty salons and facial spas also offer skin care, but they cannot diagnose, prescribe, inject or use medical lasers.
- A skin specialist in Singapore is a dermatologist: only doctors on the Singapore Medical Council's Register of Specialists may use a specialist title. See one for skin disease such as hard-to-control eczema or psoriasis, severe or scarring acne, a changing mole or patchy hair loss.
- An aesthetic clinic is where a doctor treats appearance concerns such as acne scars, pigmentation, lines and sagging, with prescriptions, lasers, injectables and energy-based devices. A salon suits facials, waxing and upkeep.
- SkinRev Lab is an aesthetic clinic at CityLink Mall, City Hall, open daily 11am to 8pm. Skin concerns there are seen by Dr Sin Yong, a registered doctor with an MSc in Practical Dermatology; he is not a dermatologist, and he will tell you when you need one.
What it means
What a skin clinic in Singapore can mean
People search for a skin clinic, a skin doctor or a skin care clinic when they want help with their skin, but the words cover very different places. Any clinic where a doctor examines or treats you must hold an Outpatient Medical Service licence from the Ministry of Health under the Healthcare Services Act. That includes GP clinics, dermatologists' practices and aesthetic clinics.
Names such as 'skin care centre', 'skin studio' or 'beauty clinic' are used loosely, and some places that use them have no doctor at all. The name alone does not tell you who will see you, so ask, and ask whether the premises are licensed for medical treatment.
Matching the concern to the right place saves time and money: skin disease needs a doctor, often a dermatologist; appearance concerns can go to an aesthetic clinic; and many upkeep treatments need no doctor at all.
Side by side
GP, dermatologist, aesthetic clinic and beauty salon compared
The table shows the usual roles. Many people use more than one: a GP or dermatologist for skin disease, an aesthetic clinic for cosmetic concerns once the skin is healthy, and a salon for upkeep.
| GP clinic | Dermatologist | Aesthetic clinic | Beauty salon or spa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who sees you | A registered doctor in general practice | A doctor on the SMC Register of Specialists for dermatology | A registered doctor; trained therapists for non-medical treatments | Beauty therapists |
| Diagnoses and prescribes | Yes | Yes, including complex skin disease | Yes; the focus is appearance | No |
| Typical work | Rashes, infections, mild acne, a first look at moles, referrals | Eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer checks, severe acne, hair and nail disease | Acne scars, pigmentation, lines, sagging and unwanted hair, with lasers, injectables and prescriptions | Facials, waxing, brows and massage |
| MOH licence | Yes | Yes, at the clinic or hospital where they practise | Yes | No; not a medical service |
| Public subsidy | Polyclinic fees are subsidised for residents | At the National Skin Centre, with an eligible referral | Not subsidised | Not subsidised |
Skin specialist
Skin specialist or skin doctor: what the titles mean
In Singapore, 'specialist' is a regulated title. The Singapore Medical Council says that doctors listed in its Register of Specialists can use the title 'Specialist' followed by their specialty, or their approved specialist title; for dermatology, that title is dermatologist. To be listed, a doctor must first be accredited by the Specialists Accreditation Board.
'Skin doctor' has no formal meaning. It may refer to a dermatologist, a GP who sees a lot of skin problems, or a doctor whose practice is aesthetic medicine. Aesthetic practice is not a recognised specialty, and SMC guidelines do not allow titles such as 'aesthetic dermatologist' or 'aesthetic physician'.
To check a doctor, search their name on the SMC's Search for Registered Doctors; a dermatologist's specialist registration in dermatology is shown there.
Dermatologist first
When to see a dermatologist, or your GP first
See a dermatologist, or start with your GP or a polyclinic, for any of the following. Seek urgent care for a rash that spreads quickly with fever, blistering or peeling skin, or for swelling of the lips or face.
- A mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, or that itches, bleeds or crusts.
- A new mark or sore that has not healed after a few weeks.
- Eczema or psoriasis that is not controlled with your current treatment.
- Acne that is painful, deep or scarring, or not improving after a few months of good care.
- Hair loss in patches, or with a red, scaly or sore scalp.
- Hives, rashes or itching that keep coming back without a clear cause.
Aesthetic clinic
When an aesthetic clinic is the right place
Once skin disease has been ruled out or treated, an aesthetic clinic is the usual place for appearance concerns: acne scars, post-acne marks, pigmentation and melasma, enlarged pores, fine lines, volume loss, sagging, and unwanted hair you want reduced with laser.
There a doctor can combine prescription creams, medical lasers, injectables, energy-based lifting and procedures such as subcision, and can assess and remove benign growths such as skin tags. A doctor at an aesthetic clinic should still send you to a dermatologist or your GP when a concern needs a diagnosis.
Beauty salon
When a facial or a beauty salon is enough
Plenty of skin goals need no doctor: congestion and blackheads, dullness, dehydration, upkeep between medical treatments, waxing and brows. Regular facials, sensible home care and daily sunscreen go a long way in Singapore's heat and strong UV.
What a salon cannot do is diagnose, prescribe, inject or use class 4 medical lasers, which the National Environment Agency allows only registered doctors to operate. If a salon offers any of these, go elsewhere.
