Is Acne Medication Healing Your Skin – Or Hiding the Root Cause?

Acne is one of the most common reasons young people in the UK are referred to dermatologists and its increasingly affecting adults too, especially women in their 20's and 30's.

Yet rather than exploring the root causes, conventional treatment often begins with prescription medication. And while it may bring temporary relief, this quick-fix approach often comes with side effects and rarely offers lasting results.

Today’s most commonly prescribed acne medications like Spironolactone and Tretinoin have become the new norm, particularly for adult women. They're promoted across social media, handed out quickly at dermatologist appointments, and marketed as the go-to solution for clear skin.

But as these treatments become more normalised, it’s worth asking:

Is acne medication truly healing the skin or just suppressing symptoms in the short term?

As a holistic skincare company, we’ve heard thousands of real-life stories from customers who have healed their skin through natural products and lifestyle shifts. And because we’ve seen what’s possible when you support the body from the inside out, we feel a responsibility to share the other side of the story.

In this post, we’re exploring three of the most commonly prescribed acne medications in the UK. We’ll give you the honest truth about:

→ How acne medications work
→ The risks no one wants to discuss
→ The best natural alternatives

Because acne isn’t just a surface-level issue and your path to clear skin shouldn’t come at the expense of your long-term health.

The Rise of Acne Medication

Let’s be honest: acne is a complex health concern. It shows up in many different forms cystic, hormonal, bacterial, fungal and is influenced by a web of underlying factors, such as:

• Gut health
• Hormonal imbalances
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• Poor diet
• Chronic stress
• Skin microbiome imbalances

Despite this, the mainstream conversation has shifted almost entirely towards pharmaceutical solutions. In the UK, much like elsewhere, prescription acne medications have become the go-to approach in dermatology. (Not because dermatologists are to blame it’s simply how they’ve been trained.)

But for something as multi-layered as acne, the approach has become surprisingly one-dimensional.

In most NHS or private dermatology appointments, there’s little-to-no discussion around how these medications work or what they may be doing to your body in the long term. Treatments that suppress symptoms rather than address root causes are now viewed as routine. And in today’s fast-fix culture, it’s easy to see why they’re embraced.

However, behind the glowing testimonials and before-and-after photos, there’s growing concern about side effects especially with long-term use. When medication becomes the default option, not the exception, we believe it’s worth asking: what are we giving up for clear skin?

These medications may calm breakouts, but they often do so by overriding the body’s natural processes disrupting hormones, suppressing inflammation, or shutting down oil production. That’s not true healing.

Acne is the body communicating something deeper. And when that signal is silenced instead of supported, we may miss the bigger picture.

Let’s take a closer look at one of the most popular acne prescriptions in the UK today.

Spironolactone: The New Go-To Acne Prescription

Often called the “gentler Accutane,” Spironolactone has become a common prescription medication for adult women struggling with persistent hormonal acne. In the UK, it is a prescription-only medicine, prescribed by dermatologists or GPs.

Spironolactone has gained popularity on social media, where glowing testimonials promise clearer skin and even “glass skin.” But what is often left out of the conversation is what Spironolactone actually is and what it does to your body.

Originally developed as a medication to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, Spironolactone’s use for acne is an off-label prescription. This means it’s not specifically licensed for acne treatment, but doctors prescribe it when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Because of its effects on kidney function and electrolyte levels, regular blood tests are required during treatment.

Spironolactone works by blocking androgen hormones that increase oil production in the skin. For many women, this leads to clearer skin but it comes with a range of side effects.

Common side effects include:

• Frequent urination
• Dizziness or low blood pressure
• Headaches and fatigue
• Breast tenderness and irregular periods
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
• Reduced libido or sexual dysfunction

More serious potential risks include:

• High potassium levels, which can cause heart rhythm issues
• Electrolyte imbalances, leading to cramping, fainting, or seizures
• Kidney stress or failure, which impacts your body's detox pathways
• Skin reactions, including rashes, itching, peeing, or blistering 
• Mental health changes, such as anxiety or intrusive thoughts (reported anecdotally by some women)

Spironolactone may bring quick relief but at the cost of your body’s natural hormone balance. It’s not pregnancy-safe, can interact with other medications, and may make detoxification more difficult due to its effect on the kidneys.

