Spots & Breakouts

Acne — Blocked pores, excess oil, inflammation and C. acnes bacteria. Hormones and genetics are important drivers; stress and diet may contribute too.

Rosacea — A chronic inflammatory condition causing red spots and pustules, often with facial redness, flushing or visible blood vessels.

Perioral dermatitis — Small red or skin-coloured bumps around the mouth, nose or eyes, sometimes with dryness or flaking. Steroid creams and certain skincare products can trigger it.

Folliculitis — Inflamed hair follicles on hair-bearing areas causing small spots or pustules that can look like acne.

Acne — Tretinoin helps prevent blocked pores. Clindamycin targets acne-associated bacteria. Clascoterone targets androgen signalling. Azelaic acid and niacinamide reduce inflammation.

Rosacea — Ivermectin and azelaic acid are common topical options. Laser or light-based treatments may help persistent redness or visible vessels.

Perioral dermatitis — Steroid creams can worsen it and should be avoided unless advised by your clinician. Gentle, barrier-protecting skincare is key.

Post-acne marks — Azelaic acid or hydroquinone can improve discolouration left behind.

A prescriber reviews your answers to find the right treatment for your skin.

Acne — Often starts at puberty but can continue into adulthood; some people need ongoing treatment.

Rosacea — Long-term, flares and settles. Reducing triggers like UV, heat, stress, alcohol and spicy food can help.

Perioral dermatitis — Weeks to months. A weakened skin barrier is a common trigger, so gentle, fragrance-free skincare alongside treatment helps it settle faster.

• Give it time; most treatments take 6–8 weeks to show results, so do not switch too soon
• Use it consistently; irregular use is a common reason treatment does not work
• Avoid picking or squeezing, which increases the risk of scarring and dark marks
• Keep your routine simple; extra actives or scrubs can irritate skin and reduce tolerance
• Wear SPF daily; some treatments increase sun sensitivity and can worsen dark marks
• Manage stress and prioritise sleep, as both can influence breakouts
• Limit sugar and high-glycaemic foods, which are linked to increased breakout severity in some studies
• Expect some initial dryness or irritation; this usually settles, but contact your prescriber if it does not

If you notice signs that could suggest a hormonal imbalance, such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, or breakouts that do not respond to treatment, it is worth seeing your GP, who can look into this further.

We offer topical prescription treatments only. See a dermatologist if:

• You would prefer a confirmed diagnosis rather than treatment based on your symptoms alone
• You have deep, painful or cystic spots, especially if topical treatment has not helped
• You have widespread or severe acne on the face, chest or back
• Your scarring is active or worsening
• Your symptoms are not improving after a reasonable course of treatment
• There are signs you may need oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy or isotretinoin, which we do not prescribe through this service