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Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. At Click2Pharmacy, our online acne clinic can prescribe acne treatments, including acne creams and gels, best suited to your personal needs and the condition of your skin.
Takes less than 5 minutes
100% confidential
UK registered & regulated
Please complete the consultation form before selecting your chosen treatment.
Complete our free online consultation for our pharmacists to review.
Choose your acne treatment & complete the checkout process.
Once approved, your medication is discreetly delivered to your door.
We offer a variety of delivery options including next day. Spend over £70 for FREE delivery.
We are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council & NHS registered.
Our pharmacy, clinic & prescribers are based in Greater Manchester.
There are several types of prescription acne medication for adults, and the best treatment for acne depends on its severity. Some people think there are quick-fix treatments for acne removal, but this is not the case, and acne treatments should be used carefully following all instructions from your prescriber and the patient information leaflet for your specific acne medication.
Most sufferers of mild acne should use spot treatment products which are applied directly to the acne spots. If acne symptoms are mild, they can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne treatment. These mild face acne treatments do not require a prescription, but they typically contain benzoyl peroxide, which works by preventing dead skin skills from blocking pores and hair follicles. There are numerous Benzoyl Peroxide spot treatment products such as Acnecide, a facial acne gel containing benzoyl peroxide.
Moderate to severe acne treatment usually requires a prescription acne cream medication containing much higher levels of benzoyl peroxide and other active ingredients or oral antibiotics.
There is a wide range of prescription acne medications available for effectively treating acne, from topical antibiotic creams and tablets to combined treatments, depending on the severity of your acne.
Oral antibiotics may be required to treat bacteria caused by acne. Prescription antibiotics for acne can be used alongside other acne treatments, like acne creams and gels, but make sure your pharmacist or GP has advised you on how to use these together so you don’t inflame your skin and make your acne worse.
Acne prescription creams vary depending on the severity of your acne, your skin sensitivity and any other skin conditions you may have. This is why you need a prescription for acne creams and stronger ones are not available over the counter. Typically, prescription creams for acne are made up of one of the following:
Topical antibiotics also work to treat the bacteria on the skin, and are available as solutions, gels and lotions. Creams that contain antibiotics, like Duac Gel, are applied directly to the skin.
Topical retinoids are another skin acne treatment, such as Differin cream. These work by reducing the number of dead skin cells and the amount of sebum produced by the skin.
Below is a table of some popular prescription acne medications and treatments available at Click2Pharmacy. Acne prescription medication creams, gels and antibiotics can be purchased through the online acne clinic.
Medication Name | Aknemycin | Differin | Acnecide | Duac | Zineryt | Skinoren | Finacea Gel | Epiduo | Tetralysal | Doxycyline |
Active Ingredients | 40 mg of erythromycin and 0.25 mg of tretinoin | Adapalene 0.1% w/w | Benzoyl Peroxide 5% w/w | 10 mg clindamycin phosphate 50 mg benzoyl peroxide | 40 mg/ml erythromycin and 12 mg/ml zinc | 20% azelaic acid. | 15% azelaic acid. | adapalene 3 mg benzoyl peroxide 25 mg | Lymecycline | Doxycycline |
Key Benefit | Contains antibiotic | Anti-inflammatory properties | 1st step treatment Kills 95% bacteria | Dual action – contains an antibiotic | Can be easily applied to large areas | Has antimicrobial action | Can also treat acne and rosacea | Combination product with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity | For wide spread or severe acne 12 week course | For wide spread acne 12 week course |
Type of medication | Solution | Cream Gel | Cream | Gel | Solution | Cream | Gel | Gel | Oral Capsules | Oral Capsules |
Dosages available | 40mg/0.25mg | 0.1% | 5% | 3% 5% | 40mg/12mg | 20% | 15% | 0.3% / 2.5% 0.1% / 2.5% | 300mg | 100mg |
Do you need a prescription? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
When or how should it be used | Apply to affected areas once or twice daily | Apply to affected areas at night | Apply thin layer once or twice daily | Apply once a day in the evening | Apply twice daily for 10 -12 weeks | Apply morning and night. Rub in gently | Apply morning and night. Rub in gently | Apply once in evening | One capsule a day | One capsule a day |
Common side effects | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching | Feeling sick Abdominal Pain Diarrhoea | Headaches Rashes Upset stomach |
Acne can be self-diagnosed. You do not need to see a doctor to know you have acne. However, you may prefer to seek advice from a medical professional if you are unsure about your symptoms or if you have a severe form acne known as cystic acne. They may also help you decide which treatment works best for you.
Some acne treatments can be purchased over the counter (OTC). OTC treatments do not require a prescription. For treatments that require a prescription, you would usually see a doctor face to face as you cannot buy them in a store. However, at Click2Pharmacy, you can buy acne prescription medication online. You will need to fill out a consultation form first. This is an important step to check if you are suitable to take the medicine. Where appropriate, our prescribing pharmacist can then issue a prescription, and the medication will be delivered straight to your door.