One overlooked concern? It shuts down sebum production, an essential part of your skin’s protective barrier. Over time, this can compromise skin health even if acne appears “better” on the surface.

For us, that raises a red flag.

Suppressing symptoms isn’t the same as supporting your body to heal. While we understand the emotional toll acne can take, we also believe true healing should honour your body’s balance not override it.

Tretinoin: The Prescription-Grade Retinoid

Tretinoin has long been a staple acne treatment in conventional dermatology. Marketed as a powerful, dermatologist-prescribed solution, it’s a prescription-only medication in the UK and widely used to help clear acne. But while Tretinoin can be effective, it may also work against your skin’s natural healing process, which is why it’s often considered a harsh treatment.

Tretinoin is a synthetic form of vitamin A, typically applied as a cream or gel. It accelerates skin cell turnover and helps unclog pores by removing excess oil and dead skin cells. Many users praise its ability to clear acne, but it can take up to 12 weeks or longer to see significant results.

Common side effects of Tretinoin include:

• Burning, itching, or stinging sensations
• Redness and skin discoloration
• Peeling, flaking, or scaling
• Severe dryness
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Skin irritation or swelling
• Initial worsening of acne (known as a "purging" phase)
• Potential long-term disruption of the skin barrier
  

While Tretinoin is often celebrated for its acne-clearing effects, many experience considerable irritation and sensitivity, even with diligent moisturizing and sun protection.

Unlike natural, bioavailable vitamin A derivatives found in some skincare ingredients, Tretinoin’s synthetic form doesn’t always support your skin’s innate healing mechanisms. Its ability to thin the skin barrier and increase sun sensitivity raises concerns beyond just immediate irritation. This weakening of the skin’s natural defences may impair its capacity to protect, heal, and address the underlying causes of acne over time.

Ironically, Tretinoin can sometimes make acne worse before it gets better, leading to frustration and discomfort.

To us, the biggest concern is that Tretinoin primarily focuses on speeding up skin cell turnover without tackling the root causes of acne. This approach may trade long-term skin health for a short-term solution, leaving skin more fragile and inflamed rather than truly healed.

Isotretinoin: The “Last Resort” Acne Medication

Isotretinoin often known by brand names like Accutane or Roaccutane is a powerful oral acne treatment used in the UK primarily as a last-resort option for severe, persistent acne that hasn’t responded to other therapies. Despite its effectiveness, it comes with significant risks that require careful consideration.

Originally developed in the 1970s, isotretinoin was repurposed after research revealed its ability to drastically reduce sebum (oil) production and clear acne lesions. Due to its potency, isotretinoin is reserved for severe cases and is prescribed with strict medical oversight.

The medication works by shrinking the skin’s oil glands, reducing oil production, and preventing clogged pores. While many see it as a highly effective acne treatment, it does not address underlying causes like hormonal imbalance, gut health, or chronic inflammation it primarily suppresses symptoms.

Common side effects include:

• Extremely dry skin and lips (cheilitis)
• Dry eyes and nosebleeds
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Skin rashes or peeling
• Muscle and joint pain
• Changes in mood and mental health concerns
• Temporary worsening of acne ("purging")
• Thinning hair or unwanted hair growth
• Gastrointestinal issues, with rare links to inflammatory bowel diseases
• Elevated liver enzymes and cholesterol requiring regular blood test monitoring

More serious side effects include:

• Severe birth defects, if taken during pregnancy isotretinoin, is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy
• Raised intracranial pressure (brain swelling)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Effects on vision and hearing 

In the UK, isotretinoin treatment is highly regulated. Patients must undergo regular blood tests to monitor liver function, cholesterol, and blood counts. Women of childbearing age are required to use two reliable forms of contraception and have frequent pregnancy tests before and during treatment. These measures are in place to minimise serious risks.

