Acne

Skin & Dermatology

Acne doesn’t have to control how you feel about yourself. At SwiftMedi, we provide fast access to proven treatments that tackle breakouts, reduce inflammation, and prevent new spots from forming - so you can take back control of your skin.

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About Acne

Overview


Acne isn’t “just a few spots” — it’s a condition that can affect how you feel about your skin, your confidence, and even your daily life. For some, it means the occasional breakout before a big event; for others, it’s a constant battle with painful, stubborn flare-ups that just don’t seem to go away.

Acne happens when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. The result can be blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, or cysts that feel sore to touch. It’s most common on the face, back, and chest, but it can appear almost anywhere.

While acne is often linked to teenagers, it’s important to know that adults get it too — especially women whose breakouts may be triggered by hormonal changes. The good news? Effective treatments exist, and most people see real improvements with the right care.

At SwiftMedi, we know acne isn’t just about appearances. That’s why every treatment is carefully assessed by a UK-registered prescriber, following a secure online consultation, to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you.



Symptoms


Acne can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

  • Blackheads – small black or yellow bumps caused by blocked pores
  • Whiteheads – similar to blackheads but firm and not empty when squeezed
  • Papules – small red bumps that may feel sore
  • Pustules – pus-filled spots with a white tip in the centre
  • Nodules – large, painful hard lumps beneath the skin
  • Cysts – severe, pus-filled lumps that can lead to scarring


Acne often appears on the face, back, shoulders, or chest, but can develop elsewhere too.


Diagnosis


Most cases of acne are diagnosed through a visual examination by a healthcare professional:

  • Mild acne is usually self-manageable with over-the-counter products.
  • Moderate to severe acne may require prescription medication to reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and control flare-ups.


Blood tests or hormone checks are sometimes done if acne appears suddenly in adults or is linked to irregular periods.



Treatments


Acne treatment depends on the severity and type of acne. Options include:

Over-the-counter options:
  • Cleansers, gels, or creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
  • Non-comedogenic skincare to reduce pore blockage

Prescription treatments available from SwiftMedi:
  • Topical retinoids (e.g. adapalene) – help unclog pores and prevent new spots
  • Topical or oral antibiotics – reduce bacteria and inflammation
  • Azelaic acid – helps with both acne and acne-related pigmentation
  • Hormonal treatments (e.g. the combined contraceptive pill) – effective for women where acne is hormone-driven


For severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe stronger treatments such as oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane), but this requires specialist supervision.


Prevention


While acne cannot always be prevented, certain habits can help reduce flare-ups:

  • Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
  • Avoid over-scrubbing or harsh exfoliants
  • Use oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare/makeup
  • Avoid picking or squeezing spots (this can cause scarring)
  • Maintain a balanced diet and manage stress, which can worsen breakouts



Misconceptions


“Only teenagers get acne.”
False — many adults, especially women, experience acne linked to hormones.

“Acne is caused by poor hygiene.”
False — acne is not caused by being “dirty” but by complex skin and hormonal factors.

“You should squeeze spots to get rid of them.”
False — squeezing often makes spots worse and increases the risk of scarring.


FAQ


What causes acne?
Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles, excess oil production, bacteria, and sometimes hormonal changes.

Can diet affect acne?
For some, foods with a high glycaemic index or excess dairy can worsen acne, but triggers vary.

Is acne curable?
While there’s no instant cure, effective treatments can control acne and prevent long-term scarring.

How long does it take for acne treatment to work?
Most treatments take 6–12 weeks to show improvement.

Can stress cause acne?
Stress doesn’t directly cause acne but can trigger flare-ups in people who are prone to it.

Is acne hereditary?
Yes — acne can run in families, especially severe forms.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is acne and what causes it?

    Acne happens when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots. Hormones often drive it, causing the oil glands to become more active. Prescription options can help when breakouts are frequent or painful.

  • Can acne leave permanent marks or scars without treatment?

    Yes. Deep or inflamed acne can cause long-term marks or scarring if left untreated. Early access to effective treatment helps protect the skin and prevents repeated flare-ups from causing permanent changes.

  • Is online treatment safe for cystic or severe acne?

    Online treatment can help moderate acne, but very severe or widespread cystic acne may need in-person assessment. A prescriber will review your symptoms and guide you safely, referring you if stronger treatments like isotretinoin are required.

  • Why do some people get persistent acne even in adulthood?

    Adult acne is common and usually linked to hormones, stress or genetics. Some people continue producing excess oil, leading to deep or recurring breakouts. Adult acne often responds well to prescription treatment when standard products fail.

  • When should someone consider prescription acne treatment?Prescription treatment is helpful when acne is painful, leaving marks, affecting confidence or not improving with pharmacy products. Medicines such as lymecycline, Duac or Differin can target inflam

    Prescription treatment is helpful when acne is painful, leaving marks, affecting confidence or not improving with pharmacy products. Medicines such as lymecycline, Duac or Differin can target inflammation more effectively. A clinician can assess which option suits your skin.

  • What treatments actually work for acne?

    Effective treatments include benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, retinoids like adapalene, combination gels such as Duac or Treclin, and oral antibiotics for deeper acne. The right approach depends on severity, skin sensitivity and where your acne appears. A clinician can guide your best option.

  • Is acne caused by poor hygiene or diet?

    Acne isn’t caused by being unclean. Washing more often usually worsens irritation. Diet does not cause acne, but high-sugar foods may trigger flare-ups in some people. Treatment focuses on calming inflammation, unblocking pores and reducing bacteria.

  • When should I see a clinician about acne?

    You should seek help if acne is painful, leaving marks, affecting confidence or not improving after several weeks of over-the-counter treatment. Early assessment helps prevent scarring and ensures you receive the right medication.

  • Can I get acne treatment online in the UK?

    Yes. A UK-registered prescriber can assess your symptoms through an online consultation and recommend suitable treatments. Options may include topical antibiotics, retinoids or oral medicines depending on severity. Proper assessment ensures safe, personalised care.

  • What should I do if over-the-counter acne products haven’t helped?

    If pharmacy products such as benzoyl peroxide haven’t helped, prescription treatments can target inflammation more effectively. Options include retinoids like adapalene, antibiotic gels or oral medicines for deeper acne. A clinician can choose a treatment that matches your skin pattern and severity.

  • Which prescription acne treatment works fastest?

    Combination treatments like Duac can work quickly for red, inflamed spots, while retinoids such as adapalene help prevent new breakouts. Oral antibiotics may help deeper acne within several weeks. The fastest option depends on the type of acne and skin sensitivity.

  • Is lymecycline or doxycycline better for my type of acne?

    Both medicines treat deeper, inflamed acne. Some people respond better to one than the other, depending on their skin pattern, gut tolerance and other medicines. They are usually combined with a topical treatment for best results. A clinician can advise the right choice.

  • Can topical treatments like Duac or Treclin help hormonal acne?

    Yes. Duac, Treclin and adapalene-based treatments often improve hormonal breakouts by reducing inflammation and keeping pores clear. They work best when used consistently and may be combined with oral options if acne is more severe.

  • Do I need both an oral antibiotic and a topical treatment?

    Many people benefit from using the two together because they target acne in different ways. Oral antibiotics reduce deeper inflammation, while topical treatments prevent new blockages. Combined therapy is often recommended for moderate or persistent acne.