Acne is a condition where spots and pimples develop on the skin when the glands produce too much oil, known as sebum. When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and block the skin’s pores and hair follicles. This can create blackheads and white heads (or pimples). In addition, if bacteria mix with the plugged hair follicles, this can result in papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne occurs mainly on the face but can also be present on other parts of the body, such as the chest and back.
Acne can occur at any age. Changes in hormonal levels can cause spots, which is why acne is most common in teenagers. Most spots in teenagers will clear up by the time they reach their mid-twenties, but acne creams and spot treatment may help. Acne treatment for teens is extremely popular due to how common acne is within this age group but may differ from adult acne treatment.
Many acne treatments can be used at home, but the right one depends on the severity of the acne. These range from pimple treatment containing benzoyl peroxide, acne treatments with salicylic acid to antibiotics for hormonal acne.
Rosacea was once called acne rosacea, but this term is no longer used as rosacea is NOT related to acne vulgaris. Rosacea is a type of skin rash that causes redness on the face, where mild papules can also form. Although rosacea and acne are different, some acne vulgaris treatment can be used to treat rosacea. Papule acne treatment containing azelaic acid works for rosacea- for example, Finacea gel (Azelaic Acid) 30g. Oral antibiotics containing lymecycline, such as Tetralysal® 300 mg capsules, can also be effective.
For some people, there is only antibacterial acne treatment for cystic acne; however, both topical and oral antibiotics can be used.
Over the counter (OTC) cystic acne products may not be effective enough if the acne is severe. Cystic acne treatment is usually available on prescription.
Butt acne treatment does not differ from treatments for other parts of the body- suitable treatment is dependent on the type of spots and how severe they are. Zineryt Solution 30ml (Erythromycin) is an antibiotic treatment used for moderate acne.
Scalp acne is not as common as acne on the face, but it can still cause discomfort and problems. Topical antibiotic treatments and oral antibiotics can be used for scalp acne. Medicated shampoos are also an option- they work by washing away excess oil and preventing the build-up of dead skin.
Scarring caused by cystic acne can be removed using laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and chemical peeling. These procedures are not considered “acne removal treatment” since they are used for scarring caused by acne. Cystic acne cannot be removed by these methods.
Benzoyl peroxide treatment can be used for mild chest acne. Moderate to severe acne will require retinoids and antibiotics. An acne solution such as Zineryt Solution 30ml can treat mild acne over a larger area.
No, back acne does not need to be treated any differently. Back acne remedies are dependent on acne symptoms and severity.
Chin acne treatment does not require any special directions- you can use the same products for facial acne. Treatment will depend on the type of acne you have.
The forehead can be prone to acne. One reason for this is that oil from the hairline is deposited onto the forehead, which can clog the pores. Benzoyl peroxide gel for acne is suitable for mild cases.
Some acne treatments, like those containing Benzoyl peroxide, can irritate sensitive skin. It is best to try the lowest strength first and use the product a few times a week, gradually building up to daily use.
Acne can be more prone in women due to hormonal imbalances. Contraceptive pills may be beneficial but can take up to a year before visible results are seen. Antibiotics for hormonal acne can still be used alongside contraceptive medication.
Acne can affect men just as much as other groups of people. There are many products that men can use that provide acne relief. Some men have acne on their back as well as the face. Acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide can help target back acne.
MPharmS
Advance Pharmacist Prescriber
“Acne is a very common skin condition amongst all ages. Suffering from acne can be stressful, and it is not just the face that can be affected. Most people suffer from mild to moderate acne, which can be targeted by acne spot treatment. Severe acne, also called nodular acne or cystic acne, which can require antibiotic treatment.
There are many treatments available, ranging from over the counter to prescription medication. Many pharmacies sell acne medication online, but it is important to check if the pharmacy is UK registered. Skin acne treatment is available as oral antibiotics and topical medicines, which target bacteria that cause spots. They can be very effective if used correctly. However, acne is often not treated for long enough to see results; we recommend treatments should be used for at least three months for a noticeable difference.
Some people with mild acne may look for a home remedy for pimples or natural acne treatment. Some acne skin care tips that may help are to wash and shower if the skin becomes sweaty from exercise, avoid tight and restrictive clothing where acne is present, and use oil-free (non-comedogenic) products. Also, avoid picking spots and pimples as this can cause scarring.”
ExcellentBased on 68 reviewsIbrahim Ahsan01/07/2023Very helpful staff, never had any issues with this pharmacy, 100% recommendJulie Beardsley17/05/2023Very professional service. Just like having your very own pharmacist. BrilliantMohammed Khan09/05/2023Just had private bloods taken short wait time very thorough good price nice lady would recommend.Sarah Smithies07/05/2023It is great to have somewhere local that does blood testing. The staff are lovely, helpful and experienced. They fit me in last minute. There is never a wait and the results back within a day or two.Bob.b27/03/2023After refusal of doctors appointment same old same old ring back etc. I was invited at 5.25 to see doctor I drove over immediately. Everything fully explained and checked over I was leaving by 6pm with penicillin for strep throat. Had I followed my doctors receptionist I would probably have suffered longer and increased the chances of a worse infection.I Great efficient service.Lisa Lowther17/03/2023Fantastic service went for blood done very fast very friendly fantastic customer service
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