I think your GP will prescribe it, if you ask (and pay for it). I don't live in uk, can't rem how much I paid, maybe £15. You may have to pay for the cream, not just the prescription charge. My dermatologist here tells me she uses it every night. She looks fantastic. I have found it v hard to get used to, alot of peeling and redness initially. I'd say it took me a month, maybe more, to acclimatise to it. Use at night only, and be hypervigilant about sunscreen. I used to 'dilute' it down with my moisturising cream and use it once or twice a week, and then gradually upped the frequency of use, if you follow me. You need to use it for 12 to 18 months before you see an improvement. But it is a proven treatment. For reversing and preventing ageing.
Merry, you may have a case, Retin A is a good acne treatment.
As far as I see it, glycolic acid is a peeler. and thus a resurfacer. It comes in varying strengths. I think in cleansers it's about 12%. You can get facials up to, I dunno, 40%. The ones on telly, under general anaesthetic, are 70% I think, but don't quote me on that. I also think it helps stimulate collagen growth, by the fact that it is an irritant. Mrsmartin prob knows more.