Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting not just teenagers but adults of all ages. Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts, persistent adult acne, or hormonal flare-ups, effective treatment is available. UrgentDoc's English-speaking doctors can assess your skin via video consultation, create a personalized treatment plan, and prescribe medications to help you achieve clearer skin.
Understanding Acne
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then multiply in these clogged pores, leading to inflammation. Several factors contribute to acne:
- Excess oil production – overactive sebaceous glands
- Clogged pores – buildup of dead skin cells
- Bacteria – Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes) proliferation
- Inflammation – immune response causing redness and swelling
- Hormones – androgens trigger increased oil production
Types of Acne
Understanding your acne type helps determine the best treatment approach:
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Blackheads (open comedones) – dark spots where pores are clogged but remain open. Whiteheads (closed comedones) – small, flesh-colored bumps where pores are completely blocked.
Inflammatory Acne
Papules – small, red, tender bumps. Pustules – papules with pus at the tip (classic "pimples"). More likely to cause scarring and requires active treatment.
Severe Acne
Nodules – large, painful lumps deep under the skin. Cysts – painful, pus-filled lumps that can cause permanent scarring. Requires prescription treatment.
Common Acne Concerns We Treat
Our doctors can help with various acne-related issues:
- Teenage acne – hormonal breakouts common during puberty
- Adult acne – persistent or new-onset acne in adults, often related to stress or hormones
- Hormonal acne – breakouts around the jawline and chin, often linked to menstrual cycles
- Back and body acne – acne on the chest, back, and shoulders
- Post-acne marks – hyperpigmentation and red marks left after breakouts
- Acne flare-ups – sudden worsening of previously controlled acne
How Our Consultation Works
Book Your Appointment
Select a convenient time and describe your acne concerns. Take clear photos of your skin in natural lighting—face, and any other affected areas.
Skin Assessment
Our English-speaking doctor will review your photos, assess your acne type and severity, discuss your history, and ask about previous treatments and your skincare routine.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Receive a customized treatment plan with prescription medications sent to your local pharmacy in Spain, plus skincare recommendations and follow-up guidance.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to your acne type, severity, and skin type:
Topical Treatments
- Retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) – vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores and promote cell turnover
- Benzoyl peroxide – kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation
- Topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin) – reduce bacteria and inflammation
- Azelaic acid – antibacterial and helps with post-acne marks
- Combination products – multiple active ingredients for enhanced effectiveness
Oral Treatments
- Oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) – for moderate to severe inflammatory acne
- Hormonal treatments – certain contraceptives or anti-androgens for hormonal acne in women
- Isotretinoin – for severe, resistant acne (requires specialist referral and monitoring)
Note: Acne treatment takes time. Most treatments require 6-12 weeks to show significant improvement. Your doctor will discuss realistic expectations and may recommend follow-up consultations.
Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
Support your treatment with these evidence-based skincare practices:
- Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily
- Avoid harsh scrubbing—it can worsen inflammation
- Always use oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer (even oily skin needs hydration)
- Apply sunscreen daily—many acne treatments increase sun sensitivity
- Don't pick or squeeze pimples—this causes scarring and spreads bacteria
- Change pillowcases frequently
- Keep hair products away from your face
- Remove makeup before bed
- Be patient—improvement takes weeks, not days
Common Acne Triggers
While acne has multiple causes, these factors can make it worse:
- Stress – increases cortisol, which can trigger breakouts
- Diet – high-glycemic foods and dairy may worsen acne in some people
- Hormonal changes – menstrual cycles, pregnancy, starting/stopping birth control
- Certain medications – steroids, lithium, some anticonvulsants
- Comedogenic products – heavy makeup, oils, or skincare that clogs pores
- Friction – from phones, helmets, tight clothing, or touching your face
- Climate – humidity and sweating can worsen acne
When to Seek Further Care
Consider in-person dermatology care if you have:
- Severe cystic or nodular acne not responding to treatment
- Significant scarring developing
- Acne accompanied by other symptoms (irregular periods, unusual hair growth)
- Signs of skin infection (increasing pain, warmth, spreading redness)
- Severe psychological impact affecting daily life
- Need for isotretinoin (requires in-person monitoring)
Our doctors can provide referrals to dermatologists in Spain when needed.
Why Choose UrgentDoc for Acne Treatment?
Convenient Access
Skip the long wait for dermatology appointments—get started on treatment now
Photo Assessment
Share clear photos for accurate diagnosis of your acne type and severity
English-Speaking Doctors
Discuss your skin concerns and treatment options without language barriers
Prescription Medications
Get effective prescription treatments at any pharmacy in Spain
Ready to Start Your Acne Treatment?
Get a personalized treatment plan from one of our doctors. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer skin.
Book a Consultation