Acne

Why Acne Develops

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, not just teenagers. At WePrescribe, we regularly support individuals who experience acne that impacts their confidence, comfort, and daily life, whether it is mild and persistent or more severe and inflamed.

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. This creates an environment where bacteria can grow, leading to inflammation and visible spots. Hormones play a significant role in this process, which is why acne often appears during puberty, pregnancy, or times of hormonal change.

Although acne is not harmful to physical health, it can be long-lasting without the right support and treatment.

Different Types of Acne

Acne can appear in several forms, and understanding the type of acne present can help guide treatment choices and expectations.

Some people experience blackheads and whiteheads, which are caused by blocked pores and are usually less inflamed. Others develop red, swollen spots such as papules and pustules, which may be sore or tender to the touch.

More severe acne can include nodules or cysts, which form deeper under the skin and can be painful. These types of acne are more likely to lead to scarring if not treated appropriately. Acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders, and jawline, depending on oil gland activity.

Common Causes and Triggers of Acne

Acne is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it usually develops due to a combination of internal and external influences acting together over time.

Common contributing factors include:

• Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause
• Increased oil production in the skin
• A family history of acne
• Certain medications, including some hormonal treatments
• Skin care or cosmetic products that block pores

Stress does not directly cause acne, but it can worsen breakouts by affecting hormone levels and skin inflammation.

Acne in Teenagers and Adults

Although acne is commonly associated with teenagers, many adults experience ongoing acne or develop it later in life.

Teenage acne is largely driven by hormonal changes that increase oil production during puberty. Adult acne may be influenced by hormones, lifestyle factors, skin care habits, or stress levels. Some adults notice breakouts that follow a monthly pattern or appear mainly around the jawline and chin.

Adult acne can be particularly frustrating, especially for those who expected it to improve with age. Support and tailored treatment can make a significant difference.

How Acne Affects Confidence and Well-being

Acne can affect more than just the skin. For many people, it has a noticeable impact on confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.

Visible breakouts may cause people to feel self-conscious in social situations or at work. Persistent acne can lead to frustration, anxiety, or low mood, especially if treatments have not worked in the past.

At WePrescribe, we recognise that acne is not simply a cosmetic concern. Supporting mental well-being alongside physical symptoms is an important part of acne care.

When Acne Needs Treatment

Mild acne may improve with time and consistent skin care, but many people benefit from medical treatment to control symptoms and prevent worsening.

Treatment may be appropriate if acne is painful, spreading, leaving marks, or affecting confidence and quality of life. Early intervention can also help reduce the risk of scarring and long-term skin changes.

Through an online consultation, our pharmacists assess acne severity, affected areas, duration, and previous treatments to determine whether prescription treatment is suitable.

Treatment Options for Acne

There are several treatment options available for acne, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and may help unclog pores, reduce bacteria, or control oil production. These treatments are often used for mild to moderate acne.

In some cases, oral medication may be recommended, particularly for acne that is widespread, inflamed, or not responding to topical treatment alone. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and reviewed for safety and suitability.

How Acne Treatments Work

Acne treatments work in different ways, and results are usually gradual rather than immediate.

Some treatments reduce oil production, while others prevent pores from becoming blocked or reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Certain treatments focus on calming inflammation and preventing new spots from forming.

It is common for acne to appear slightly worse during the early stages of treatment before improvement is seen. This phase is temporary, and continuing treatment as advised is important for long-term results.

Skin Care and Acne Management

A simple, gentle skin care routine can support acne treatment and reduce irritation.

Cleansing the skin twice daily with a mild cleanser helps remove excess oil without stripping the skin. Harsh scrubs, alcohol based products, or overwashing can irritate the skin and worsen breakouts.

Using non-comedogenic moisturisers helps maintain the skin barrier, especially when treatments cause dryness. Sunscreen is also important, as some acne treatments can increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Acne and Diet

Diet and acne have been widely discussed, and individual responses can vary significantly.

Some people notice flare-ups linked to foods high in sugar or heavily processed products. Others report changes when consuming dairy. However, there is no single diet that works for everyone with acne.

A balanced diet that supports overall health is generally recommended. Paying attention to how your skin responds to different foods may help identify personal triggers without unnecessary restrictions.

Acne Scarring and Long-Term Skin Changes

Inflammatory acne can sometimes lead to scarring or long-term changes in skin texture and pigmentation.

The risk of scarring increases when spots are picked, squeezed, or left untreated. Treating acne early and following treatment advice can help reduce this risk.

If scarring is already present, specialist treatments may be available through dermatology services. Preventing further acne is often the first step in managing long-term skin changes.

Acne in Women and Hormonal Factors

Hormones play a significant role in acne for many women. Breakouts may worsen around menstrual cycles or during periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy or menopause.

Some women experience acne linked to underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. In these cases, hormonal treatments may be considered alongside other acne therapies.

During the consultation, our pharmacists assess whether hormonal factors may be contributing and whether further investigation or referral is needed.

Acne in Men

Men can also experience persistent or severe acne, often affecting the face, chest, and back.

Higher levels of androgens can increase oil production, making pores more likely to become blocked. Acne in men may be more inflammatory and sometimes more prone to scarring.

Treatment options are tailored to individual needs and consider skin type, affected areas, lifestyle factors, and previous treatment history.

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Further medical advice should be sought if acne is severe, painful, or not responding to treatment. Sudden changes in acne severity or appearance should also be assessed.

People who experience acne alongside other symptoms, such as irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, or excessive hair growth, may require further investigation.

Referral to a GP or dermatologist may be recommended in some cases.