Acne
What causes acne, what you can do, and help from a UK-registered prescriber.
Get treated from £18.00
A prescriber decides if treatment is right for you. No prescription is guaranteed.
Select your product
Benzoyl Peroxide gel (generic Acnecide)
- Fast-acting antibacterial - kills acne-causing bacteria
- Unblocks pores and reduces inflammation
- Flexible use - spot treat or apply to whole face
- Works well alone or combined with other treatments
Start with £18.00
Get startedRecommend a treatment
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Our clinicians will recommend the best treatment based on your skin type, acne severity, and medical history
Free expert consultation - only pay for your prescription
Most patients receive their recommendation within 1 working day
Start with £20.00
Get startedAdapalene gel (generic Differin)
- Prevents breakouts before they start - targets root cause of acne
- Reduces blackheads, whiteheads and inflammation
- Safe for long-term use - maintain clear skin over time
- Results visible in 8-12 weeks
Start with £30.00
Get startedDuac gel
- Fast-acting treatment for moderate to severe acne
- Combines two ingredients - kills bacteria and unclocks pores
- For short-term use - maximum 12 weeks (prescription antibiotic)
- Best for inflammatory acne and stubborn breakouts
Start with £33.00
Get startedEpiduo
- Gold standard combination - most prescribed acne treatment in UK
- Prevents and treats - stops new breakouts while clearing existing spots
- Two powerful ingredients work together for faster results
- Suitable for long-term use
Start with £44.00
Get startedAbout Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots. It can range from mild, with a few spots, to severe, with deep, painful lumps under the skin. It usually affects the face, chest and back.
Acne is very common, especially in teenagers, but it can carry on into adulthood or start later in life. Hormone changes, such as during puberty, periods, pregnancy and the menopause, can all trigger it.
Yes. There are many treatments, from products you can buy at a pharmacy to stronger prescription creams, gels and tablets. Most take several weeks to work.
How it works
- 1
Tell us about your skin
Questions about your acne, photos, what you have tried, your health and any pregnancy plans.
About 5 minutes
- 2
A prescriber reviews your answers
A prescriber reviews your answers and tells you if you need a GP or specialist.
- 3
The decision
If suitable, a pharmacy supplies it for collection or delivery.
2-3 days delivery
- See if you're eligible
Frequently asked questions
Start with a gentle skincare routine and pharmacy gels, creams or washes. If that does not help after several weeks, a GP or prescriber can discuss stronger treatments.
Several weeks. Your prescriber will tell you what to expect and when to review your treatment.
Acne triggered or made worse by hormone changes, such as around periods, pregnancy, the menopause or conditions like PMOS. The combined pill can help some women. A GP or prescriber can advise.
Acne with nodules and cysts: larger, painful lumps under the skin. It is more likely to scar, so see a GP, who may refer you to a dermatologist.
Treating acne early, and not picking or squeezing spots, is the best way to prevent scars. For scars you already have, a GP can refer you to a dermatologist. Treatments such as laser treatment, chemical peels and dermabrasion are usually done privately, as they are not normally available on the NHS.
The same treatments work on the body as on the face. Wear loose, breathable clothing, especially when exercising. See a GP if spots are deep, painful or scarring.
Yes, for mild acne they are among the treatments the NHS suggests you try first. Ask a pharmacist which product suits your skin.
Some acne treatments must not be used in pregnancy. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
If self-care has not helped, if your acne is severe, scarring or infected, or if it is affecting your mood.
There is no single best treatment. It depends on your type of acne, your skin and your health. In an online consultation, a UK-registered prescriber asks about your skin, photos and decides what is suitable, or tells you to see a GP.
So-called fungal acne is not true acne. It is a yeast infection of the hair follicles, often itchy, small and even-sized bumps on the chest, back or forehead, and it is treated differently from acne. A pharmacist or GP can advise.
Get help with acne
A prescriber decides if treatment is right for you. No prescription is guaranteed.
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