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Acne management information and over the counter treatment options

There are various over the counter treatments for acne and countless different brands, which can make deciding on treatment confusing. Below is some information and a list of treatments that are proven to be of benefit.

 

Daily Hygiene

It is important to follow daily hygiene measures e.g. regularly washing your pillow case/bedding/hair as well as washing/cleansing your skin daily and additionally after exercise. Ensure any towel you use on your face is regularly cleaned.

Diet/Lifestyle

Diet is a debatable topic; however, some people find eating less fatty/processed/oily foods is beneficial for their skin. Alcohol and smoking may also worsen acne in some people. Staying well hydrated is also beneficial for your general skin health.

 

Skincare Products/Routine

Please note responses to treatment will vary between individuals and there will be differences between branded products. It is important to try new products one at a time, for a few weeks, before introducing new products so that you know what works/doesn't work. Some people may react to certain products, especially those with sensitive skin, which is another reason to try one product at a time.

 

There are many brands to choose from when looking at skincare products. Cerave and Cetaphil are reputable brands but you may wish to look around.

 

The list below is extensive and is certainly not all essential. The main components to start with would be a cleanser, salicylic acid and a moisturiser. Additional components may be added such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or retinol. The other components are less recommended but do provide benefit and have research evidencing this.

After cleansing +/- using toner the general rule of thumb is to apply thinner treatments first and thicker treatments after, then finish with a moisturiser and or sunscreen. A skincare routine is typically performed after waking up and before going to bed.

Please bear in mind treatment can take weeks to months to see the full effect. Consistency is key.

Skincare Products

1. Cleanser: A moisturising cleanser if good for dry or sensitive skin. Foaming is often for oily skin. Products may state what skin type they are aimed at. These can be alternated, for instance using foaming only twice per week or only after sports when the skin is oilier. Cleansing should be performed in the morning and evening, for one minute at a time. You may wish to use a silicone brush to help cleanse, but this is not essential and you will need to make sure the brush is kept clean.

 

2. Toner: Balances skin's natural pH after using a cleanser. It helps remove impurities and can help with hydration.

 

3. Salicylic acid:  Unblocks pores to help prevent spots developing (chemical exfoliant). This may be included within a cleanser itself or used separately as a serum. If your skin is more sensitive then this may be better in a cleanser as this is washed off. If your skin is sensitive this may be best used only at night. It is important to use sunscreen in the morning if using this as this will cause increased sun sensitivity.

 

4. Benzoyl peroxide: Reduces inflammation, combats bacteria (P.acnes) that can cause acne. Use on individual areas only. Once daily only. This will cause skin redness/dryness, that means it is working. It may need to be used less often or in very small amounts if your skin is sensitive. It should only be used for a few days on any one targeted area. It can be purchased at the pharmacy without prescription. It is important to use sunscreen in the morning if using this as this will cause increased sun sensitivity.

 

5. Retinol (over the counter)/Tretinoin or Adapalene (prescribed): Topical vitamin A, which helps promote new skin turnover and reduces inflammation. This doesn’t specifically treat acne but is very good for general skin health and can be useful within a skincare routine. Use at night only. It is important to use sunscreen in the morning if using this as this will cause increased sun sensitivity.

 

6. Azelaic acid: Less irritating than benzoyl peroxide and retinol. Helps unclog pores and shed dead skin cells. Kills bacteria (P.acnes). Can be used twice daily. This may be used alongside retinol but it might cause irritation when used together. Consider using azelaic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening if using both. Avoid using with benzoyl peroxide.

 

7. Vitamin C: Helps reduce inflammation. The main benefit is reducing hyperpigmentation and scarring from acne. If scarring is present however, it’s important to see the GP to consider more advanced treatment.

 

8. Zinc: Anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used as a cream or an oral supplement (see below).

 

9. Niacinamide: Anti-inflammatory properties. Helps reduce oil production in the skin.

 

10. Sulphur: Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Helps dry out oily skin and unclog pores.

 

11. Tea Tree Oil: Anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties.

 

10. Moisturiser: Helps seal in products and protects your skin allowing it to hydrate. It is important to prevent dry skin for general skin health, which in turn is beneficial for acne. Lotions are thinner and have a higher water content so will be better for oily skin. Creams are better for drier skin.