Where to start
Common skin concerns: where to start
Use the table as a starting point, not a diagnosis. The concern pages linked below explain each one in more detail.
| Concern | Start with | Also consider |
|---|---|---|
| Mild acne and blackheads | A facial to clear congestion, or your GP | A doctor if spots become painful or widespread |
| Severe, cystic or scarring acne | A GP or dermatologist | Prescription treatment is usually needed |
| Acne scars | An aesthetic doctor or dermatologist | Surface treatments only as support |
| Post-acne marks (PIH) | Time and sun protection; an aesthetic doctor if they persist | Gentle facials as support; aggressive treatment can darken marks |
| Melasma | A doctor: an aesthetic doctor or dermatologist | Daily sunscreen; brightening facials only as support |
| Redness that flushes or lingers | A doctor, to confirm whether it is rosacea | Calming facials as support |
| Moles, skin tags and warts | A doctor first | Removal only after assessment, never at a salon |
| Eczema, psoriasis, recurring rashes | A GP or polyclinic, then a dermatologist | Gentle skin care without added fragrance |
| Hair loss | A GP or doctor first, to find the cause | Scalp care or micropigmentation for appearance |
Skin doctor at City Hall
Skin clinic Singapore: seeing a skin doctor at City Hall
SkinRev Lab is an aesthetic clinic at #B1-28 CityLink Mall, 1 Raffles Link, on the underground link between City Hall and Esplanade MRT. It operates as SkinRev Clinic, an MOH-licensed clinic, and is open daily, 11am to 8pm, including Sundays and public holidays.
Skin concerns there are seen by Dr Sin Yong, a registered doctor whose practice is aesthetic medicine. He holds MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh) and an MSc in Practical Dermatology (Cardiff). He is not a dermatologist: an MSc is a postgraduate degree, not specialist registration, so when skin disease needs a specialist he will advise you to see a dermatologist or your GP.
Doctor-led skin treatments, such as prescription creams, medical lasers, injectables and scar procedures, are priced at consultation. Non-medical skin treatments, such as HydraFacial Syndeo, SKINLDM and the Rejuran® PDRN Facial, are done by trained therapists at listed prices.
Near you
Skin clinic near me: checks before you book
Before you book any skin clinic near you, check the points below. If you work or live around City Hall, SkinRev Lab is reached underground from City Hall MRT (Exit C) and Esplanade MRT (Exit D), and from Raffles City, Marina Square and Suntec City; Raffles Place and Bugis are one MRT stop from City Hall.
- The clinic is licensed for medical treatment, and the doctor is on the SMC register.
- If you want a dermatologist, the register shows their specialist registration in dermatology.
- You can return easily: skin treatment usually means a review, and often a course.
- The doctor, not only the clinic, is available when you can come, especially in the evening or at weekends.
- You are given the exact price, and know what aftercare and reviews are included, before treatment.
Sources
References & sources
- Singapore Medical Council. Titles approved for use (last updated 2 November 2025), with Annex A: Officially Recognized Specialities in Singapore and their Specialist Titles (revised 1 November 2025).
- Singapore Medical Council. Specialist registration.
- Singapore Medical Council. Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors (2016 edition).
- National Skin Centre (NHG Health). General clinics.
- Ministry of Health, Singapore. Healthcare Services Act: Outpatient Medical Service.
- National Environment Agency, Singapore. Advisory on sale, distribution, possession and use of non-ionising irradiating apparatus controlled under the Radiation Protection Act 2007.
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
What is the difference between a skin clinic and a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a doctor on the Singapore Medical Council's Register of Specialists for dermatology. 'Skin clinic' is a looser term: it may be a dermatologist's practice, a GP clinic or an aesthetic clinic, so check who will see you.
Is a skin doctor the same as a skin specialist?
Not necessarily. 'Skin doctor' is informal and can mean any doctor who treats skin. 'Specialist' is a regulated title in Singapore: for skin, it means a dermatologist listed on the SMC Register of Specialists.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist in Singapore?
Not for a private dermatologist, whom you can book directly. For a subsidised appointment at the National Skin Centre, Singapore citizens and permanent residents need a referral from a polyclinic, a CHAS clinic (for CHAS cardholders) or a subsidised public clinic; cosmetic conditions are not subsidised.
Is there a skin clinic near me around City Hall?
SkinRev Lab is an aesthetic clinic at #B1-28 CityLink Mall, 1 Raffles Link, on the underground link between City Hall MRT and Esplanade MRT. It is open daily, 11am to 8pm.
Is the doctor at SkinRev Lab a dermatologist?
No. Dr Sin Yong is a registered doctor whose practice is aesthetic medicine, with an MSc in Practical Dermatology from Cardiff University. He is not on the Register of Specialists for dermatology, and he will advise you to see a dermatologist when a concern needs one.
Can a beauty salon treat acne or pigmentation?
A salon can offer facials that help mild congestion, but it cannot diagnose, prescribe or use medical lasers. Painful, widespread or scarring acne, and melasma, need a doctor.
What is a skin care clinic or a beauty clinic?
The terms are used loosely in Singapore. Some are licensed clinics with a doctor; others are salons offering facials. Ask who will treat you and whether the premises are licensed for medical treatment.
Is SkinRev Lab open on Sunday?
Yes. It is open every day, 11am to 8pm, including Sundays and public holidays. Book ahead on WhatsApp, +65 8266 9585, and say if you would like to see the doctor.
How much does a skin treatment at SkinRev Lab cost?
Doctor-led treatments are priced at consultation, after Dr Sin Yong has assessed you. Non-medical treatments have listed prices, for example SKINLDM with a basic facial at S$288, before GST.