Online Acne Treatment

You start by completing a private online consultation about your acne, where it affects you, how severe it is, previous treatments, medical history, current medicines, allergies and pregnancy or breastfeeding status where relevant. Your answers are reviewed by an appropriate healthcare professional. Treatment is supplied only if it is clinically suitable, safe and appropriate.

Suitability depends on your age, acne severity, the type and location of your spots, previous treatments, scarring risk, medical history, current medicines, allergies and pregnancy or breastfeeding status. Some people need GP or dermatology assessment instead of online treatment.

Depending on clinical suitability, treatment may include topical options such as benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, azelaic acid or combination gels, and in some cases an oral antibiotic alongside appropriate topical treatment. The exact option depends on the clinical assessment and the treatments available through the service.

You may need to provide how long you have had acne, the areas affected, whether you have blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots, nodules or scarring, previous treatments, current medicines, allergies, other skin conditions and pregnancy or breastfeeding status where relevant.

Yes. Supply may be declined if the requested treatment is unsuitable, important information is missing, there are contraindications or interactions, acne is severe or scarring, or GP or dermatology review would be more appropriate.

Yes. Your consultation is handled confidentially. Information is used to assess suitability, support safe prescribing and supply, and provide appropriate aftercare advice.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition involving blocked hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It can cause blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots, pustules, nodules and sometimes cyst-like lesions, most often on the face, chest and back.

Acne is linked to excess sebum, blockage of hair follicles, inflammation and activity of skin bacteria within affected follicles. Hormonal changes can also influence acne. It is not simply caused by poor hygiene.

Nodules are larger, deeper and often painful inflammatory lesions. Nodular acne has a greater risk of permanent scarring and may need GP or specialist dermatology assessment rather than routine online treatment.

Seek further assessment if acne is severe, painful or nodular, is causing or likely to cause scarring, has not responded to appropriate treatment, is affecting your mental wellbeing significantly, or if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Yes. Acne can cause permanent scarring, particularly when inflammation is severe, nodules are present or acne continues for a long time. Early effective treatment can help reduce the risk of further scarring.

Yes. Acne can affect confidence, mood, social life and emotional wellbeing. If acne is causing significant distress, low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm, seek appropriate medical support rather than relying only on skin treatment.

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical acne treatment that reduces acne-causing bacteria, helps unblock pores and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It can be used alone or as part of combination treatment for suitable patients.

Use benzoyl peroxide exactly as directed and apply it to acne-prone affected areas rather than only individual spots unless your instructions say otherwise. Starting less frequently may help if your skin is sensitive.

Yes. Dryness, redness, peeling, burning or stinging can occur, especially when treatment is started. If irritation is troublesome, a clinician may advise reducing frequency, using short-contact application or pausing treatment temporarily.

Yes. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, towels, bedding and clothing. Wash your hands after application and allow the product to dry before it touches fabrics.

Acne treatment is not immediate. Improvement usually develops gradually over several weeks, and first-line acne treatment is commonly reviewed after about 12 weeks to assess response and side effects.

Adapalene is a topical retinoid used to treat acne. It helps normalise the way skin cells are shed inside follicles, reducing blocked pores and helping prevent new comedones and inflamed lesions.

Adapalene is commonly applied as a thin layer to acne-affected areas, often in the evening. Follow the instructions supplied with your treatment and avoid applying it to broken, sunburnt or severely irritated skin.

Yes. Dryness, redness, burning, stinging and peeling can occur, particularly during the first weeks. Starting on alternate days or with short-contact application may reduce irritation in some patients before progressing if tolerated.

Topical retinoids such as adapalene should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. Tell the clinical team if you are pregnant, could be pregnant or are planning pregnancy before treatment is supplied.

Improvement develops gradually and acne may not look better straight away. Treatment is usually assessed over a number of weeks, with first-line therapy commonly reviewed at around 12 weeks.

Epiduo is a fixed combination acne gel containing adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. The ingredients work in different ways to reduce blocked pores, bacteria and inflammation. It is suitable only when clinically appropriate.

No. Epiduo contains adapalene, a topical retinoid, and should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. Pregnancy status must be declared during the consultation.

Duac is a topical combination containing clindamycin, an antibiotic, and benzoyl peroxide. It is used for suitable patients with inflammatory acne and combines antibacterial action with the effects of benzoyl peroxide.