While isotretinoin can clear acne effectively, the potential side effects and long-term impacts on health mean it should be considered carefully and reserved for severe cases only.

True acne healing involves addressing the body’s natural balance rather than simply suppressing symptoms. There are holistic approaches that support skin health more gently and sustainably and you’re in the right place to explore those options. ;)

Natural Acne Remedies: Ancestral Wisdom for Modern Skin

Drawing from ancestral knowledge and today’s wellness insights, natural acne remedies offer a gentle yet effective way to support clear, healthy skin. While these approaches often require patience and consistency, the reward is lasting healing that works in harmony with your body’s natural design. Let’s dive into some time-tested methods to naturally clear acne and nurture your skin from within.

Oil Cleansing + Minimalism 

One of the most underrated natural remedies for acne is oil cleansing. Despite common misconceptions, the right oils can be incredibly beneficial for acne-prone skin. Because “like attracts like,” cleansing with oil helps dissolve and lift impurities from your pores gently without stripping away your skin’s protective barrier or disrupting its delicate microbiome.

Sometimes, less really is more. This is the core of our “skinimalism” approach: simplifying your skincare routine to let your skin breathe and heal naturally. :)

Stress Support

The connection between your gut, mind, and skin is powerful and complex. Chronic stress can trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and weaken your skin’s natural barrier setting the stage for acne to develop and linger.

Supporting your nervous system with gentle, calming practices can make a real difference, such as:

• Somatic movement to reconnect your mind and body's natural healing 
• Grounding by walking barefoot outside, which has been shown to reduce inflammation
• Gratitude journaling or meditation to help reframe stress and soothe your mind
  

Though it may sound simple, calming your nervous system is one of the most overlooked yet effective natural ways to help clear acne and often brings transformative results.

Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet for Gut and Skin Health

Healing acne naturally starts with nourishing your body from the inside out. Every meal is a chance to either feed inflammation or help calm it. Focus on foods that support your gut, balance hormones, and build overall resilience, including:

• Staying well hydrated with mineral water and natural electrolytes
• Eating regenerative or organic whole foods whenever possible
• Including gut soothing bone broth
• Cooking with nourishing fats like grass fed tallow or butter, olive oil, and coconut oil
• Minimising seed oils, refined sugar, gluten, and alcohol
• Creating balanced meals that stabilise blood sugar by prioritising protein, healthy fats, and fibre
  

By choosing foods that nurture rather than inflame, you lay the foundation for calmer, clearer skin that can thrive naturally.

Wellness Practices + Holistic Treatments

Adding simple, soothing wellness routines can support your body’s detox pathways, improve circulation, and encourage a clear, radiant complexion. Here are some gentle options to try:

• Lymphatic drainage techniques to boost detox and circulation
• Dry brushing to stimulate the skin
• Facial massage to relax and improve blood flow
• At home facial cupping to move stagnant lymph and encourage fresh, nutrient rich blood to nourish your skin
• Facial acupuncture with a qualified traditional Chinese medicine specialist

Tip: Avoid direct facial work during active breakouts or irritation. Instead, focus on gentle neck massage to encourage lymph movement and support natural detox and healing.

By embracing these nurturing rituals, you’re supporting your skin’s natural ability to heal, restore, and reveal a healthier, more resilient glow from within.

Rethinking Acne Medication: A Holistic Approach to Clearer Skin

Acne isn’t just a surface-level issue it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. And healing it takes more than a quick fix.

While conventional acne medications are often promoted as fast solutions, they usually work by overriding your body’s natural systems not by addressing the root causes. Oil production is shut down, inflammation is suppressed, and symptoms are masked. But the deeper imbalances, like hormone shifts, gut health, or nutrient deficiencies, are left unaddressed.

The truth is: your skin is trying to tell you something. Breakouts aren’t random they’re signals. And when we stop trying to silence those signals and instead begin to support the body as a whole, lasting healing becomes possible.

If you’re considering acne medications or are on them now, just know this: true healing doesn’t come from shutting down your body’s responses. It comes from tuning in, supporting your system gently, and working with your body not against it.

Kayleigh x