Acne Knowledge Centre
Acne Knowledge Centre: Doctor-Reviewed Acne Guides
The ClearDerm Acne Knowledge Centre is a free library of plain-English acne guides written and reviewed by Dr Tara Treacy, a GP with a special interest in dermatology. It covers what causes acne, teenage and adult acne, marks and scars, skincare, myths and when to see a doctor, with Irish sources.
Start with the section that matches your question. Every guide is general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Understanding acne
- What Is Acne?
- What Actually Causes Acne?
- The Four Drivers of Acne
- Blackheads and Whiteheads Explained
- Comedonal Acne: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Congested Skin
- Grading Acne Severity
- Acne Is Medical, Not a Hygiene Problem
- Common Acne Myths
- Is Acne Genetic?
- How Long Does Acne Last?
- Is It Acne or Rosacea? How to Tell the Difference
Severe, cystic and body acne
- Severe Acne Treatment in Ireland
- Cystic Acne: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Scarring Risk
- Nodular Acne: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
- Back Acne (Bacne): Causes, Treatment and Prevention
- Chest Acne: Causes, Treatment and Prevention
- Truncal Acne: Body Acne on the Back, Chest and Shoulders
- Acne Mechanica: Breakouts Caused by Friction, Heat and Sweat
- Acne in Men: What Is Different, Why It Can Be More Severe and How to Prevent Scarring
- Is Roaccutane Available in Ireland?
- What Are the Side Effects of Isotretinoin?
- What Blood Tests Are Needed on Isotretinoin?
- What Is the Isotretinoin Pregnancy Prevention Programme?
Teenage acne: for parents
- When Should a Teenager See a Doctor for Acne?
- Can a GP Treat Teenage Acne, or Is a Dermatologist Needed?
- Teenage Acne Treatment Not Working?
- Teenage Acne: A Practical Guide for Parents
- Supporting a Teenager Through Acne: A Parent's Guide
- Teenage vs Adult Acne
- Acne in Students: Managing Your Skin Through College and University
- Painful Acne Under the Skin in Teenagers
Adult and hormonal acne
- Hormonal Acne: The Complete Guide
- Jawline and Chin Acne: Causes, Hormones and Treatment
- Acne and the Menstrual Cycle: Why You Break Out Before Your Period
- Adult Acne in Your 20s, 30s and 40s: Causes, Treatment and Why It Happens
- Adult Female Acne: Why It Is So Common and What Causes It
- Late-Onset Acne: Why You're Breaking Out for the First Time as an Adult
- Acne and PCOS: Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Breakouts
- Perimenopausal and Menopausal Acne: Why It Happens and How to Manage It
- Acne in Pregnancy: What to Know, What's Safe and When to Get Advice
- Acne While Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know About Safe Skincare
- Do I Need a Blood Test for Hormonal Acne?
- Does Spironolactone Work for Acne in Women?
When acne keeps coming back
- Persistent Acne: Why It Keeps Coming Back and How to Break the Cycle
- When You've Tried Everything for Acne and Nothing Works
- Fungal Acne vs Acne: How to Tell the Difference
Marks and scars
- PIH vs PIE: Understanding the Marks Acne Leaves Behind
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Why Acne Leaves Dark Marks
- Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE): Why Acne Leaves Red Marks
- Acne Scarring: Understanding the Different Types of Acne Scars
- Rolling, Boxcar and Ice-Pick Acne Scars: Understanding the Different Types of Pitted Scarring
- Can Acne Scars Fade on Their Own? Understanding the Difference Between Marks and Scars
- How to Prevent Acne Scarring: The Most Important Steps You Can Take
- Acne, Pigmentation and Darker Skin Tones: Why Marks Last Longer and How to Care for Your Skin
- Why Picking and Squeezing Acne Makes Marks and Scars Worse
- Texture, Pores and Uneven Skin After Acne: What's Normal and What Can Help?
Skincare and routines
- How to Build a Simple Acne Skincare Routine That Actually Works
- The Minimalist Acne Routine: Why Less Is Often More
- Gentle Cleansing for Acne-Prone Skin: Why Less Is More
- Double Cleansing for Acne-Prone Skin: Who It Helps and When to Avoid It
- Do You Need a Moisturiser if You Have Oily, Acne-Prone Skin?
