What is Acne?
Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles (pores) become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria.
This can lead to different types of spots, including:
Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
Blackheads (open clogged pores)
Pimples (inflamed bumps containing pus)
Papules (small red bumps)
Nodules and cysts (deeper, often painful lumps)
The severity of acne is often categorised as:
Mild – mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules
Moderate – more widespread whiteheads and blackheads, with many papules and pustules
Severe – lots of large, painful papules, pustules, nodules or cysts; you might also have some scarring.
Why Do People Use Acne Treatments?
Acne can be unsightly, affect body image and cause embarrassment and anxiety. It can also cause discomfort, feeling hot or painful to the touch.
How to Discreetly Order Acne Treatment Online
1. Select your treatment
Patients begin by choosing the treatment they need from the available options. We are a regulated UK pharmacy, offering topical acne treatments online.
2. Complete an online consultation
Our online consultation collects important medical information, including symptoms, medical history, and current medications. This allows one of our clinicians to assess whether treatment is appropriate and safe to prescribe.
3. Clinical review and approval
All consultations are reviewed by a qualified prescriber before any medication is supplied in line with UK clinical standards and guidance.
4. Discreet delivery to your door
Once approved, treatment is dispensed and delivered directly to your address. Packaging is designed to be discreet to protect patient privacy throughout the delivery process.
How Acne Treatments Work
Webmed offers a range of acne creams for the face, back and chest. We offer topical retinoid acne creams, antibiotic acne creams, and combination acne treatment.
How retinoid treatments work
Topical retinoids help normalise the way skin cells are shed inside hair follicles, reducing the formation of blocked pores that contribute to acne. They can also help improve skin texture and reduce the development of new spots over time.
Retinoids are commonly used as part of long-term acne management because they address one of the underlying processes involved in acne formation.
Consistent use is usually required before noticeable improvements occur.
How antibiotics help treat acne
Antibiotics for acne can be taken as a tablet or applied topically. This can lead to fewer inflamed spots and a reduction in redness and swelling.
Acne antibiotics act by reducing the growth of acne-associated bacteria and decrease inflammation within the skin. Broad spectrum antibiotic inhibit all bacteria including good bacteria whereas narrow spectrum targets specific acne-causing pathogens.
Because antibiotic resistance is an important concern, antibiotics are often prescribed for limited periods and are frequently combined with other acne treatments. This approach helps improve effectiveness while reducing the risk of resistance developing.
How combination treatments work
Combination treatments contain two active ingredients that target different aspects of acne at the same time. For example, one ingredient may help unblock pores while another reduces bacteria or inflammation.
Using a combination approach can improve treatment outcomes because acne is caused by several interconnected processes. Treating multiple contributing factors simultaneously often provides better results than targeting only one cause.
What to Expect When Starting Acne Treatment
It is common for acne to appear unchanged during the first few weeks of treatment. Some treatments may even cause temporary irritation or an apparent worsening of spots before improvement begins.
These early changes do not necessarily mean the treatment is ineffective. Following treatment instructions carefully and allowing sufficient time for results to develop can improve the likelihood of long-term success.
How Do I Get Rid of Spots on My Face with Acne Treatment?
Non inflammatory
Comedonal
Treatment
Topical retinoid - Differin 0.1% (adapalene)
Inflammatory
Mild
Treatment
Topical combination - Epiduo if a few pustules
or
Topical antibiotic - Duac if lots of pustules
Moderate
Treatment
Topical combination - Epiduo Gel + LymecyclineCombination treatment
Severe
Most of the face affected
Predominantly pustules
Cystic acne - large, deep, painful, pus filled spots
Evidence of scarring
Online treatment not suitable. Please speak to your GP as you will likely need a referral to Dermatology
Please see below for example photos of the various stages of acne
Important information regarding your acne treatment
Please note that most treatments are not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Acne treatments take several weeks to work - only move to the next level of treatment if you see no results after 8 weeks.
