Acne treatment, clinician-reviewed and prescription-strength

What is acne?

Acne happens when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and cause inflammation. The result ranges from blackheads and whiteheads to deeper, more painful spots, cysts or nodules — often on the face, but also on the back, chest and shoulders.

It is most common during the teenage years but can persist well into adulthood, and adult-onset acne is increasingly recognised — particularly in women, where hormonal fluctuations often play a role. Whatever your age, if breakouts are bothering you or leaving marks, there are effective prescription options that can make a real difference.

What causes acne?

The root causes involve a combination of excess oil production, a build-up of dead skin cells, and the presence of bacteria in the follicle. Hormones — particularly androgens — are a major driver, which is why acne peaks during puberty and can flare around the menstrual cycle in women. Stress, certain medicines, diet and cosmetics can all aggravate existing acne, though they rarely cause it independently.

Understanding what type of acne you have — and what is driving it — helps the prescriber choose the right approach. That is exactly the purpose of the consultation.

How is acne treated?

Prescription acne treatment generally falls into a few main approaches, which are often combined. Topical preparations applied directly to the skin include antibiotic gels that reduce bacterial activity, retinoid creams that speed up skin cell turnover and prevent pores from blocking, and agents that reduce oil and inflammation. For moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics are often added alongside a topical treatment to tackle the condition from within. In women, certain hormonal medicines can help where a hormonal component is confirmed.

We do not list specific medicines on this page — which treatment is right for you, and at what strength, is a clinical decision that the prescriber confirms inside your consultation once they have reviewed your skin type, the severity of your acne, any previous treatments you have tried, and any factors that might affect which options are safe for you.

Treating acne with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy at 245 High Street, Stratford. You complete a confidential consultation, a UK prescriber reviews it, and if prescription treatment is appropriate it is dispensed by our pharmacy and delivered discreetly — or you can collect from our Stratford branch. If you would find it helpful to have your skin assessed before choosing a treatment path, our online skin diagnosis service is a good first step.

When to see your GP instead

Our online acne consultation is suited to mild to moderate acne in otherwise healthy adults. See your GP if your acne is very severe, deeply cystic, causing significant scarring, or has not responded to multiple prescription treatments — a dermatology referral may be more appropriate. Also see your GP if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have other symptoms such as unusual hair growth or irregular periods alongside acne, which can suggest a hormonal condition needing investigation. If we cannot safely manage your situation online, we will tell you clearly and explain what to do next.