Acne & Skin Treatment Guide: UK Pharmacy Prices Compared

Acne affects people of all ages, not just teenagers. With dozens of treatment options available from UK online pharmacies, finding the right treatment at the right price can be overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down.

Understanding Acne Severity

Treatment choice depends on the severity of your acne:

• Mild acne - mostly blackheads and whiteheads with few spots
• Moderate acne - more widespread spots, some inflamed
• Severe acne - large, painful cysts and nodules, widespread inflammation

Over-the-Counter Treatments

For mild acne, start with products available without prescription:

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Kills acne-causing bacteria
• Available in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% strengths
• Start with lower strength to reduce irritation
• Price: From around £4-£10

Salicylic Acid

• Unclogs pores and reduces inflammation
• Available in various formulations (cleansers, toners, spot treatments)
• Price: From around £5-£15

Prescription Treatments

For moderate to severe acne, prescription treatments are more effective:

Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene)

• Unclog pores and promote cell turnover
• Applied once daily in the evening
• Can cause initial dryness and irritation
• Price: From around £10-£30

Topical Antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin)

• Kill acne bacteria on the skin surface
• Usually combined with another treatment
• Price: From around £8-£20

Oral Antibiotics

Lymecycline (Tetralysal)

• First-line oral antibiotic for acne
• Usually prescribed for 8-12 weeks
• Price: From around £10-£25 per course

Doxycycline

• Alternative oral antibiotic
• Also used for rosacea
• Price: From around £5-£15 per course

Combination Treatments

Duac Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide + Clindamycin)

• Popular combination treatment
• Price: From around £15-£35

Epiduo (Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide)

• Strong combination for moderate acne
• Price: From around £20-£40

Other Skin Conditions

Eczema & Dermatitis

• Emollients: From £3-£10 (moisturisers are the foundation of treatment)
• Topical steroids: From £5-£20 (hydrocortisone to stronger prescriptions)
• Elidel/Protopic: From £15-£40 (steroid-free alternatives)

Psoriasis

• Coal tar preparations: From £5-£15
• Vitamin D analogues (Dovonex): From £10-£25
• Topical steroids: From £5-£20

Rosacea

• Metronidazole gel: From £8-£20
• Ivermectin cream (Soolantra): From £15-£40
• Doxycycline (low dose): From £5-£15

How to Save on Skin Treatments

1. Compare across pharmacies - skin treatment prices vary hugely between UK online pharmacies
2. Ask about generic alternatives - generic versions contain the same active ingredients
3. Don't over-treat - more products doesn't always mean better results
4. Buy the right size - larger tubes often have a lower per-gram cost
5. Use PriceMyMeds - compare prices from 60+ UK pharmacies instantly

When to See a Dermatologist

Consider a specialist referral if:

• Over-the-counter treatments haven't worked after 3 months
• Your acne is severe or leaving scars
• Your acne is significantly affecting your mental health
• You're considering isotretinoin (Roaccutane)

---

Prices from 60+ UK pharmacies Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new skin treatment