There is no cure for acne, and treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Cases of severe acne are often referred by a GP to a dermatologist for treatment with a combination of oral antibiotics and topical, prescription-only products. Moderate acne is usually treated using a combination of medication including, in some cases, oral antibiotics. For mild acne, there are a variety of topical OTC products available:

Benzoyl peroxide €“ this works by reducing bacteria and removing dead cells from the skin. Sufferers may notice that their skin becomes dry or red and may peel. If this occurs, they should use a lower strength product or stop the treatment for a few days and then start again. An oil-free moisturiser can help to combat dryness.

Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching. It can also make the face more sensitive to sunlight, so customers should be advised to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and ultra-violet (UV) light from sunbeds. Examples: Oxy 10, Panoxyl 5 Cream, Quinoderm Cream.

Nicotinamide €“ this is an antiinflammatory compound designed to tackle the redness and tenderness associated with inflamed acne spots. It should be used twice a day, morning and night, after washing and drying the skin. Unlike some other acne treatments, nicotinamide will not bleach clothing or bedding. Examples: Freederm Treatment Gel, Nicam Gel.

Salicylic acid and salicylates €“ these products help to promote shedding of the cells from the skin's surface. They are effective against non-inflammatory acne because they help to unclog pores. Examples: Acnisal 2% w/w Cutaneous Solution.

Antiseptics/antimicrobials €“ these ingredients (e.g. cetrimide and triclosan) may help to reduce the effects of bacteria by inhibiting their growth on the skin. Examples: Quinoderm Face Wash, Clearasil Conditioning Cream Wash.

Phycosaccharide AC €“ this is produced from polysaccharides extracted from brown seaweed, and may help to reduce spotcausing bacteria, redness and excess oil production, and thus have a positive impact on acne and blackheads. Example: Oxy Seaweed Power range.

Light therapy €“ this involves a device (example: Oxy Clearlight) that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver blue light therapy to trigger a biological reaction that kills the P.acnes bacteria. With fewer bacteria present, inflammation is reduced and the skin is able to heal, visibly reducing spots.

It can take weeks before an improvement can be seen using any of these treatments and they all need to be used regularly for best results. Once the acne clears, treatment should be continued to stop the condition from re-appearing.