Symptoms
Symptoms of acne
Acne is more than the odd spot. Describe where it is, whether spots are painful lumps, and whether you have scarring or pigmentation, as this changes which treatments are reasonable.
Treatments
Acne Treatment Online
Request acne treatment online from Private Pharmacy Care. A UK-registered clinician reviews your skin history, with discreet UK delivery if treatment is suitable.
Introduction
Treatment overview
Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots, oily skin and sometimes scarring. It can affect the face, chest and back, and it is not caused by poor hygiene.
Private Pharmacy Care can review prescription acne treatments after an online consultation. A clinician decides what is appropriate based on severity, your skin, and medicines you already use.
Effective plans often combine topical treatment, and sometimes oral medicines, with a simple skincare routine and sun protection.
The condition
What is acne?
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition of the hair follicles and oil glands. It causes blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and sometimes deeper lumps on the face, chest or back. It is not caused by poor hygiene or by eating one particular food, though some people notice their own triggers.
Hormones increase oil production, pores become blocked, and Cutibacterium acnes bacteria plus inflammation drive spots. It often starts in puberty but can continue or begin in adulthood. Picking and harsh scrubs increase the risk of marks and scars.
Private Pharmacy Care can review prescription topical treatments and, where appropriate, oral medicines after an online consultation. A clinician decides what is suitable. Completing a form does not guarantee a prescription. Improvement is usually gradual over several weeks. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Causes
Causes of acne
Acne develops when oil, dead skin cells and bacteria interact in a blocked follicle. Hormones, genetics and some medicines matter more than washing frequency.
Treatments
Available treatment options
UK acne care follows a stepped approach. A clinician chooses products based on severity, pregnancy risk and what you have already tried. This is a guide only. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription. Oral isotretinoin is a specialist medicine and is not supplied through a standard online acne form.
Products
Duac Gel
Duac Gel for mild to moderate acne: clindamycin plus benzoyl peroxide. Apply once daily in the evening. 3%…
Epiduo Gel
Epiduo Gel for moderate to severe acne: benzoyl peroxide plus adapalene. Apply once daily at bedtime. 0.1%/2.5% gel…
Treclin Gel
Treclin Gel for acne: clindamycin plus tretinoin. Apply once daily in the evening. £35 for 30g. Pharmacist review…
Benefits
Benefits and uses
Prescription acne treatments aim to reduce inflammation, unblock pores and limit bacteria involved in spots. Improvement is usually gradual over several weeks.
Treatment matched to your skin
Options can include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide combinations, topical antibiotics used correctly, or oral medicines where appropriate.
Help with persistent acne
If pharmacy or supermarket products have not been enough, a clinician can consider prescription-strength care.
Clearer routine
You will get directions on how to apply or take treatment, and what to avoid (such as harsh scrubs).
Discreet supply
Approved medicines are dispensed and delivered in plain packaging.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Not every acne medicine is suitable in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or with certain medical conditions. Photos may be requested to support the review.
May be suitable if
- You have mild to moderate acne and can describe where it is and what you have already tried
- You can follow a daily application or tablet schedule
- You will use sunscreen and limit intense sun if your treatment increases sensitivity
- You are not pregnant, or you tell us immediately if you could be
May not be suitable if
- You need urgent care for very severe, widespread, or nodular acne with systemic illness — seek GP or specialist care
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and the proposed medicine is not safe in that situation
- You have a known allergy to a proposed ingredient
- You are already using other prescription acne treatments that could duplicate or interact
A clinician decides whether treatment is appropriate. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Start a consultation
Ready to check acne treatment options?
Complete a short online consultation. A UK-registered clinician reviews your answers before any treatment is supplied.
- UK-registered clinician review
- Confidential online consultation
- Discreet UK delivery
How it works
How it works
Topical retinoids help skin cells turn over and keep pores clearer. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and drying effects. Oral options, when used, work throughout the body and need extra safety checks. Most people need 6–12 weeks to judge a fair response.
-
Complete a consultation
Answer a short, confidential questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history and current medicines.
-
Clinician review
A UK-registered clinician reviews your answers to check the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
-
Dispensing and delivery
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses the medicine and sends it in discreet UK packaging.
-
Support if you need it
Questions after you start treatment? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
Safety
Safety information
Some acne treatments make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds.
Oral retinoids such as isotretinoin are specialist medicines and are not supplied through a standard online acne form. We will tell you if you need GP or dermatology referral.
- Tell us if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Do not use more than directed — over-application increases irritation.
