Acne care online
Acne affects many young people and can cause distress, low self-esteem, or skin scarring. Many people end up using long-term antibiotics or spending money on shop-bought products that do not work. However, effective treatments are available from pharmacies if people are shown how to use them properly. Researchers at the University of Southampton have created a new website called 'Acne Care Online'. It offers practical advice on choosing the right treatments, using them correctly, and avoiding side effects like skin dryness or redness. This study is testing the website with people aged 13 to 25 who have active acne. Half of the participants will receive access to the new website immediately, while the other half will receive standard NHS advice and get website access at the end of the study. Everyone keeps their usual medical care and answers short online surveys over one year.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Acne is very common, especially for teenagers and young adults. While spots are a normal part of growing up, frequent breakouts can lead to low self-esteem, worry, and permanent skin scarring. Many people try cosmetic skincare products that do not help, or they end up taking oral antibiotics for months at a time. Doctors want to avoid long-term antibiotic use whenever possible, as bacteria can become resistant to these medicines over time.
Medical guidelines suggest that skin creams and gels (topical treatments) should usually be the first choice for acne. Effective options are available from local pharmacies without a prescription. However, people often give up on them too early because they do not realise it can take several weeks to see results, or because they experience mild redness and stinging that could easily be avoided with the right guidance.
To help with this, researchers at the University of Southampton have built a website called 'Acne Care Online'. The site provides clear, friendly advice on which treatments work, how to apply them properly, and how to manage skin irritation. This trial is running to find out if using the website helps young people manage their skin better, feel more confident, and reduce the need for antibiotic tablets.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new website designed to help 13 to 25-year-olds manage acne effectively.
- Completely online with no hospital or clinic visits required.
- Runs for one year, requiring four short 10-15 minute surveys.
- You can keep using your normal acne treatments and seeing your doctor.
- Everyone gets access to the website either right away or at the end of the study.
- Participants who finish the study will be entered into a draw for £50 vouchers.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to young people aged 13 to 25 who live in the UK and currently have active facial acne. This includes mild, moderate, or severe spots such as whiteheads, blackheads, or red bumps. You will need internet access on a computer, tablet, or phone, and you must be able to read and write in English because the website and questions are in English. If you are aged 13 to 15, you may need permission from a parent or guardian to join.
You cannot take part if your skin is currently completely clear. You are also not eligible if you are taking a strong acne medicine called isotretinoin (often known as Roaccutane), or if you have taken it in the last 3 months, because the website's advice may not be safe or suitable for you.
To keep the study fair, only one person per household can take part. Anyone who helped develop the website in earlier interviews will also not be able to join this trial.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 13 and 25 years old.
- I currently have active spots, whiteheads, or red bumps on my face.
- I have regular access to the internet.
- I can read and understand English.
- I have not taken oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the last 3 months.
- No one else in my household is taking part in this study.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study is done completely online from home—you will not need to travel to a clinic or see a doctor in person. First, you will register on the study website and fill out a short questionnaire about your skin and well-being. A computer programme will then place you into one of two groups by chance (like flipping a coin).
One group will get instant access to the new 'Acne Care Online' website. The other group will be guided to standard NHS online advice about acne, but will be given access to the new website once the trial is finished. You can continue to see your GP, visit a pharmacy, and use your normal skin treatments as usual throughout the study.
The total study duration is 52 weeks (one year). Every few months (at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 52), you will receive an email asking you to complete an online survey. Each survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to finish and asks about your spots, how your skin is affecting your mood, and what treatments you have tried.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (17)
- University of SouthamptonApproximateSouthampton, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by Wessex Clinical Research NetworkCity only-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by North East and North Cumbria Clinical Research NetworkCity only-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by North West Coast Clinical Research NetworkCity only-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by Yorkshire and Humber Clinical Research NetworkCity only-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by Greater Manchester Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by East Midlands Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by West Midlands Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by West of England Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by Thames Valley and South Midlands Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by East of England Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
- Participating primary care practices identified by Kent Surrey and Sussex Clinical Research NetworkUnverified-, England
Common questions
Do I have to stop using my current acne creams or tablets?
No. You can continue using your usual prescribed medicines or over-the-counter treatments, and you can still see your GP as normal.
Do I need to visit a hospital or doctor's surgery to join?
No. The entire study takes place online, meaning you can complete all the steps and surveys from home on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Will I definitely get to use the new website?
Yes. Even if you are placed in the control group that views standard NHS advice first, you will still be given access to the new website at the end of the 12-month study.
Can I take part if I am under 16?
Yes, young people aged 13 to 15 can take part, but you will need a parent or guardian's consent if you sign up through social media or community links.
Does it cost anything to join the study?
No, joining the study is completely free. You will just need your own internet connection to view the website and answer the surveys.
How to find out more
Julie Hooper
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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