Medication and Topical Treatments for Acne
Medications and topical treatments are often the first line of defence against breakouts. They can be highly effective and form the foundation of acne management.
At a glance
- Paediatric patients aged 13+ seen
- Self-pay
- Consultation required
- Self-referral
What are medications and topical treatments for acne?
Medications and topical treatment options for acne include gels, creams, and oral medications that help manage breakouts, prevent new spots, and improve overall skin clarity. While there are many treatment options available, they all generally work by addressing the key underlying causes of acne, which are:
excess oil production
clogged pores
inflammation
acne‑causing bacteria
hormonal changes
In most cases, medications and topical treatments are the first line of defence against breakouts and form the foundation of acne management. With consistent use, medication and topical therapies can be highly effective, significantly improving skin clarity, reducing active breakouts, and supporting long‑term skin health.
Medicines and topical treatments are suitable for most patients experiencing acne, but can be particularly helpful if your breakouts are severe, persistent, painful, or affecting your confidence, and everyday skincare isn’t enough to keep them under control.
At Welbeck, our consultants welcome all patients seeking help to control their acne, and tailored, evidence-based care is delivered in our state-of-the-art Dermatology centre. Offering comprehensive acne management, our consultants can also recommend and deliver other forms of treatment for acne and acne scarring, such as laser therapy and microneedling, when appropriate.
If you’re struggling with your skin, get in touch today to book an initial consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 13+. For more information on our paediatric service, please visit our Paediatric Dermatology page.
More information
Before any treatment is recommended, your consultant will examine your skin, ask you about your experience with acne, and discuss your current skincare routine and any previous treatments you’ve tried. This helps them assess the type of acne you have and its severity, so they can develop your personalised treatment plan.
Depending on the severity and type of acne you have, they may then recommend one or a combination of the following to help control symptoms and prevent future flare‑ups.
over‑the‑counter products
prescription‑strength creams or gels
oral medications
Our consultants take a highly customised approach to acne management, ensuring your individual skin type and concerns are addressed and managed appropriately.
Any recommended treatment will be clearly explained to you, including how to take or use it and for how long, when you should expect to see improvements, and whether there are any side effects to be aware of.
There’s minimal preparation required to have treatment. If you’re using a topical gel or cream, you should clean your skin before application. Any other instructions will be given to you by your consultant, and our pharmacy team will also be happy to support you with any questions you may have.
Depending on the type of treatment you’re recommended, your consultant will invite you for a follow-up appointment a few weeks or months later to assess your progress and evaluate your skin’s health.
Tips we recommend to help care for your skin include:
moisturising regularly
applying sunscreen (SPF) daily
avoiding harsh skincare products
not picking or squeezing spots
carefully following instructions on how to take oral medications or apply topical products
As with any type of medication or treatment, there are risks and side effects associated with medications and topical treatments for acne, but these are minimal when prescribed by an experienced dermatologist.
When recommending or prescribing treatment, your dermatologist will talk you through any potential side effects, how to manage them, and when to stop using a product. They’ll also advise you when to come for a follow-up appointment, so your progress can be monitored and treatment adjusted if required.
The cost of an initial consultation varies depending on which of our consultants you see.
Treatment costs are dependent on the products or medications prescribed, and these will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Get in touch to learn more about our pricing and book an appointment.
At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
You can be referred by a healthcare professional, or you can self-refer for this treatment.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Acne treatments usually take time to show results. Most people start to notice improvements after 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take 3 to 4 months to see the full benefits of a treatment plan. Your dermatologist may adjust your treatment during this time to make sure your skin is responding well and to minimise side effects.
Acne can usually be controlled very effectively, but it may not be permanently cured. Many people need ongoing treatment to keep breakouts under control, especially if their acne is linked to hormones or persistent oil production. With the right combination of topical treatments and medications, most patients achieve clearer, healthier skin.
This depends on the treatment you’re having and how your skin responds – your consultant will tell you when it’s best to see them for a follow-up appointment. Once your acne is stable, appointments are often less frequent and are focused on maintaining results and preventing new breakouts.
Some treatments can cause a temporary flare-up or dryness when you first start using them. This is common and often settles as your skin adjusts. However, if your acne becomes significantly worse, very irritated, or painful, you should contact your dermatologist for advice. They may recommend adjusting your treatment or adding products to support your skin barrier.