All products available without prescription for the treatment of mild to moderate acne are topical. Antibiotics – systemic and topical – are available on prescription for more severe acne.

Topical therapy has two aims: to remove follicular plugs that cause the inflamed eruptions (comedones) that characterise the condition, and to minimise colonisation of the skin by bacteria, principally Propionibacterium acnes, whose actions are a contributory factor.

Four main types of preparation are available:

• Keratolytic (also known as comedolytic in relation to acne)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Abrasive.