What can you do about your spots?

Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing.

In this episode, they turn their attention to acne, a condition that affects most people at some point in their lives, yet remains surrounded by myths and misinformation.

Joined by Professor Tess McPherson, Consultant Dermatologist at Oxford University Hospitals, they explore what causes acne, why it is so common during the teenage years, and why it can continue well into adulthood. The conversation also covers the treatments available, from over-the-counter products to prescription medicines, including what the evidence tells us about their benefits and risks.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Professor Tess McPherson

Producer: Dr Samara Linton

Researcher: Grace Revill

Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar

Editor: Jo Rowntree

Visual Producer: Leon Gower

Technical Lead: Reuben Huxtable

Digital Lead: Richard Berry

Composer: Phoebe McFarlane

Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

At the BBC:

Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4