Use treatment alongside a good but simple skincare routine. Good skincare products should not be expensive. A standard facial wash, exfoliator and light moisturiser should suffice.
If you are female and suspect your acne is hormonal (mostly around the jawline/cheeks and worse during menses) consider speaking to your GP about starting the oral contraceptive pill.
Skin redness, inflammation and sometimes skin peeling is common when starting topical treatments. Always test on your inner arm first for a few days, then use for alternate days on affected areas on the face and gradually increase to daily as your skin tolerates it.
If there is no response to oral antibiotic treatment after 3 months we would suggest you see your GP for a face to face review.
Side Effects of Acne Treatment
Common side effects from antibiotic and retinoid acne treatments include skin dryness, redness, irritation, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Oral antibiotics may also cause stomach upset, while oral retinoids can lead to very dry skin and lips.
How long side effects usually last
Mild irritation is often most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment. As the skin adjusts, these symptoms frequently become less pronounced and easier to manage.
The timeframe varies between individuals and treatment types, but many people find that side effects gradually improve with continued use. Following application instructions carefully may help minimise irritation.
What to do if you experience side effects
If side effects occur, it may be helpful to review how the treatment is being used and ensure that application instructions are being followed correctly. Using a suitable moisturiser alongside treatment may also help reduce dryness and irritation.
Persistent, severe, or worsening side effects should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Further assessment may be needed to determine whether treatment adjustments are appropriate.
Acne treatment safety information
Acne medicines should always be used according to the instructions provided by the prescriber or manufacturer. Using more treatment than recommended will not usually improve results and may increase the risk of skin irritation.
Before starting treatment, it is important to disclose any relevant medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy status, or current medications. This helps ensure that treatment is both safe and appropriate.
Sun sensitivity and acne medication
Some acne treatments can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and ultraviolet exposure. This increased sensitivity may raise the risk of sunburn, irritation, or pigmentation changes if adequate protection is not used.
Applying a suitable sunscreen and limiting excessive sun exposure can help protect the skin while treatment is ongoing. Extra care may be required during sunny weather and holidays abroad.
What If My Acne Treatment Is Not Working?
There are several reasons why acne treatment may not appear effective. Common causes include insufficient treatment duration, inconsistent use, incorrect application, or acne that is more severe than initially assessed.
It is also possible that a different treatment approach is required. Acne can respond differently between individuals, and some cases require adjustment or treatment changes before optimal results are achieved.
The decision should be based on clinical assessment rather than short-term fluctuations in symptoms.
Switching treatment too early can prevent a medicine from having enough time to work properly. A healthcare professional can advise whether continuing, adjusting, or changing treatment is most appropriate.
Aftercare of Acne Treatment and Long-Term Management
What happens after acne clears
Even after visible acne has cleared, the underlying tendency to develop breakouts may remain. Stopping treatment immediately can sometimes allow symptoms to return, particularly in individuals with persistent acne-prone skin.
Ongoing skincare and, where appropriate, maintenance treatment may help preserve results and reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups.
Maintenance treatment for acne
Maintenance treatment is sometimes recommended after active acne has improved. The goal is to prevent new spots from developing and maintain long-term control of the condition.
Lower-intensity treatment may be sufficient during this stage, depending on individual circumstances. Following a maintenance plan can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Preventing acne from Returning
Preventing acne recurrence often involves maintaining a consistent skincare routine and continuing treatment where clinically advised. Avoiding frequent changes to skincare products may also help reduce irritation and breakouts.
Although acne cannot always be prevented completely, ongoing management can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.
When to continue or stop treatment
The decision to continue or stop acne treatment depends on symptom control, treatment response, and the risk of recurrence. Some treatments are intended for short-term use, while others may form part of a longer-term management strategy.
Treatment should not be stopped solely because improvement has occurred unless this has been discussed with a healthcare professional. Continuing treatment for the recommended duration may help achieve more stable long-term results.