Introduction
Acne is a very common skin condition. It is most prevalent in the teens and twenties, but it can persist or first appear in adulthood. There are many effective treatment options: most people start with products from a pharmacy, and if these don’t work, a doctor can prescribe stronger creams and gels, oral antibiotics, or hormonal therapy such as the contraceptive pill in women. If acne is severe, cystic or scarring, a dermatologist’s input is recommended.
With so many products available, it helps to know what kind of acne you have, because different treatments target different lesions.
What are the types of acne lesion?
Non-inflammatory lesions:
- Whiteheads (“closed comedones”): closed, oil-plugged pores.
- Blackheads (“open comedones”): open plugged pores; the oil darkens when exposed to air.
Inflammatory lesions:
- Papules: small, sore red bumps.
- Pustules: pimples; papules containing pus.
- Nodules: large, solid, painful lumps under the skin.
- Cysts: large, painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin’s surface.
Many people have a mixture of both types.
What types of creams and gels can I use for acne?
- Benzoyl peroxide remains a first-choice option. Bacteria don’t become resistant to it, it helps both lesion types, and it’s often combined with a retinoid or antibiotic for better results.
- Topical retinoids are among the most effective treatments for mild to moderate acne. They prevent comedones forming and help inflammatory lesions too. One retinoid, adapalene, is now available in Australia directly from pharmacists without a prescription; stronger retinoids still require one. Retinoids should be avoided in pregnancy, so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re pregnant or planning to be.
- Azelaic acid is another well-tolerated option that helps both comedones and inflamed spots, and can improve the dark marks acne leaves behind.
- Topical antibiotics help mild to moderate inflammatory acne, but should always be used with benzoyl peroxide, never alone, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Salicylic acid, found in many cleansers and washes, breaks down comedones and may offer modest benefit.
How to get the best results
- Apply treatment to the whole acne-prone area, not just individual spots.
- Give any treatment 6 to 12 weeks before judging whether it works.
- Use a pea-sized amount; more isn’t better, and irritation is the main reason people give up. A non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturiser and sunscreen help you stay the course.
- Don’t squeeze nodules or cysts; it increases the risk of scarring.
What if creams and gels aren’t enough?
If topical treatment isn’t working after a proper trial, or causes side effects, talk to a doctor. Oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment, and dermatologist-prescribed options are all worth considering, and treating acne properly matters: early treatment is the best way to prevent permanent scarring.
Trusted further reading:
Sinus Infection: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts, and When You Need a Doctor
Sinusitis, often called a sinus infection, is one of the most common reasons Australians start to feel wretched for a week or two after a cold. The good news is [...]
Can You Get a Free Medical Certificate Online in Australia?
An honest answer from a GP: mostly no, but there are some genuinely free routes, and they are worth knowing about. This page explains where free or bulk-billed [...]
Can You Get a Medical Certificate from a Pharmacy or Chemist Warehouse?
Pharmacy Medical Certificates in Australia: Rules, Limits and Costs If you wake up unwell and need proof for work, the local pharmacy can sometimes help. Pharmacists in Australia can [...]
Clinical review & governance
Medically reviewed by Dr Ali Zavery
Dr. Aliasgar Zavery BSc (hons) MBBS MRCGP FRACGP DCH Dr Aliasgar (Ali) Zavery is originally from Nottingham, England. He trained at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London, qualifying in 2003. He worked as a GP partner…
This health information has been clinically reviewed by an Australian doctor. Qoctor health pages are reviewed to support clear, evidence-informed guidance; they do not replace individual medical advice.
Telehealth is not suitable in all medical situations — patients will be advised if an in-person assessment is needed. In an emergency, call 000.