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POSTED: 13 Dec 2023

What You Should Know About Treating Acne With Antibiotics

Acne is a common skin condition that millions of people all over the world. The physical signs of acne often cause significant distress for a lot of . What makes worse is that acne can be hard to treat, even though there is a huge variety of and non-medical treatments out there. One of the oldest treatments, yet perhaps the least understood, is the use of . In this guide, we how acne treatments work, which are the best for the job and how to . We also the risks, the and the alternatives to antibiotics.

Which Types of Acne Can Antibiotics Treat?

This condition generally occurs when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. In some cases, this leads to overgrowth and inflammation. often drive it, and certain medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or are common triggers. Acne is also very and all genders, skin tones and age groups . It’s important to that there are a number of . This plays a part in which treatments are best. At the most basic level, you can group acne by whether it is inflammatory or not. This on the type of present. Non-inflammatory acne is to ( and ), whilst acne else (papules, pustules, cysts and nodules).


Antibiotics have long been a first-line treatment for acne in the UK. They are particularly for . They work by reducing and targeting the bacteria for acne. However, they are less against non-inflammatory forms like and whiteheads, or more severe like cysts and nodules.

How Do Acne Antibiotic Treatments Work?

tackle acne in two key ways. They reduce inflammation, and they also curb the growth of (C. acnes, formerly known as acnes) bacteria. Both these processes are significant in acne. Antibiotics work by entering the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin and the number and activity of C. acnes. This in turn . Overall, the effect is to reduce the of acne .


It’s important to note that antibiotics will not work for all types of acne. Nor will they help with what acne can leave behind, like hyperpigmentation or scars. They are more effective for types of acne than for blackheads and whiteheads. can help reduce the and swelling of more severe forms like nodules and cysts. However, their are more impressive on moderate such as and . It’s also worth knowing that for acne should be part of a broader treatment plan. This normally includes other , skincare and changes. These work to the many sides of acne and results. It also there is an exit plan and maintenance, since antibiotics are not suitable for use.

The Types of Antibiotics Used for Acne Treatment

Doctors widely both oral and topical for acne. The type your doctor gives you on your acne type, its severity and the latest . In the UK, acne with antibiotics follows , which take into account effectiveness and safety profiles. Below are the most common for acne in the UK (and a lot of other countries):

When to Consider Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often used for to severe acne, when there is a risk of or impact. the world, you will need to see a healthcare who will decide antibiotics are . Which type of professional this is will depend on each individual country’s regulations. In the UK, general (GPs) prescribe as a before referral to a dermatologist. However, they may refer to a dermatologist straight away if the acne is very severe.


The type of your prescribes also depends on your country’s regulations and . In the UK, the and the provide guidelines for acne antibiotics. These cover which to use and when to prescribe them. This ensures a standardised level of care across the country. The UK and other also put strict rules in place to . These include:

How Long Do They Take to Work & What’s the Treatment Duration?

With antibiotics, both the time to see results and the length of treatment vary from person to person. This depends on the cause and of your acne, as well as your own body’s response to the medication. Other , your and your existing also matter.


For topical antibiotics, you may start to notice within 4 to 6 weeks. These treatments work on the skin, targeting inflammation and bacteria at the source. Oral antibiotics, which act through the body, may take slightly longer to show effects, often around 6 to 8 weeks. This delay is because the needs time to build up in the body and start affecting the skin.


How long you will need antibiotic treatment for acne also varies. However, for most people, the duration is usually 3 to 6 months. There is a between . If you are lucky enough to see improvement quickly, your doctor may still the treatment a little longer. This the risk of the acne returning as soon as you stop. However, your doctor is unlikely to want to beyond 6 months, even if you have not seen results. This is because the risk of antibiotic over time. That can make your acne even harder to treat in future.

Potential Side Effects & Risks

Although antibiotics are generally a safe treatment for acne, they do have side . You should consider these, and discuss them with your doctor before . Common side effects include upset, and increased to sunlight. There is also the of an reaction, and the serious risk of resistance.


To reduce the chance of events, your healthcare will take a . They will only these for you if they think it is appropriate. You will also need monitoring, so they can adjust the treatment plan based on how your skin . Depending on your progress, they might change the or add other treatments, such as topical Retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.

Long-term Management

Doctors heavily the long-term use of antibiotics for acne. This is because of concerns about antibiotic resistance and the , Thérascan including heart and liver disease. The aim is to use for the time needed to get results, whilst avoiding under-treatment or . After that, you will need to maintain these results with safer acne treatments.


Luckily, a number of can help build on your results, prevent new and maintain clear skin. These include skincare like , and . Your doctor may also consider prescription such as . like oral contraceptives, or anti-androgens like , might also help. Doctors use these either the antibiotics or if the treatment did not work. Lifestyle changes also play a crucial role in long-term acne . This includes a diet and , both of which can worsen acne.

Alternatives to Antibiotics

Although can be an effective for acne, they will not work for everyone. They are also not a risk-free treatment, given the risks of antibiotic and potential side effects. One important point is that antibiotics will not treat or . Here are some safe and for acne:


have a long-standing record in treat certain types of acne when used . However, their use must be carefully balanced against the risk of resistance and potential side effects. If you are struggling with acne, have a thorough consultation with a or other doctor experienced in treating it. They will advise you on whether are appropriate for you, and which ones would suit your needs. They will also and whether any of these would help you. Remember that patience and persistence are key. Whatever the treatment, the journey to clear skin is a long one, often strewn with trial and error. In addition, the best is usually a of effective treatments, targeted skincare and lifestyle changes.



At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about skincare. Our offer safe and effective custom treatments using like , , and where appropriate, through our online clinic. Our doctors treat , , , and through bespoke compounded treatments designed around you. To start your plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin .



This article is intended for general informational only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always a provider for any health or questions you might have.



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