- The Skin Barrier and Acne: Why It Matters More Than You Think
- Over-Exfoliating Acne-Prone Skin: Why More Isn't Better
- Skincare for Very Dry, Sensitive or Reactive Acne-Prone Skin
- How to Introduce a New Skincare Product Without Irritating Your Skin
- What Does Non-Comedogenic Really Mean? A Guide for Acne-Prone Skin
- Over-the-Counter Skincare Ingredients for Acne: What They Do and How to Use Them
- Salicylic Acid for Acne: Benefits, How It Works and How to Use It Safely
- Azelaic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin: A Gentle All-Rounder
- Niacinamide for Acne-Prone Skin: Benefits, Uses and What to Expect
Sun protection
- SPF for Acne-Prone Skin: The Complete Guide
- Sun Protection for Acne Marks: Why Daily SPF Is Essential
- Choosing a Sunscreen That Won't Clog Pores
- Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
- How Much Sunscreen Should You Use, and How Often Should You Reapply?
- Sun Protection on Cloudy Irish Days: Why It Still Matters
Makeup and acne
- Does Makeup Cause Acne? The Honest Answer
- Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin: What to Choose and How to Wear It
- Can I Wear Makeup While I Am Breaking Out?
- Choosing a Non-Comedogenic Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin
- How to Cover Acne Redness and Marks With Makeup
- How to Remove Makeup Without Irritating Acne-Prone Skin
- Makeup Brush and Sponge Hygiene for Acne-Prone Skin
- Skincare-Makeup Hybrids for Acne: Are They Worth It?
Diet, lifestyle and myths
- Does Diet Affect Acne? What the Evidence Actually Says
- Can Sugar Cause Acne? Understanding the Evidence
- Does Dairy Cause Acne? Separating Myth from Evidence
- Can Chocolate Cause Acne? What Does the Evidence Say?
- Does Drinking Water Clear Acne? Hydration Myths Explained
- Common Acne Triggers: How to Identify Yours Without Guesswork
- Stress and Acne: Can Stress Make Breakouts Worse?
- Sleep and Skin: How Rest Affects Acne
- Acne and Shift Work: How Poor Sleep and Irregular Hours Affect Your Skin
- Exercise and Acne: Can Sweating Make Breakouts Worse?
- Supplements and Acne: What Has Evidence and What to Be Wary Of
- Smoking, Alcohol and Skin Health: What You Should Know
- Is Acne Contagious?
Acne and how you feel
- The Mental Health Impact of Acne: Why It Matters
- Acne and Confidence: You Are Not Vain for Caring
- Acne Anxiety and Social Withdrawal: You Are Not Alone
- How Clearing Your Skin Can Change How You Feel
- Talking to Your Doctor About How Acne Affects You
Getting care in Ireland
- When to See a Doctor About Acne
- Dermatology Waiting Lists in Ireland
- The Cost of Acne Care in Ireland
- How an Online Acne Assessment Works
- Continuity of Care for Acne
- Online Acne Clinic Ireland
- Can I Claim Tax Relief on Acne Treatment in Ireland?
When to see a doctor about acne
See a doctor if acne is painful or deep, leaving marks or scars, spreading to the back or chest, not improving after two to three months of pharmacy treatment, or affecting your mood or confidence. Get same-day advice if acne suddenly worsens with fever, joint pain or feeling unwell.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes these guides?
Every guide is written or reviewed by Dr Tara Treacy (IMC 411337), a GP with a special interest in dermatology and postgraduate training in clinical dermatology.
Are the guides specific to Ireland?
Yes. Where guidance differs between countries, the guides follow Irish sources such as the HSE and HPRA.
Can a guide tell me which treatment I need?
No. Guides explain the options. The right treatment depends on an individual assessment of your skin, history and preferences.
If you would like your own acne assessed, see how ClearDerm works or consultation fees and care plans.
Reviewed by Dr Tara Treacy, GP with a special interest in dermatology (IMC 411337). Last reviewed: 2 November 2026.