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Acne can affect more than just your skin. Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or persistent spots, finding the right treatment can make a real difference.
Learn what causes acne, explore the treatments available and discover how professional support can help you manage your skin with confidence.
There's no single treatment that works for every type of acne. The most suitable approach depends on the severity of your breakouts, the areas affected, previous treatments and your medical history.
Mild acne may respond to treatments available from a pharmacy, while persistent or more severe acne can require prescription medication and ongoing clinical support.
Common treatment approaches include:
Some treatments take several weeks before noticeable improvements appear. A consistent routine and appropriate follow-up can help determine whether your treatment needs adjusting.
01
A healthcare professional reviews your acne symptoms, medical history, previous treatments and any concerns about your skin.
02
Your acne severity and individual circumstances are assessed to identify suitable treatments or whether specialist advice is needed.
03
Where treatment is appropriate, your healthcare provider can explain how to use it, what results to expect and when a review may be needed.
The best acne treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne, your medical history and which treatments you've already tried.
Mild acne may improve with pharmacy treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, while moderate or severe acne may require prescription creams, oral medication or specialist dermatology care.
A healthcare professional can help identify the most appropriate option.
Acne can often be managed successfully, and some people find that their acne clears as they get older. However, others experience recurring breakouts, particularly when hormonal factors are involved.
Some treatments can produce long-lasting improvements, although maintenance treatment may be needed to reduce the likelihood of acne returning.
Most acne treatments take time to produce noticeable results. Improvements may begin after six to eight weeks, although some treatments can take three months or longer to achieve their full effect.
It's important to follow the recommended treatment instructions and avoid changing products too frequently unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Hormonal acne develops when changes in hormone activity influence the skin's oil production.
It can occur during puberty, around menstrual cycles or alongside certain hormonal conditions. Some people experience recurring breakouts around the chin and jawline, although the location of acne alone doesn't confirm a hormonal cause.
Yes. Acne isn't limited to teenagers. Some people continue experiencing breakouts into their thirties, forties and beyond, while others develop acne for the first time as adults.
Hormonal changes, genetics, certain medicines and other factors can contribute to adult acne.
Yes. Inflammatory acne, particularly deep nodules and cysts, can sometimes cause permanent scarring.
Early and appropriate treatment may help reduce this risk. If you're experiencing painful, deep spots or noticing scars developing, seek medical advice rather than waiting for the acne to clear on its own.
Not always. Some treatments for mild acne are available from pharmacies without a prescription.
However, persistent, moderate or severe acne may benefit from prescription treatment. A healthcare professional can assess your skin and determine whether medication or specialist referral is appropriate.
Our Acne Treatment service is coming soon.
We're preparing to introduce access to acne treatment consultations and suitable treatment options. Register your interest and we'll let you know when the service becomes available.
Acne is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. It can cause blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots and, in more severe cases, painful nodules or cysts.
Although acne is particularly common during puberty, it can continue into adulthood or develop for the first time later in life. It most often affects the face, chest, shoulders and back, where oil-producing glands are more active.
The severity of acne varies. Some people experience occasional spots, while others have persistent breakouts that cause discomfort, scarring or changes in skin pigmentation.
Acne can also affect confidence and emotional wellbeing. If your skin is causing you distress, or over-the-counter products aren't helping, seeking professional advice can be worthwhile.
Acne usually develops through a combination of factors rather than one single cause. Hormonal activity, excess oil production and inflammation all play a part.
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Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstrual cycles and other life stages can increase oil production and contribute to breakouts.
Overactive sebaceous glands produce more sebum than the skin needs, which can contribute to blocked follicles and acne.
Dead skin cells and excess oil can accumulate inside hair follicles, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and other acne lesions.
Bacteria naturally present on the skin, particularly Cutibacterium acnes, can contribute to inflammation within blocked follicles, resulting in red or painful spots.