- Avoid combining several strong actives unless advised, as this can damage the skin barrier.
- Seek medical advice for severe irritation, swelling, or signs of infection.
Side effects
Side effects
Dryness, redness and peeling are common at the start of topical treatment. They often improve if you ease in as directed.
- Redness, dryness or peeling Use a simple moisturiser and reduce frequency if advised. Contact us if it is severe.
- Stinging on application Usually short-lived. Stop if you blister or swell.
- Sun sensitivity Burn more easily. Daily SPF is important.
- Bleaching of fabrics (benzoyl peroxide) Let products dry and keep them off coloured towels and pillowcases.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with a medicine. This page is general information and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice.
Using treatment
How to take or use the treatment
Always follow the patient information leaflet and your dispensing label. Over-applying does not speed results and often inflames the skin. The steps below are general.
-
Introduce topicals gradually if advised
Many retinoids are used at night on clean, dry skin. A pea-sized amount is often enough for the whole face. If you have been told to use it every other night at first, do that.
-
Moisturise and use sunscreen
Apply a simple moisturiser to reduce dryness. Use daily SPF and avoid sunbeds. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and pillowcases — let it dry first.
-
Take tablets exactly as prescribed
Swallow antibiotics with a full glass of water. Some tetracyclines must not be taken with milk, antacids or iron at the same time. Complete the planned course unless you are told to stop.
-
Give it 6 to 12 weeks
Spots can look a little worse before they improve. Do not add extra acids, scrubs or several new actives at once. Contact us if irritation is severe.
Safety netting
When to seek medical advice
Dryness and peeling are expected at the start of many topical plans. Some reactions and types of acne need medical review rather than pushing through.
Seek urgent help (A&E) if
- A severe widespread rash, blistering, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing after starting a medicine — go to A&E.
- Acne with high fever, joint pain, or you are systemically very unwell — possible rare inflammatory syndromes; seek emergency care.
- Sudden swelling of the lips or eyes with wheeze after an oral antibiotic.
- Severe chemical burn–like pain, oozing erosion, or the skin breaking down where you applied treatment.
Contact a clinician or NHS 111 if
- You are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding — some acne medicines are unsafe; contact us and your GP or midwife.
- Irritation that is not settling with a moisturiser and reduced frequency, or the skin is cracked and sore.
- No improvement after a fair trial of several weeks, or new scarring is appearing.
- Low mood if you are on a medicine known to affect mental health, or acne is affecting your mental health — speak to a GP as well as us.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to see the answer. If you still need help, our team is ready to assist.
How long does acne treatment take to work?
Often several weeks. Spots can look a little worse before they improve. Stick with the plan unless side effects are severe.
Can I still use moisturiser and makeup?
Yes — choose non-comedogenic, simple products. Apply treatment as directed, then moisturiser if that is how you have been advised to layer them.
Will I get oral antibiotics?
Only if a clinician decides they are appropriate, usually for a limited time and often with a topical treatment to reduce resistance.
What about scarring?
Treating active acne helps reduce new scars. Established scars may need dermatology procedures, which this service does not provide.
Can teenagers use this service?
Supply depends on age, consent and clinical policy. Complete the consultation honestly; we will not prescribe if it is not appropriate.
Why choose us
Why choose Private Pharmacy Care?
A regulated UK pharmacy service with clinician review, discreet delivery and support if you have questions after treatment is supplied.
-
UK-registered clinicians
Every request is reviewed by a UK-registered clinician before a medicine can be prescribed.
-
Confidential consultations
Complete a private questionnaire from home. Your information is used to check that treatment is safe and appropriate.
-
Discreet UK dispensing
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses it and sends it in plain packaging.
-
Clear safety checks
We ask about your symptoms, medical history and other medicines. Completing a form does not guarantee a prescription.
-
Support after you order
Questions about side effects or how to take a medicine? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
-
Regulated pharmacy care
Private Pharmacy Care is a UK pharmacy service. Named clinicians and public register details are listed on our clinical team page.
Sources
References and medical sources
This page is general information for UK patients. It is not a substitute for the patient information leaflet or personalised clinical advice.
- NHS: Acne Patient-facing NHS guidance.
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries UK clinical reference used by healthcare professionals.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) UK Summaries of Product Characteristics and patient information leaflets.
- MHRA UK medicines regulator.
Request treatment
Consultation submitted
Thank you. Your consultation request is awaiting clinical review.
Ready when you are
Start your private healthcare request online.
Browse treatments, start a consultation, or contact the team first if you are unsure which option is right for you.