Acne treatment

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a type of acid that has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. When applied in a cream or gel it kills bacteria on the skin, reducing the risk of infection and helping to prevent the development of blackheads and whiteheads.

Topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide are available over the counter in pharmacies. This means that you don’t require a prescription to buy them. One popular over-the-counter acne product containing benozyl peroxide is Acnecide 5%.

Other products containing benzoyl peroxide, such as Duac Once Daily, are available only with a prescription from your GP. You should speak to a doctor about whether these are right for you.

Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) is a form of vitamin B3, which has an anti-inflammatory effect when applied directly to the skin. As with benzoyl peroxide, nicotinamide is often found in over-the-counter topical treatments.

The most popular acne treatment containing nicotinamide is Freederm. Freederm is an anti-inflammatory treatment formulated with a clinically active vitamin B complex that can reduce inflamed red spots. It’s ideal for those experiencing mild to moderate acne, speak to a pharmacist today to find out if this treatment is right for you.

Nicotinamide/niacinamide is an ingredient commonly found in skincare products tailored towards people with acne. Many of the products containing this ingredient can be purchased freely without the need to speak to a pharmacist or doctor. However some are only available with a prescription.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a topical acne treatment similar to benzoyl peroxide. It works by killing bacteria and getting rid of dead skin, which helps prevent the development of spots.

You might find azelaic acid listed as an ingredient in skincare products, but it’s most effective as a prescription treatment at a concentration of 15 or 20%.

Topical retinoids

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and work by removing dead skin cells. They help to prevent the hair follicles becoming clogged, which in turn stops spots forming.

As with the other treatments listed above, topical retinoids are available with and without a prescription. Retinoids used in skincare products are low-strength and usually referred to as “retinol” or “retinaldehyde”.

Prescription-strength retinoids include tretinoin and adapalene.

Topical antibiotics

Topical antibiotics are antibiotics that come in a gel or cream form. They are applied directly to affected skin and work by killing bacteria, and thereby preventing infection.

Topical antibiotics are usually only prescribed in a short course of six to eight weeks. If you use them for longer the bacteria on your skin could become resistant to the treatment.

Antibiotic tablets

Antibiotic tablets are a treatment for severe acne. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with a topical treatment. Courses of oral antibiotics can last for four to six months.

Combined contraceptive pill

The combined pill is often recommended to women who are experiencing acne symptoms. It’s been observed that the combined pill (which contains synthetic versions of progesterone and oestrogen) helps to reduce acne symptoms. Our Online Doctor may recommend this treatment to you as part of the acne online assessment if deemed appropriate.

For women with severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments, a specific contraceptive pill called Co-cyprindiol may be prescribed. This medicine is primarily used to treat acne and hirsutism, which means it’s not appropriate for use as a hormonal contraceptive alone.

Isotretinoin capsules

Isotretinoin capsules are a treatment for severe acne. Because this acne treatment can have serious side effects, it is prescription only, and can only be taken with the guidance and supervision of a doctor As regular monitoring is required.

Isotretinoin capsules are very effective in treating severe acne – around 80% of people have clearer skin after four months of treatment*.