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![Battling Stubborn Breakouts?](/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Young-caucasian-woman-after-acne-treatment.jpg" "Battling Stubborn Breakouts?")
After
Battling Stubborn Breakouts?
Acne affects 95% of people, mostly between the ages of 11 and 30, and can leave long-term skin damage.
However, you no longer have to live with it.
How It Works?
Remove acne in 3 simple steps with Monderma:
Submit
Complete a free ingredient analysis
Start
Get your monthly acne formula
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What's In Your Nightly Cream?
Delivered in a vegan base of hyaluronic acid and peptides, your personalised blend contains up to 3 dermatological actives, designed for optimal efficacy.
Recyclable
Vegan Friendly
Cruelty Free
Fragrance Free
Alcohol Free
GPhC Regulated Pharmacy
MHRA Approved Suppliers
Dermatologically Tested
Pharmacist Led
The Monderma Difference
| Retail | VS |  |
|---|---|---|
| Up To 3 Creams | All In One Multitasker | |
| Batch Produced | Personalised | |
| Over The Counter | Pharmacist Led | |
| Cosmetic Ingredients | Dermatological Actives | |
| Lower Efficacy | Micronised | |
| Limited Strength | Up To 20x Strength | |
| Not Regulated | GPhC Regulated | |
| Self Assessment | MHRA Suppliers | |
Maximum Acne Results
Acne formulas are supplied by GPhC registered prescribers and pharmacists for safe, effective use.
Individual results differ, but you will typically notice fewer blackheads and pimples. Mild side effects such as peeling, tingling, and redness may initially occur as your skin adjusts.
Tried, Tested, Loved: Hear It Firsthand
Give it a go!
“I have sensitive skin and mid-20s hormonal acne, Monderma is the first thing I’ve used in years that has actually worked.”
– Abbie G, London, UK
My skin is now clearer than it’s been in years
“My skin has improved dramatically – the spots that used to bother me are gone, and even my old acne scars have faded.”
– Margaret F, West Midlands, UK
Clear blackheads, reduce pimples, and prevent pitting once and for all.
Save 50% and enjoy free shipping with Monderma today—limited time only.
Still Have Questions?
Acne affects 95% of people in the UK aged 11 to 30.
Girls aged 14–17 and boys aged 16–19 are most affected by acne. Only 3% of adults over 35 continue to experience breakouts.
All skin tones are equally likely to develop acne.
Visible symptoms of acne include spots, inflammation, and pitting.
The face is most prone to acne. It also affects 50% of people on the neck, shoulders, and back, and 15% on the chest.
Acne is classified into 6 subtypes:
| Subtype | Description | Common Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Blackheads (open comedones) | Small, non-inflammatory darker bumps | Forehead, nose, and chin |
| Whiteheads (closed comedones) | Small, non-inflammatory lighter bumps | Forehead, nose, and chin |
| Papules (raised bumps) | Medium, inflammatory, tender red bumps | Forehead, cheeks, and jawline |
| Pustules (pus-filled bumps) | Medium, inflammatory, white-tip red bumps | Forehead, cheeks, and jawline |
| Nodules (deep-seated lumps) | Large, hard, inflammatory, abnormal red lumps | Cheeks and jawline |
| Cysts (cystic acne) | Large, deep, inflammatory, boil-like red lumps | Cheeks and jawline |
An estimated 90% of people with acne develop blackheads, 80% present with whiteheads, 70% have papules and pustules, 20% experience nodules, and 10% suffer from cysts.
It is not uncommon to have multiple subtypes of acne at once.
Acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged with excessive substances.
These substances include:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Dead Skin Cells | Dead skin cells rise to the skin’s surface to make space for new cells, but sometimes get trapped in hair follicles |
| Sebum | Sebum lubricates the skin and helps to maintain its potential hydrogen (pH), though excess production forms a sticky plug that clogs hair follicles |
| Bacteria | Bacteria are naturally present on the skin and support its barrier function, however an overgrowth infiltrates pores and blocks hair follicles |
While clogged hair follicles cause acne, several other factors can worsen it:
| Contributor | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Genetics influence sebum production in that if one parent had acne, their child is likely to develop it, and the risk increases if both parents had acne |
| Hormones | Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and stress trigger excess sebum production, leading to clogged pores |
| Diet | Diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars may increase growth factors, blocking oil glands and raising the risk of clogged pores |
| Medications | Medications, including some hormonal therapies and inhibitors can boost sebum production, disrupting the skin’s natural cell turnover |
| Smoking | Smoking cigarettes reduces vitamin E production and alters sebum composition and density, whereas vaping dehydrates the skin, worsening oil buildup |
| Climate | Climate such as hot, humid conditions increase sebum production, while cold, dry weather can also do so to compensate for dry skin, resulting in clogged pores |
Most skincare products in the UK are non-comedogenic (water-based) now and designed to prevent acne rather than cause it.