Treclin is a topical combination containing tretinoin, a retinoid, and clindamycin, an antibiotic. It may be used for suitable acne patients after assessment and carries the precautions associated with topical retinoids and antibiotics.

Do not combine prescription acne products unless a healthcare professional has advised you to do so. Using overlapping retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics or other irritating products can increase side effects or duplicate treatment.

Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or lymecycline may be considered for moderate to severe acne, usually alongside an appropriate topical treatment. They should not be used as the only acne treatment.

Using an oral antibiotic alone is not recommended because combination treatment is more appropriate and helps reduce antimicrobial-resistance concerns. NICE also advises against combining an oral antibiotic with a topical antibiotic.

Antibiotic-containing treatment should be reviewed regularly. First-line treatment is commonly reviewed at 12 weeks, and antibiotic treatment should not routinely continue for prolonged periods without a clear clinical reason and review.

Yes. Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity in some people. Use appropriate sun protection, avoid excessive sun exposure and follow the advice supplied with your medicine.

Oral tetracyclines such as doxycycline and lymecycline are contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy must be declared before an oral acne antibiotic is considered.

Side effects vary by antibiotic but can include stomach upset, diarrhoea, nausea, headache, thrush, swallowing irritation or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Read the medicine information supplied and seek advice for severe or concerning symptoms.

Treatment depends on severity and can include benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, azelaic acid, fixed combination gels and, for moderate to severe acne, an oral antibiotic together with appropriate topical therapy. Severe or treatment-resistant acne may need specialist care.

Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that can help reduce blocked pores and inflammation in acne. It may be considered when other topical options are unsuitable or as part of a treatment plan for suitable patients.

Acne improves gradually. NICE recommends reviewing first-line treatment at 12 weeks, considering improvement, side effects and whether a different or additional treatment is needed.

Use a gentle, non-alkaline skin cleanser rather than harsh scrubs or abrasive products. Over-washing and aggressive exfoliation can irritate the skin and make treatment harder to tolerate.

Yes. A non-comedogenic moisturiser can help manage dryness and irritation from acne treatment. Choose products labelled as non-comedogenic or oil-free where possible.

Online treatment may not be suitable for severe nodular or cystic acne, acne with significant scarring or high scarring risk, uncertain diagnosis, major treatment complications, important contraindications, or acne associated with significant mental-health concerns requiring direct assessment.

Urgent medical help is needed for a severe allergic reaction or serious medicine reaction. Specialist dermatology assessment may be appropriate for severe nodular acne, acne at risk of permanent scarring, treatment-resistant acne or where oral isotretinoin may be required.

Stop using the topical retinoid and contact an appropriate healthcare professional for advice. Do not restart it unless you have been specifically advised that it is safe to do so.

Stop or reduce treatment according to the advice provided and contact the pharmacy, prescriber or GP if you develop severe redness, swelling, blistering, pain or persistent irritation. Seek urgent help for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Yes. Other retinoids, exfoliating acids, abrasive scrubs, alcohol-based products and strongly drying treatments can increase irritation. Tell the clinician about medicated skin products and prescription or over-the-counter acne treatments you already use.

Tell the clinician if you are developing scars or have painful deep lesions. Scarring risk can justify earlier escalation or specialist referral rather than repeatedly trying routine treatment without review.

Acne can have a significant psychological impact. Tell a healthcare professional if it is causing marked distress, anxiety or low mood. If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of harming yourself, seek urgent medical help.

If treatment is approved, medicine is dispensed and dispatched using discreet packaging. Delivery is subject to clinical approval, dispensing checks, stock and courier availability.

Repeat supply may be possible, but it should not be automatic. Acne treatment needs review to check improvement, side effects, adherence and whether antibiotics or other medicines should be stopped, continued or changed.

Yes, a treatment change may be considered after review if acne has not improved sufficiently, side effects are troublesome or a different option is more suitable. Do not combine or switch prescription products without appropriate advice.

If there is little or no improvement after an adequate treatment course, seek review. The next step may be another appropriate first-line option, escalation for moderate to severe acne or referral if acne is severe, scarring or treatment-resistant.

Contact the pharmacy, prescriber or GP if side effects are severe, persistent or worrying. Treatment may need to be reduced, paused or changed depending on the medicine and reaction.