 

11. Sunscreen: Can help reduce inflammation from sun damage. To be used in the morning instead of or alongside a moisturiser. This should be a non-oily formulation.

 

 

Supplements:

 

Vitamin D: There have been some studies that associate a low vitamin D level with increased acne. Although it’s unclear if this is a direct correlation it is quite reasonable to take a vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter months. A standard maintenance dose would be 800 units of vitamin D per day. During winter months 1000-2000 units per day would be reasonable. If you are taking vitamin D supplements for over 3 months, we would advise having a blood test to ensure overdosing is not occurring.

 

Omega-3 Oil: There is some evidence to suggest that being deficient in omega oils can lead to worsening acne. Taking a daily omega 3 supplement can be beneficial for those with acne. Omega oil containing EPA and DHA (two different fatty acids) is recommended.

 

Zinc: This has been shown in studies to be beneficial for managing acne given its anti-inflammatory effect. This can be used in a topical cream or as an oral supplement. It is reported as being more effective when taken as an oral supplement however, some people may have unwanted side effects.

Published on 11th Jun 2025

Prostate Cancer Screening

We are working to raise awareness of symptoms of possible prostate cancer and testing, especially amongst higher-risk groups of men. These include:

·         Men aged 50 and above

·         Black men aged 45 and above

·         Men with a family history of prostate cancer aged 45 and above

 

Most early-stage prostate cancers do not cause any symptoms. Some men may notice changes in urination including weak flow, needing to wee more often than usual - especially at night, difficulty in starting to pass urine, feeling like you haven’t emptied your bladder, urgent need to wee, or blood in your urine or semen. It is important to note that a lot of these symptoms are more commonly caused by non-cancerous conditions such as a benign enlargement of the prostate, inflammation of the prostate called prostatitis and urinary tract infections. With more advanced prostate cancer, there can be spread to the bones which may cause back pain that doesn’t go away with rest, tiredness and weight loss for no reason.

There is a blood test called prostate specific antigen (PSA) that is available to patients. A raised PSA can indicate a problem with the prostate but cannot by itself tell us what that problem is. Many men with a raised PSA do not have prostate cancer and some with a normal PSA can have prostate cancer. A raised result however can prompt your GP to arrange referral for further tests to rule out a cancer.

We encourage you click this link for further information:

 https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/PSA%20Advice.pdf

What should I do next?

1.      If you have none of the symptoms mentioned above and if you would like to have a PSA blood test, please contact reception to arrange and see the information below.

2.      If you have noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above or would like to discuss things further, please contact reception to arrange an appointment with a GP

3.      Please do nothing if you do not wish for any further testing or discussion with a GP

 

Preparing for your PSA test

If you choose to book a PSA blood test, please follow the instructions below (as all can raise your PSA level for a short time):

·         Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours or anal sex for 1 week before the test

·         Avoid vigorous exercise or cycling for 48 hours before the test

·         Delay your test for 6 weeks if you have had a prostate biopsy, urinary tract infection, tests or surgery to your bladder or prostate or a urinary catheter to drain your bladder

Published on 11th Jun 2025

New Tool to Support Your Care – Anima

We’re excited to introduce Anima, a secure new tool we are using to help make your consultations even more efficient.

Anima uses trusted technology to transcribe and summarise your conversations with your clinician during appointments. This means we can create clear, accurate notes quickly — giving your clinician more time to focus on what matters most: you.

✅ Secure and confidential
✅ Helps keep accurate clinical records
✅ Saves clinical time and improves your care experience

You can choose at any time not to use Anima — just let a member of our team know if you would prefer not to have it used during your consultation.

Want to find out more?
Please speak to a member of staff or view our Anima Scribe Privacy Policy

Published on 29th Apr 2025