Acne Treatments

Acne is a common skin condition affecting teenagers and people in the early 20s. But can continue later into adulthood. Acne is so common among young people that 8 in 10 teenagers will have acne at some point. That’s why Murrays Chemist in Harrow offers a range of acne treatments.

What is acne?

Acne is where pores in the skin become blocked. Often, this is due to a substance called sebum which is produced by glands in the hair follicles. Sebum normally helps keep the skin moisturised and water-proof. But too much sebum can cause acne.

When pores get blocked they may become inflamed or infected, creating red bumps in the skin. Whilst getting spots is normal, acne involves a lot of spots on the face, back and sometimes the chest. The types of spots include black and whiteheads, pustules and even cysts.

Acne is triggered by hormonal changes at puberty or the menstrual cycle but also during pregnancy. At best acne is embarrassing, especially when you are young, but it can also cause scarring.

What acne treatments are available?

There is a wide range of treatment options for people with acne. Some are available over-the-counter whilst others are prescription medications. You may try a single treatment but often acne is treated with a combination of medications:

Topical or oral antibiotics will treat any infected pores.
Retinoid creams can unplug blocked pores and help reduce inflammation
Combination creams that unblock and treat the inflammation and/or kill bacteria
Contraceptive pill may help women with acne by helping to regulate their hormones

When using these treatments, it’s important to avoid the triggers for acne so the medication has a chance to work.

How can I access acne treatments in Harrow?

Murrays Chemist in Harrow offers a short consultation appointment for acne treatments. The consulting pharmacist will assess your skin and recommend a treatment plan.