Pharmacy treatments
Creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide can help mild acne. Start with a low strength, as it can dry and irritate the skin.
Prescription treatments
NICE recommends a 12 week course of one of these combinations:
- adapalene with benzoyl peroxide gel
- tretinoin with clindamycin gel
- benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin gel
For moderate or severe acne, you may be offered an antibiotic tablet, such as lymecycline or doxycycline, together with a cream or gel. Antibiotics should not be used alone, and should be reviewed after 3 months.
The combined contraceptive pill can help some women and girls.
Isotretinoin
If acne is severe, scarring, or not improving, you may be referred to a dermatologist for isotretinoin. Since 2023, there are extra safety checks, including a mental health check, and two prescribers must agree for people under 18.
Scarring
Early treatment is the best way to prevent scarring. Treatments for scars, such as laser, are not usually available on the NHS.
Common questions
What is isotretinoin?
It is a strong tablet for severe acne, prescribed only by a skin specialist. It works very well for many people, but can cause side effects, including dry skin and, rarely, mood changes. It can seriously harm an unborn baby, so a pregnancy prevention programme is needed.
Sources we used
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