Our Treatments
Medications carefully selected by our expert dermatology team
ZappesSkin Custom Topical Formula
ZappedSkin Oral Formula
The key components of ZappedSkin oral treatment.
Oral medications are prescribed for the treatment of acne when topical treatments alone are not sufficient. These medications are typically used for moderate to severe acne or for cases where acne is not responsive to other treatments.
Combining oral and topical medication can be very effective in treating acne and avoiding the development of scars.
Here are some common oral medications that we prescribe at ZappedSkin for acne.
Lymecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline class, commonly prescribed for acne treatment by reducing acne-causing bacteria.
Key Points:
- Mechanism of Action: Lymecycline inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, controlling inflammation and preventing new acne lesions.
- Prescription and Dosage: Available in tablet form, lymecycline is typically taken orally for 3 to 6 months, depending on acne severity.
- Effectiveness: Effective for inflammatory acne, lymecycline can reduce lesions and improve skin appearance, although results may vary and take weeks to months.
- Side Effects: Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Consult your healthcare professional for any concerning symptoms.
- Precautions: Not suitable for those allergic to tetracycline antibiotics, individuals with severe liver disease, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Erythromycin Overview
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic prescribed for acne, targeting bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes to reduce breakouts.
Key Points:
- Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial growth by disrupting protein synthesis, helping control inflammation.
- Usage: Typically prescribed as tablets
- Effectiveness: Effective for mild to moderate acne and can be combined with other topical treatments.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Precautions: Safe for use during pregnancy; inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, as erythromycin may interact with them. Not suitable for those allergic to macrolide antibiotics.
Doxycycline Overview
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic commonly used to treat acne by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Key Points:
- Mechanism: Targets and inhibits Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), reducing inflammation and controlling bacterial growth.
- Usage: Typically prescribed as an oral medication to be taken once or twice daily for 3 to 6 months.
- Effectiveness: Effective for moderate to severe acne, often used alone or alongside topical treatments.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and photosensitivity. It may cause permanent tooth discoloration in children under 8 and can affect bone growth with prolonged use.
- Precautions: Not suitable for those allergic to tetracyclines, with severe liver disease, or for individuals under 8 years old, as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Spironolactone Overview
Spironolactone can be used off-label to treat acne, especially when hormonal factors are involved, and is only prescribed for females.
Key Points:
- Hormonal Acne: Targets hormonal imbalances, particularly high androgen levels, to improve acne symptoms.
- Mechanism: Blocks androgen receptors, reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
- Effectiveness: Effective for managing hormonal acne or cases unresponsive to other treatments; consult a dermatologist for use.
- Pre-Treatment Requirements: A video consultation and blood tests are required before prescribing to ensure safety.
- Treatment Duration: Noticeable improvement usually takes several months, with treatment often continued long-term to maintain results.
- Combination Therapy: Often used with other treatments, like topical medications or oral contraceptives, for better results.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include increased urination, dizziness, breast tenderness, and potential potassium level changes, requiring regular monitoring of kidney function and potassium.
Isotretinoin Overview
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is a potent medication for severe nodulocystic acne and acne conglobata, used when other treatments are ineffective or acne causes significant distress.
Key Points:
- Prescription: Available only through a dermatologist or dermatologist supervision in the UK.
- Mechanism: A vitamin A derivative, isotretinoin:
- Reduces oil production.
- Shrinks sebaceous glands.
- Prevents clogged pores, aiding healing.
- Treatment Duration: Typically 6 to 8 months, based on weight and tolerance.
- Pre-Treatment Requirements:
- Video consultation before starting and monthly during treatment.
- Regular blood tests; females require monthly pregnancy tests for new prescriptions.
- Monitoring: Strict oversight includes a pregnancy prevention program for females of childbearing age and regular follow-ups.
- Side Effects: Common effects are dry skin, chapped lips, and muscle aches. Serious risks include birth defects, depression, liver damage, and elevated blood lipids. Effective contraception is essential.
The key components of ZappedSkin topical treatments
We bring together expert dermatologists, effective ingredients, and personalized treatment plans along with continuous support to help you get the spot-free, glowing, and healthy skin that you deserve.
We only use ingredients that are known to work and are only available with a prescription. Our team of dermatologists, formulators, and pharmacists are experts in creating customized creams that fit individual patients’ needs.
Tretinoin Overview
Tretinoin is a topical retinoid medication derived from vitamin A, commonly used for acne and other skin conditions.
Key Points:
- Acne Treatment: Primarily treats acne by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin cell turnover to prevent new lesions.
- Other Uses: Also effective for fine wrinkles, rough skin texture, and hyperpigmentation.
- Custom Formulation: Available through ZappedSkin as a custom cream, tailored with additional ingredients based on individual symptoms and skin type.
- Application: Prescription-only, with application frequency adjusted to individual skin sensitivity.
- Side Effects: Initial use may cause dryness, redness, itching, or mild peeling, usually temporary and manageable with gradual introduction and moisturizers.
- Sun Sensitivity: Increases skin sensitivity to sunlight; daily use of high-SPF sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days.
Topical Clindamycin Overview
Topical clindamycin is an antibiotic frequently used to treat acne and certain bacterial skin infections.
Key Points:
- Mechanism: It inhibits bacterial growth by binding to ribosomes and preventing protein synthesis.
- Acne Treatment: Reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation on the skin, often combined with other medications like tretinoin, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide for enhanced effectiveness.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include dryness, itching, redness, and peeling, usually mild and temporary. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur; seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
Azelaic Acid Overview
Azelaic acid is a topical medication derived from grains like wheat, barley, and rye, commonly used for acne and other skin conditions due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Key Points:
- Acne Treatment: Effective for mild to moderate acne, it reduces bacteria growth and prevents clogged pores, while also decreasing inflammation.
- Hyperpigmentation: Helps fade dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
- Rosacea Treatment: Approved for rosacea, it reduces redness and inflammation, improving skin appearance.
- Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; mild side effects like irritation, dryness, or itching may occur but are usually temporary. Consult a healthcare professional if severe or persistent symptoms arise.
Hydroquinone Overview
Hydroquinone is a topical treatment used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and melasma, by inhibiting melanin production.
Key Points:
- Skin Lightening: Effective for fading dark spots and evening skin tone.
- Indications: Commonly prescribed for melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Usage: Available as creams or lotions, applied directly to affected areas as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Side Effects: May cause mild irritation, redness, or dryness. Prolonged use can lead to skin sensitivity or ochronosis (blue-black discoloration). Consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
Niacinamide Overview
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, offers multiple skin benefits:
- Skin Barrier: Enhances ceramide production, improving moisture retention.
- Hydration: Acts as a humectant to combat dryness.
- Pore Minimization: Regulates oil production, reducing pore appearance.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Soothes irritated skin, helpful for acne and rosacea.
- Hyperpigmentation: Evens skin tone by inhibiting melanin transfer.
- Antioxidant: Protects against environmental damage and aging.
- Well-Tolerated: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and aging skin