What is acne?
Acne happens when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin, and bacteria cause redness and swelling. It’s most common in teens, but plenty of adults get it too, often around the chin and jaw.
Ontario pharmacists can prescribe for mild acne: mostly blackheads, whiteheads and small red bumps, without deep, painful lumps or scarring.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Acne (mild).
Common symptoms
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Small red bumps or pimples
- Breakouts on the face, chest, shoulders or back
- Oily skin
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will look at your skin, ask what you’ve already tried and for how long, and check for things that can make acne worse, like certain medications or products.
They may prescribe a topical treatment, a cream or gel that unclogs pores, calms redness or targets bacteria, sometimes in combination. We’ll explain exactly how to apply it, what irritation to expect in the first few weeks, and how to protect your skin from the sun.
Acne treatment takes time. Most people need 8 to 12 weeks to see the full result, so we’ll set up a follow-up to check how it’s going.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Benzoyl peroxidekills acne bacteria; in many washes and gels
- Adapalene (Differin) or adapalene with benzoyl peroxide (Tactupump)a retinoid gel that unclogs pores
- Tretinoin (Retin-A) or clindamycin with tretinoin (Biacna)prescription retinoid creams and gels
- Clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide (Clindoxyl, BenzaClin)an antibiotic gel for red, inflamed spots
- Tazarotene (Arazlo), trifarotene (Aklief) or dapsone (Aczone)other prescription acne creams and gels
- Azelaic acid gelgentle on sensitive skin and can help fade dark marks
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Many prescription acne creams and gels are covered by drug plans, and some are covered by OHIP+ for people under 25 without a private plan. We’ll check before you pay.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- You have deep, painful lumps or cysts
- Your acne is leaving scars or dark marks
- It started suddenly as an adult, along with irregular periods or extra hair growth
- It’s affecting your mood or confidence a lot
- It isn’t improving after about 3 months of treatment
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.