Acne treatment online
Blackheads, whiteheads or breakouts bothering you? Check whether your acne suits treatment online. Quinn checks it's not severe or unusual first — if it fits, a clinician can recommend what to try first.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- For mild or moderate acne, a clinician can recommend skin care and a treatment to try first
- Clear photos of the affected acne areas are required before this consultation can be submitted
- Deep, scarring, unusual or very distressing acne may need an in-person or specialist review
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- The acne appears mild or moderate and can be described clearly
- You can explain previous treatments, pregnancy plans and whether scarring or distress is occurring
Use another service first if…
- Severe acne with widespread deep lumps, cysts or significant active scarring
- Children under 7 need an in-person assessment
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
See your GP if you…
- notice the acne becoming severe
- notice scarring
- feel significant distress about it
- aren't improving after an adequate trial
About acne
Acne happens when hair follicles in the skin become blocked with oil and dead skin. They become inflamed, causing blackheads, whiteheads and spots. This check covers people aged 7 and up, and how deep, widespread or scarring the acne is guides what treatment fits best.
- Blackheads, whiteheads or inflamed spots on the face, chest or back
- A mild or moderate pattern without widespread deep painful lumps or rapid scarring
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Types of spots, affected areas, scarring, duration and change over time
- Deep painful lumps, rapid change, menstrual or hair-growth features and emotional impact
- Treatments tried, pregnancy plans, medicines and relevant health history
Frequently asked questions
What role do hormones play in acne?
Hormonal changes can be linked to acne. That's why a clinician may ask about your periods, or other signs of a hormone imbalance. This matters especially if the pattern seems unusual.
Does scrubbing my skin help clear acne faster?
No, rough scrubbing can irritate the skin further. Gentle washing with mild soap, up to twice a day, is recommended instead.
Why might I be asked about scarring or how the acne is affecting me emotionally?
Because scarring risk and emotional impact help a clinician decide whether online treatment is enough or a face-to-face review would be safer.
Can I ask about tretinoin for acne?
Yes. Tell Quinn which treatments you have tried and whether you want to discuss tretinoin. Tretinoin is a prescription cream used for acne; it is one option a clinician may consider after assessment. Asking for it does not guarantee a prescription. This consultation is for acne, so requests solely for cosmetic anti-ageing treatment need a different service.
What affects the choice of acne treatment?
Your clinician considers the type and severity of acne, previous treatment, skin irritation, scarring and the effect on your wellbeing. Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant also affect which medicines are suitable. Have clear photos and the names of products you already use ready for the assessment.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.