Skin Conditions
Acne and Isotretinoin
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United Kingdom. Although it’s common, it’s difficult to get accurate information. Accurate information about acne and isotretinoin is scarce.
This can make it difficult to get clearer skin. Dermatologists know that letting acne runs its course is not always the best advice. I’m Dr Anita Amin. I’m a Consultant Dermatologist. I work closely with Dr Anna Ascott who is a specialist registrar in Dermatology. We set up Skin Assist. It’s an online acne service and we set it up because people who have skin issues often can’t access specialists for advice.
Consult a dermatologist if:
- Your acne makes you shy or embarrassed.
- The products you’ve tried have not worked.
- Your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin.
What causes acne?
- Genetics. If acne runs in your family, you are more likely to suffer with it.
- Hormones
- Increased presence of the acne causing bacteria called P. acnes (now called C. acnes).
- Follicular hyper keratinization, which is the medical term for clogged and plugged pores. These can be microscopic plugs, macroscopic plugs such as blackheads, and even small closed cysts.
- Inflammation in the skin.
Treatment of acne and isotretinoin
Step 1:
Treat the acne causing bacteria called P. acne. The most effective way to do this is with medicated skin care products containing benzoyl peroxide. This non-prescription ingredient controls this bacterium better than prescription antibiotics, which have led to bacterial resistance and put you at risk for gram-negative folliculitis (a skin infection that resembles acne).
Step 2:
Fight blackheads and follicular hyperkeratinization (plugs in your pores that lead to pimples)To do this, we use keratolytics. Keratolytics are ingredients that break up clumps of dead skin cells. Medicated keratolytics include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Add a retinoid for even greater results. Stronger retinoids can only be prescribed by a doctor. I recommend a photo consultation to assess your acne for prescription retinoids, for example Tretinoin or Adapalene. We provide up to six months supply of treatment.
Step 3:
If you have cystic or scarring acne, I recommend our Skin Assist Acne Treatment Program. Our program has a 95% cure rate. We have access to over 30 acne treatments including isotretinoin. You will start to see results within 4 weeks with mostly clear skin in 4 months. We offer you an acne video appointment typically within a week. Lasting up to 30-minutes, you have a 20-minute consultation with us in our specialist acne clinic. We then take a further 10 minutes to write patient reports and ensure safe prescribing.
What’s included in our online acne consultations
- Online video acne consultation with UK-qualified and experienced consultant dermatologist and dermatology specialist.
- Your acne is diagnosed and you receive a safety-checked prescription for your individual requirements.
- You get a personalised skin routine and treatment plan, based on the latest research.
- You have access to our clinic by email and phone throughout your treatment in between your consultations.
- Discounted prescription acne treatments-up to 80% discounts- can be delivered to your door through our pharmacist partner.
£120 for your expert 30-minute consultation
Get your Specialist treatment plan -Book using our online diary below
Email: support@skinassist.uk
Phone: 07821 523060
Follow the steps below to book an online appointment.
If you are having trouble booking an appointment, or you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us on the details shown above.
Skin Assist Acne Treatment Program FAQs
Where can I find more information about isotretinoin?
The British Association of Dermatologists has written an excellent leaflet about isotretinoin. Read it HERE.
How long will a course of isotreinoin last?
For a full course of isotretinoin, you will need between four and six months of treatment. You may need three video consultations in total to check safety during the course.
Do I have to pay for my prescription medication?
We have worked hard to make treatment as affordable as possible. We can offer private prescriptions only. We are so pleased to be able to pass on up to 80% discounts for the cost of isotretinoin. A full course normally costs £600-£700 from a chemist, because they charge their own fee. We offer a full course of isotretinoin for £120-£150 (depending on your weight).
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