Acne treatment in Estonia — cosmetic and medical options

Acne affects an estimated 85% of teenagers and 35% of adults in Estonia. Despite being such a common experience, treating acne is not a “trial and error” matter — Estonian dermatologists follow a clear 3-step treatment algorithm. In this guide we explain where to go and how much it costs.

Types of acne — varying severity

• Mild acne: blackheads and whiteheads, isolated red pimples. < 20 lesions on the skin.
• Moderate acne: inflammatory pimples, a few deeper nodules. 20–50 lesions.
• Severe acne: deep inflammatory pimples, large painful nodules. 50+ lesions.
• Cystic acne: very large (1+ cm), painful cysts that leave scars. Requires immediate dermatologist treatment.

Treatment algorithm — 3 steps

Step 1 — Cosmetic / self-care (mild acne)

Home routine:

• Gentle cleanser (2× a day).
• Salicylic acid 1–2% toner or serum (3–5× a week).
• Benzoyl peroxide 2,5–5% cream (spot-applied to pimples).
• Niacinamide 5% serum (to reduce inflammation).
• SPF 50+ in the morning (important — acne scars can worsen in the sun).

Beautician programme:

• A series of 6 cleansing-and-treatment facials (every 2 weeks).
• A series of 3–4 salicylic acid peels.
• LED therapy (blue light inhibits acne bacteria).

Price: 300–550 € over 4 months.

Step 2 — Prescription treatment (moderate acne)

The dermatologist writes prescriptions:

• Topical retinoids (adapalene cream — Differin).
• Topical antibiotics (clindamycin gel).
• Azelaic acid 15–20%.
• Combination products (Epiduo — adapalene + benzoyl peroxide).

Treatment duration: 3–6 months. Monthly co-payment with the Health Insurance Fund: 30–60 €.

Combine with treatments at a beautician:

• TCA or Jessner peel (1× every 4–6 weeks).
• Microneedling (after activity subsides, for scars).

Step 3 — Systemic treatment (severe / cystic acne)

The dermatologist prescribes systemic medication:

• Oral antibiotics: doxycycline, minocycline. Duration: 3–4 months.
• Hormonal therapy (for women): contraceptive pills (Yasmin, Diane-35) or spironolactone.
• Isotretinoin (Roaccutan): the “gold standard” for severe acne. A course of 6–12 months. Requires monthly blood tests and monitoring.

Price: 25–50 €/month co-payment with the Health Insurance Fund.

Note: during isotretinoin treatment and for 6 months afterwards you must not undergo aesthetic procedures (peels, microneedling, laser).

Where to treat acne in Estonia

At a beautician (mild acne):

• Classic beauty salons and beauty clinics that offer an acne programme.
• Look for a beautician who specialises in problem skin.

At a dermatologist (moderate to severe acne):

• With a family doctor's referral through health insurance.
• Private clinics (50–120 € consultation).

At an aesthetic doctor (acne scar treatment):

• Fractional laser treatment.
• Microneedling + PRP.
• TCA Cross (spot application to scars).
• Subcision (mechanical release of the scar).

Treating acne scars

Once the acne becomes inactive, scar treatment begins. Estonian clinics offer:

• Microneedling + PRP: a series of 4–6 visits, 250–450 €/visit.
• Fractional laser treatment (Fraxel, Mixto): 1–3 visits, 300–600 €/visit.
• TCA Cross (spot application): 150–300 € per visit.
• Subcision procedure: 200–400 € per visit.
• Filler injections: for deep scars, 300–500 €.

Where to go next

• How often you should get a facial
• At-home skincare routine for the Estonian climate
• Beautician vs dermatologist — when to see which
• Microneedling and mesotherapy (scar treatment)
• All facial-treatment providers in Estonia
• The full directory of beauty clinics

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