There is no single product that is best for every type of acne. The right ingredients depend on whether you are experiencing blocked pores, inflamed spots, sensitivity, excess oil or post-breakout marks.

Salicylic acid may help blackheads, whiteheads and congestion, while ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid may be more appropriate for other types of breakouts. Using several strong products together can damage the skin barrier and make the skin appear more inflamed, so it is usually better to introduce one active ingredient at a time.

During your consultation, I can review your current routine and help you choose products that suit your individual skin.

Picking or squeezing a spot can push inflammation deeper into the skin, delay healing and increase the risk of infection, pigmentation and permanent scarring. Deeper nodules and cysts are particularly likely to scar when repeatedly disturbed.

If you have already picked a spot, gently cleanse the area, leave it alone and avoid applying several strong products in an attempt to dry it out quickly.

Acne rarely changes overnight. A consistent homecare routine can take several weeks to show a noticeable difference, while professional treatment plans often require a course of appointments and regular reviews.

The time needed will depend on the type and severity of your acne, possible contributing factors and how your skin responds. Taking progress photographs can make gradual improvements easier to recognise.

Keep your routine simple and consistent:

• Cleanse gently morning and evening using lukewarm water.
• Choose non-comedogenic skincare, make-up and SPF.
• Remove make-up before sleeping.
• Avoid harsh scrubs and repeatedly drying out the skin.
• Shower after heavy exercise and sweating.
• Avoid squeezing or picking spots.
• Introduce active ingredients gradually.
• Give a new routine time to work before repeatedly changing products.

Good sleep, stress management, regular movement and stopping smoking all support your general health, but acne is not caused by a lack of cleanliness or personal effort.

Breakouts that appear at a similar time each month may be connected to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. They often occur around the chin, jawline or lower face and may feel deeper or more tender.

Try tracking your breakouts and menstrual cycle for two or three months to identify a pattern. Keep your skincare routine consistent rather than aggressively treating the skin only when spots appear.

If the breakouts are painful, persistent or accompanied by irregular periods, increased facial hair or other hormonal symptoms, speak to your GP.

Both teenage and adult acne involve blocked follicles, oil production and inflammation, but their patterns can differ.

Teenage acne often develops across the forehead, nose, cheeks, chest or back as oil production increases during puberty. Adult acne may be more persistent around the chin, jawline and lower face and can be influenced by hormonal changes, stress, medication, skincare or cosmetic products.

The most suitable approach depends on the type and severity of the acne—not simply the person’s age.

Please seek medical advice if you have painful nodules or cysts, moderate or severe acne, rapidly worsening breakouts, signs of infection or acne that is beginning to scar.

You should also speak to your GP if acne is affecting your confidence or mental wellbeing, if suitable over-the-counter care has not helped, or if your breakouts are accompanied by other possible hormonal symptoms.

Professional skin treatments can support suitable mild-to-moderate concerns, but severe or medically driven acne may require prescription treatment.