Before
![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 |  |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple products | All-in-one multitasker | |
| Batch produced | Personalised | |
| Over-the-counter | Pharmacist-led | |
| Cosmetic ingredients | Dermatological actives | |
| Non-micronised | Micronised | |
| Limited strength | Higher strength | |
| Self-assessment | GPhC-regulated | |
| Elementary checks | 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—take back control of your skin with Monderma.
Save 50% and enjoy free shipping on dermatology-proven acne removal treatment today.
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 primarily caused by hair follicles becoming clogged with excessive substances.
The substances that cause acne include:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Dead Skin Cells | Dead skin cells are pushed up through the skin’s surface to make space for new cells, but sometimes they get trapped in hair follicles |
| Sebum | Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands as an oily substance to lubricate the skin. While normal sebum levels help maintain the skin’s pH (potential hydrogen), overproduction can form a sticky plug that clog hair follicles |
| Bacteria | Bacteria are naturally present on the skin and play a key role in its barrier function. However, a high amount can infiltrate pores and block hair follicles |
Other factors that can contribute to acne formation are:
| Contributor | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Genetics play significant role, as inherited factors influence sebum production. If one parent had acne, their children are likely to experience it, and if both parents suffered from acne, their children are very likely to develop it |
| Hormones | Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, and stress can trigger an excess of sebum production, resulting in clogged pores |
| Diet | Diet has not been conclusively linked to acne, but it is believed that foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugars increase growth factors. This blocks oil-secreting glands, preventing them from breathing and increasing the risk of clogged pores |
| Medications | Medications, including some hormonal therapies and specific inhibitors can increase sebum production and disrupt the skin’s natural cell turnover, contributing to clogged pores |
| Smoking | Smoking cigarettes can cause smoker's acne by reducing vitamin E production and altering sebum composition and density. This reduction in antioxidant activity clogs pores. Vaping can also dehydrate the skin, resulting in clogged pores |
| Climate | Climate such as hot temperatures and humidity, particularly when wearing tight clothing, can alter the skin's pH balance, increasing sebum production, which clogs pores. Conversely, cold, dry weather can also cause an increase in sebum levels, resulting in clogged pores and winter acne |
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 can diagnose acne by performing a visual assessment with uploaded images or a video consultation.
This assessment is primarily concerned with your face and neck. It evaluates the number of lesions and their characteristics to determine severity.
Monderma's prescribers ask about your symptoms and medical history to assess how long they have persisted and how they have developed over time. This helps identify underlying causes and contributing factors.
Acne severity varies from mild to severe:
| Severity | Lesions | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Fewer than 30 lesions | Mostly blackheads and whiteheads, with a few papules and pustules |
| Moderate | Between 30-125 lesions | A higher count of blackheads and whiteheads, as well as more papules and pustules |
| Severe | Over 125 lesions | A large count of papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts |
One-third of people develop moderate to severe acne.
Acne's differential diagnosis includes several other skin conditions that can present with similar symptoms but have different underlying causes and treatments. These conditions include the following:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Dermatitis | Contact Dermatitis is a skin irritation caused by an allergic reaction to products or substances, resulting in red, itchy bumps that resemble acne. Perioral Dermatitis manifests as a rash-like condition around the mouth, nose, or eyes, resembling small red bumps and frequently misdiagnosed as acne |
| Folliculitis | Folliculitis is a hair follicle infection, typically from shaving, that causes red, pus-filled bumps, which resemble acne |
| Hidradenitis Suppurativa | Hidradenitis Suppurativa causes painful, inflamed lumps in the armpits, groin, or under the breasts, which resemble severe acne but frequently lead to abscesses |
| Kerastosis Pilaris | Keratosis Pilaris appears as small, rough bumps on the arms, thighs, and cheeks caused by keratin buildup in hair follicles, which resembles acne |
| Milia | Milia are small, white, cyst-like bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin, often confused with whiteheads but without the inflammation seen in acne |
| Rosacea | Rosacea causes increased blood flow and inflammation in the skin, resulting in redness, acne-like lesions, visible blood vessels, and thickening, primarily on the face |
| Sebaceous Hyperplasia | Sebaceous Hyperplasia causes small yellowish bumps on the skin caused by enlarged sebaceous glands, which are similar to acne lesions but do not cause inflammation |
Other conditions even use the term acne in their nomenclature. This information is for informational purposes only. For specific concerns, please consult your healthcare professional.
If over-the-counter products have been ineffective or your skin is at risk of complications, Monderma may recommend a personalised treatment plan.
Each monthly acne formula is carefully designed by Monderma’s GPhC-registered prescribers. They determine the optimal ingredients and strengths based on your free consultation.
Your treatment is further refined through ongoing feedback. This ensures it remains safe, effective, and tailored to your skin's unique needs.
This plan may contain up to 3 of the following dermatological ingredients:
| 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 |
An acne formula should be paired with daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Visible results may start to be seen after 1 week, but lasting results typically take 8 weeks or longer. It is important to be patient and follow your treatment plan.
More information about each of Monderma's ingredients can be found in the information leaflet. This includes directions for use, safety information, storage, potential side effects, and reporting.
Acne can be stubborn, and difficult to treat. However, the earlier it is treated, the lower the risk of complications.
The common complications of acne include:
| Complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Atrophic Scars | Atrophic scars are the most common type of acne scar. Acne wounds that do not heal properly produce insufficient connective tissue, causing the scar to form beneath the surrounding tissue, which results in a dent in the skin. There are three subtypes of atrophic scars: ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars. Ice pick scars are narrow, deep holes; rolling scars are shallow and uneven on the surface of the skin; and boxcar scars are large, oval depressions that are the most visible |
| Hypertrophic Scars | Hypertrophic scars are a less common type of acne scar. These raised scars can develop on the shoulders, back, or chest, particularly in people with severe acne. They form when the healing process produces an excessive amount of connective tissue. Itching and inflammation are possible side effects of hypertrophic scars |
| Keloid Scars | Keloid scars are a rare type of acne scar. They form when there is an excess of connective tissue, and unlike hypertrophic scars, they grow larger than the original inflamed area |
| Infection | Infection in acne lesions can lead to increased inflammation, resulting in more severe redness, swelling, and pain. It can lead to the formation of an abscess, which is characterised by painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin. Furthermore, chronic infections can exacerbate scarring, potentially resulting in both atrophic and hypertrophic scars. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the surrounding skin, causing cellulitis, or to other parts of the body |
| Sensitivity | Sensitivity from both topical and oral treatments can lead to increased skin issues. Topical treatments may result in dryness, redness, and irritation, while oral medications can cause heightened sensitivity or changes in skin condition. Managing these effects often requires adjusting the treatment or implementing protective measures |
| Hyperpigmentation | Hyperpigmentation occurs when inflammation from acne triggers excess melanin production, leading to dark spots and patches. This discoloration can persist long after the acne has healed, particularly in people with darker skin tones |
| Rosacea | Rosacea may develop in some people with a history of acne, which is characterised by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like breakouts |
| Psychosocial | Psychosocial effects of acne can include feelings of self-consciousness, anxiety, and stress. These emotional challenges can lead to reduced productivity at school or work, as well as a lower quality of life. If you or your child are experiencing depression or social isolation as a result of acne, seek help and advice from your doctor, chemist, or nurse |
Acne requires early and appropriate management, as well as ongoing assessment of treatment safety and tolerance.