Monderma’s GPhC-registered prescribers screen acne by considering uploaded images or conducting a video consultation.
This assessment focuses on your face and neck, evaluating lesions and characteristics for severity, duration, and progression. It also considers your medical history.
Acne severity varies from mild to severe:
| Severity | Lesions | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | <30 | Mostly blackheads and whiteheads, with a few papules and pustules |
| Moderate | 30-125 | A higher count of blackheads and whiteheads, as well as more papules and pustules |
| Severe | >125 | A large count of papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts |
A differential diagnosis is needed to exclude conditions that resemble acne:
| Condition | Cause | Description | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact Dermatitis | Allergic reaction | Red, itchy bumps | Triggered by allergens and often itchy |
| Folliculitis | Infected hair follicles | Red, pus-filled bumps | Infection-related and often in shaved areas |
| Hidradenitis Suppurativa | Blocked hair follicles and sweat glands | Painful, inflamed lumps, abscesses | Severe, can cause abscesses and scarring |
| Keratosis Pilaris | Keratin buildup in follicles | Small, rough bumps on arms, thighs, cheeks | Not inflamed and rough texture |
| Perioral Dermatitis | Hormones, medications, skincare products | Red bumps around eyes, nose, or mouth | Rash-like, linked to products or hormones |
| Milia | Trapped keratin under skin | Small, white cyst-like bumps | No inflammation and firm, white cysts |
| Rosacea | Increased blood flow and inflammation | Redness, acne-like lesions, visible vessels | Persistent redness, often with visible vessels |
| Sebaceous Hyperplasia | Enlarged sebaceous glands | Yellowish, soft bumps | Non-inflammatory, soft bumps |
If you experience any of these symptoms or have specific concerns, you must consult your GP for evaluation. This information is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice.
If over-the-counter products have been ineffective or your skin is at risk of complications, Monderma may provide a personalised treatment plan.
Monderma’s GPhC-registered prescribers develop a monthly acne formula, compounded by our GPhC-registered pharmacy. Your formula is modified based on your feedback, ensuring it remains safe and effective.
Ingredients and their strengths are carefully selected, with up to 3 of the following included:
| Ingredient | Properties |
|---|---|
| Retinoid | Speeds up skin cell renewal to shrink pores, clear spots, and smooth fine lines |
| Anti-inflammatory | Blocks irritable molecules to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and lighten patches of darker skin |
| Antibiotic | Fights bacteria on the skin to reduce spots and calm inflammation |
| Antibacterial | Reduces the number of bacteria on the skin, preventing them from developing resistance, unlike antibiotics |
| Antioxidant | Strengthens the skin’s barrier function to lock in moisture and boost suppleness |
SPF 30+ sunscreen must be applied daily with an acne formula.
Visible results may begin after 1 week, but lasting results take 8 weeks or longer. It is important to be patient and follow your treatment plan.
For more information on Monderma's ingredients, directions for use, safety information, storage, potential side effects, and reporting, please refer to our information leaflet.
Acne can be stubborn, but early treatment reduces the risk of complications.
Common complications include:
| Complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Atrophic Scars | Atrophic scars are the most common type of acne scars, forming when wounds heal with insufficient connective tissue, creating depressions in the skin. They are classified into three types: ice pick scars, which are narrow and deep; rolling scars, which appear shallow and uneven; and boxcar scars, which are large, oval depressions that are the most visible |
| Hypertrophic Scars | Hypertrophic scars are less common acne scars that appear as raised bumps, often on the shoulders, back, or chest, especially in severe acne cases. They result from excess connective tissue during healing and may cause itching and inflammation |
| Keloid Scars | Keloid scars are a rare type of acne scar caused by excess connective tissue, growing beyond the original inflamed area, unlike hypertrophic scars |
| Infection | Infection in acne lesions can worsen inflammation, causing severe redness, swelling, and pain. It may lead to abscesses, which are painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin, and can exacerbate scarring, resulting in both atrophic and hypertrophic scars. In rare cases, the infection may spread, leading to cellulitis or systemic complications |
| Sensitivity | Sensitivity to topical and oral treatments can worsen skin issues. Topical treatments may cause dryness, redness, and irritation, while oral medications can increase sensitivity or alter skin condition |
| Hyperpigmentation | Hyperpigmentation occurs when acne-related inflammation triggers excess melanin production, causing dark spots and patches. This discoloration can persist long after acne heals, especially in darker skin tones |
| Rosacea | Rosacea can develop in some people with a history of acne, causing facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like breakouts |
| Psychosocial | Psychosocial effects can cause self-consciousness, anxiety, and stress, impacting productivity and quality of life. If you or your child experience depression or social isolation due to acne, seek support from your GP |
Acne requires early management and ongoing assessment of treatment safety and tolerance.