Acne (spots)

Follow the advice above: 

• Gently cleanse your skin
• Avoid picking 
• Avoid oil based products
• Get a good nights sleep
• Eat a healthy diet 

Speak to your local community pharmacist about acne treatments you can buy over the counter such as benzoyl peroxide. 

If your acne is not improving, getting worse, causing scarring or affecting your mental health then speak to your GP. 

On average it can take between 1 and 2 weeks for acne pimples to clear up on their own. For severe acne it can take several weeks for acne to go away even with treatment.

Most acne treatments take time to work. You often need to use an acne treatment for up to 3 months before deciding whether or not it has been effective.

Scaring fades over time but the time it takes depends on the type of acne scarring, it may take 12 months or longer. 

If your acne is getting worse, affecting your mental health or causing scarring then speak to your GP. 

If you have mild acne, you should speak to a pharmacist for advice about treatment. You should probably speak to your GP if you have moderate or severe acne or if it is affecting your mental health. You should also speak to your GP if your acne is causing scarring.

There are many treatments out there for acne including:

• Topical treatments (those that are applied directly to the skin). Some you can buy over the counter from a pharmacy and others you can only get on prescription
• Oral antibiotics (tablets taken by mouth)
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Isotretinoin capsules (brand name Roaccutane^®) only available from a dermatologist

 Yes! This is a completely normal feeling, as almost 1 in 4 people who have acne will experience a change to their mental health. When acne changes the appearance of your skin, it can make you feel upset or distressed and perhaps make you have negative thoughts about yourself.

It's important to remember that there are many trained medical professionals who can help you with your emotional wellbeing. They can help you decide on the best course of action to address the issues you are experiencing with your acne and mental health.

Visit our page on mental health services for support or contact West Yorkshire Night OWLS. 

 Available 8pm to 8am every day for children, young people, parents and carers across West Yorkshire. Call free on 0800 1488 244 or text on 07984 392700. Visit the website to use the online chat function www.wynightowls.org.uk

When squeezing or popping a spot, it damages the skin and causes an increased risk of scarring and acne getting worse.  Instead of picking on your acne, you should use a safe and targeted treatment for the specific type of acne that you have. Speak to a pharmacist, your GP or a dermatologist for advice. 

Applying a cream or gel with benzoyl peroxide once or twice a day after washing your face can reduce the number of blackheads on your face. Wash with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse. Don't try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.

You can buy benzoyl peroxide (brand name Acnecide^®) over the counter from your local community pharmacy. If your skin is getting worse, speak to your GP. 

Although toothpaste does have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it is important to not use it on your spots as it is a highly irritant substance. In some cases, it may cause severe discoloration (which is most common in darker skin types).

There's no harm in trying spot patches but they may not work.

Spot patches act as bandages that prevent you from touching spots e.g. picking them. Spot patches absorb the fluid, pus and prevent dirt and bacteria from getting to pimples, creating a moist environment for faster and improved healing and also reducing scarring.

The patch won't stop the next pimple from appearing, but the pimple may heal more quickly.

However, they might dry out or irritate the affected area. If you have dirt from clogged pores, blackheads, or whiteheads, or cystic acne they won't help. 

It depends on the type of makeup product you use. Some might cause acne to appear or make acne worse, but some may have no effect. Makeup that is heavy or oily in texture can block hair follicles which can trigger acne.

• Avoid oil based products. Most make up, skincare and suncare products are oil based (also known as comedogenic). This can block the pores in your skin and block the hair follicles, ultimately creating a space for acne to develop.
• Use water based (non comedogenic) products. These are much healthier for the skin, as they have a lower chance of blocking your pores.
• Remove makeup and cosmetics before you get into bed as it can mix with oils that have built up on the surface of your skin and will lead to breakouts and clogged pores.

Before buying any skin care products, you must know some essential information about your skin:

• Firstly know your skin type, for example is it dry, oily or a mix of both
• Check the ingredients of the products. Are you allergic to any ingredients in the skin product? Try the product on a small patch of skin first to see whether you could be allergic or not and so you dont harm your whole face 
• Avoid oil based products. Most make up, skincare and suncare products are oil based (also known as comedogenic). This can block the pores in your skin and block the hair follicles, ultimately creating a space for acne to develop.
• Use water based (non comedogenic) products. These are much healthier for the skin, as they have a lower chance of blocking your pores.
• Remove makeup and cosmetics before you get into bed as it can mix with oils that have built up on the surface of your skin and will lead to breakouts and clogged pores.
• Get advice from your local community pharmacist, GP or a dermatologist