Acne is a common skin condition that affects both teenagers and adults. It can range from mild breakouts to more persistent or inflammatory forms that impact confidence and comfort. People seek assessment for many reasons, including ongoing spots that do not respond to over-the-counter products, acne that worsens in adulthood, or concerns about scarring or skin texture. At City Dermatology Clinic, acne treatment is approached through careful clinical assessment, as the most appropriate management depends on the type of acne, its severity, and individual skin factors. Consultations for acne are carried out by Dr Andreea Anton, a consultant dermatologist experienced in assessing and managing a wide range of acne presentations.
Acne is not a single condition, and effective management depends on identifying the pattern and drivers of breakouts. During a consultation, assessment may include:
distribution of acne (face, jawline, chest, back)
type of lesions present (comedones, inflammatory spots, nodules)
duration and fluctuation over time
previous topical or oral treatments and response
relevant medical, hormonal, or lifestyle factors
Based on this assessment, treatment options may be discussed. These can include:
Topical treatments: Often used for mild to moderate acne. These may target blocked pores, inflammation, or bacteria.
Oral medications: Considered for more persistent or inflammatory acne, or where topical treatments alone have not been sufficient.
Hormonal-related management: In some adults, acne may be influenced by hormonal factors. This is assessed carefully as part of the consultation.
Procedural treatments: In selected cases, procedures may be used to support acne control or address consequences such as scarring or pigmentation.
Not all treatments are suitable for everyone, and combinations are sometimes used. Treatment choice depends on individual factors and is reviewed over time.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Review of symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments |
| Skin assessment | Examination of acne type, severity, and affected areas |
| Treatment discussion | Explanation of suitable options, benefits, and limitations |
| Ongoing review | Follow-up appointments where appropriate to monitor response |
Acne treatment is often gradual. Improvement is assessed over weeks rather than days, and adjustments may be needed.
Acne can appear in different forms, which may overlap:
Comedonal acne: blackheads and whiteheads with minimal redness
Inflammatory acne: red spots, papules, and pustules
Nodulocystic acne: deeper, more painful lesions under the skin
Adult acne: acne that persists or develops in adulthood, often affecting the lower face or jawline
Truncal acne: acne affecting the chest, shoulders, or back
Identifying the dominant pattern helps guide management.
People seek assessment for acne for a range of reasons, including:
acne that does not respond to non-prescription products
frequent flare-ups or worsening over time
discomfort, inflammation, or tenderness
concerns about marks, pigmentation, or scarring
acne appearing later in life without a previous history
Some acne may not require medical treatment, while other cases benefit from professional input. A consultation helps clarify this.
All acne treatments have potential side effects and limitations, which vary depending on the option used. These are discussed during consultation.
Acne often improves gradually, and temporary flare-ups can occur with some treatments before improvement is seen.
While treatment may reduce the risk of scarring, acne itself can leave marks or scars, and outcomes vary between individuals.
Consultant Dermatologist in London & Harley Street
MBBS, MD, MRCP (Derm)
GMC reference no: 7531865
Dr Andreea Anton is a Consultant Dermatologist on the GMC Specialist Register. She works in both private practice and the NHS and currently holds a Consultant Dermatologist position at London North West Healthcare NHS Trust.
She graduated in Medicine in 2009 with distinction and completed five years of specialist dermatology training in Bucharest. Following this, she undertook further higher specialist training in dermatology at Imperial College London, where she has worked as a Locum Consultant Dermatologist since 2016.
Dr Anton is a member of several professional organisations, including the British Association of Dermatologists, the Royal College of Physicians, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the International Society of Dermoscopy.
Her clinical interests include acne, rosacea, mole assessment, skin cancer, mole removal, skin surgery, and hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, and telogen effluvium. She regularly runs NHS skin cancer clinics as part of her consultant role.
No GP referral is required. You can book a private acne consultation directly. The appointment focuses on assessing your skin, understanding your concerns, and discussing whether medical treatment is appropriate. Any previous GP or NHS letters can be helpful but are not required.
No. Acne commonly affects adults, and many people experience persistent acne well into their 20s, 30s, or later. Some individuals develop acne for the first time in adulthood. Adult acne often behaves differently from teenage acne and may require a different management approach.
Acne is influenced by several factors, including inflammation, blocked pores, bacteria, hormonal influences, and individual skin characteristics. While treatment can help control acne, it does not always remove the underlying tendency to develop it. For this reason, ongoing or maintenance treatment may be discussed in some cases.
Yes. Acne can affect the chest, shoulders, back, and neck. Truncal acne is common and can be assessed in the same way as facial acne. Treatment options may differ depending on the area affected and the type of acne present.
Acne treatment works gradually. Most treatments require several weeks before improvement can be properly assessed. In some cases, acne may appear unchanged or temporarily worsen early in treatment before improvement occurs. This is discussed during consultation so expectations are clear.
Managing active acne may help reduce the risk of future scarring, particularly when inflammation is controlled. However, scarring can still occur and varies between individuals. Existing scars are assessed separately from active acne and may require different management.
Some acne treatments are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is discussed carefully during consultation, and treatment options are adjusted accordingly to ensure safety.
No. Many people are managed successfully with topical treatments alone. Oral medications are considered when acne is more persistent, widespread, or inflammatory, or when topical treatments have not been sufficient. Suitability is assessed on an individual basis.
Diet and lifestyle may influence acne in some individuals, but they are rarely the sole cause. Acne is a medical condition with multiple contributing factors. Any relevant lifestyle considerations can be discussed as part of a broader assessment, without assuming a single cause.
Acne can often be improved and controlled, but long-term outcomes vary. Some people experience remission over time, while others require intermittent or ongoing management. Treatment aims to control symptoms and reduce impact rather than guarantee permanent resolution.
If a treatment is not effective or causes side effects, it can be reviewed and adjusted. Acne management often involves reassessment over time rather than a fixed plan. Follow-up appointments allow response to be monitored and options reconsidered.
