Acne
Access private acne treatments with your trusted NHS doctor
Overview
Clinically supervised options for acne treatment, including prescription topical retinoids, combination treatments, and anti-inflammatory therapies where clinically appropriate following medical assessment.
Acne treatment is not suitable for everyone and may require ongoing review depending on response, side effects, and skin sensitivity.
Last updated: May 2026
NHS access and private treatment
Many acne treatments are available through NHS GP services. However, access, prescribing preferences, and waiting times may vary depending on local NHS services and clinical presentation.
Private treatment may be considered where clinically appropriate following assessment.
Some prescription acne medicines are not suitable for:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- certain skin conditions
- severe skin irritation or eczema
- allergy to retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics
- some concurrent medicines or skincare products
Private suitability
Private prescribing may be suitable for adults who:
- Have acne affecting the face, chest, or back
- Have persistent or inflammatory acne symptoms
- Have previously tried over-the-counter treatments without improvement
- Are able to provide clear photographs where requested
- Have no contraindications identified during assessment
Remote treatment may not be suitable for:
- rapidly worsening acne
- severe nodular or cystic acne
- extensive scarring
- suspicious skin lesions
- significant skin infection
- severe medication reactions
Some cases may require in-person assessment.
Common questionnaire topics
Assessment commonly includes:
- Current acne symptoms and affected areas
- Previous acne treatments and skincare products
- Pregnancy and contraception screening where relevant
- Current medicines and allergies
- Skin sensitivity and previous reactions
- Medical history and concurrent conditions
- Uploaded photographs where appropriate
Patients may be asked to provide additional clinical information or photographs before a prescribing decision is made.
Treatment decisions are made independently by the reviewing doctor based on safety, suitability, medical history, and current clinical guidance.
Treatment approach
Prescription acne treatment is usually combined with supportive skincare measures and may require several weeks before improvement becomes noticeable.
Treatment plans may include:
- topical retinoids
- benzoyl peroxide combinations
- topical antibiotics
- ongoing skin care advice
- regular treatment review where appropriate
Some treatments may initially cause:
- dryness
- redness
- peeling
- irritation
Treatment may be adjusted, paused, or stopped depending on clinical response and tolerability.
Further information
Review Fee
The fixed medical review fee for this indication is £10.00.
This fee covers the independent clinical assessment carried out by your reviewing doctor, including reviewing your medical questionnaire, checking suitability and safety, and making a prescribing decision where appropriate.
The review fee is charged once your request is submitted for clinical assessment and is non-refundable after the review has been completed.
Available Medicines
Each prescription typically includes one treatment tube, representing approximately one to two months of treatment when used as directed.
| adapalene | Differin | 0.1% | 1 tube (45 g) | Topical | £24.99 | 2 units: 5% saving |
| adapalene | Differin | 0.1% | 1 tube (45 g) | Topical | £24.99 | 2 units: 5% saving |
| adapalene/benzoyl peroxide | Epiduo | 0.1% / 2.5% | 1 tube (45 g) | Topical | £29.99 | 2 units: 5% saving |
| tretinoin/clindamycin | Treclin | 0.025% / 1% | 1 tube (30 g) | Topical | £29.99 | 2 units: 5% saving |