Acne Treatment

Acne Treatment, What’s Best For You?

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects many people. Acne causes spots to appear most frequently on the face, however it can also cause spots to develop on the back and chest. Acne treatments can be used to control the production of new spots, although medication cannot completely cure acne.

As a skin condition acne can range in severity, from mild surface blackheads and whiteheads to more severe cysts that can result in scarring of the skin. However, here at Oxford Online Pharmacy we offer a wide variety of acne treatments, from prescription medication to nonprescription cleansers, wipes, gels and acne cream to help control your skin condition.

Who Gets Acne?

If your parents had acne, it is probable that you will have acne. Acne is common amongst teenagers and younger people and occurs in 80% of those aged 11-30. Girls aged 14-17 and boys aged 16-19 suffer most. However, those over the age of 25 may also suffer from acne, as 5% of women and 1% of men report having acne and requiring the use of acne treatment to control their condition.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is linked to changes in hormones during puberty, the menstrual cycle, or pregnancy. Glands in the skin produce more amounts of sebum, an oily substance, that blocks hair follicle holes leading to the production of whiteheads and blackheads. This results in spots on the face, back and chest. Furthermore, bacteria on the skin can infect a blocked follicle causing pus-filled pustules and cysts.

There is nothing to suggest that acne is caused by poor hygiene, sexual activity, or eating different foods.

Control Your Acne With Prescription And Nonprescription Acne Treatment

If you suffer from mild acne you may want to opt for a nonprescription acne medication, these range from gels, cleansers, face wash and acne cream. Whilst using a nonprescription acne treatment, we also advise that you keep to the following tips:

• Wash the affected area twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser
• Do not scrub the skin to avoid irritation
• Control spots with creams, lotions and gels

If you struggle to control your acne with nonprescription medication or if it is effecting your confidence, you should consider an online consultation with our expert doctor to obtain a prescription, and find a specific acne treatment that meets your needs. If you are experiencing severe acne symptoms, please follow our tips below:

• Severe acne can be treated with products available on prescription
• If you develop nodules or cysts, they need to be treated to avoid scarring
• Do not squeeze or pick spots, as this can lead to scarring
• Be patient as treatments can take up to three months to work

To discuss your options further you can effortlessly book an online consultation with our GMC registered doctor. As many of our acne products are prescription only medicines, you will need a prescription to make a purchase. If you do not have a prescription, you can simply obtain one online at Oxford Online Pharmacy at no extra cost; this payment is refunded if you are not approved by the doctor. Alternatively, if you already have a private or NHS prescription you can purchase your medication online, send your prescription to our pharmacy and when we receive it we will dispense your treatment.

Authored by Stuart Gale, on 1 August 2017. Reviewed by Robert Bradshaw, on 11 November 2019