Acne and spots

What is a spot?

The skin contains millions of sebaceous glands that secrete a grease (sebum), through the skin pores onto the surface of the skin. Normally sebum simply helps to keep the skin healthy. A spot forms when a pore becomes blocked by a plug of dead skin cells mixed with sebum. This tends to happen when the sebaceous gland produces more sebum than usual.

A whitehead is a skin pore that is blocked by a plug deep down.
A blackhead is a pore that has become plugged at its opening. The black colour is a build-up of the normal skin pigments from dead cells (the same pigment that is responsible for a suntan) – it is not dirt.

The bacteria that normally live on the surface of the skin move into the blocked pore. This can result in pus formation, leading to yellow spots, redness and inflammation. In some people, these inflamed spots can become large and lumpy.

In the future

A lot of the ongoing research into acne is focusing on the bacteria that cause the inflammation. One possibility is to use viruses to kill the bacteria; a virus commonly founds on human skin (a type of bacteriophage) can damage acne-producing bacteria and could be used as a treatment in the future. Other researchers have looked at the genetic code of the bacteria and found the genes responsible for producing enzymes that break down the skin, and the next step is to find a therapy against these enzymes.

What is the difference between spots and acne?

There is no real difference, it is just a matter of quantity. If you have a few, they are usually referred to as ‘spots’, ‘pimples’ or ‘zits’. But if you have quite a lot of whiteheads, blackheads or angry-looking inflamed spots, it is referred to as acne.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Tuesday, August 2nd 2011

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 11/01/2012 at 09:41

got spots on my face how would i get rid of them. thank you

Posted by shifa on 31/12/2011 at 09:05

please help i want a crystal clear skin

Posted by Optional on 30/12/2011 at 05:54

I've suffered through it since I was eleven. I'm the only one who has "developed" in my whole grade. Its not fair! My mom keeps forcing treatments on me that make it worse, my dad always avoids me on bad breakout days, and my dermatologist says the products she gives me "shouldn't" cause an allergic reaction, and when they do, she just says Hm and makes us leave the office. I have tried several dermatologists. Today I have 43 pimples.

Posted by kristen on 30/12/2011 at 07:33

I have oliy skin and i have small pimples / blackhead all over .. i have tried everything i even went to the doctor and he gave me birth control and ance meds. im just so tired of it and i want to get rid of them fast

Posted by Optional on 28/12/2011 at 02:09

hi, i've got bobbly spots coming down the side of my face and i don't know what they are!?

Posted by Optional on 26/12/2011 at 12:42

my face is greasy and spotty and so is the top of my head how can i get rid of this

Posted by Optional on 22/12/2011 at 02:41

I was having a lot of acne on my face and someone told me to use neem and haldi on my face and used it.It is really very effective.You have to make paste of neem leaves and add haldi to it and apply on the acnes once a day and c the results.

Posted by FD on 05/12/2011 at 06:10

Iv suffered with mild acne since the age of 12 and i am now 21. HOWW CAN I GET MY SKIN CLEAR WITHOUT USING TOPICAL ACNE GELS!

Posted by lyndsay on 24/08/2011 at 08:55

hey i had a really bad break out of spots all over my face i didnt even want to go out it was that bad i tryed everything in the drugs stores nothing worked.now i have spotless skin as i am using the harley medical group products they are amasing hope this helps

Posted by Optional on 11/08/2011 at 05:46

Whats good for taking of spots

Posted by Optional on 17/07/2011 at 06:55

i had really bad acne nothing helped i seriously tried everyting. creams, masks,moring wash. these only calmed my acne down, but i would still break out regularly and bad. it affected my life i was shy to show my face i would cover it with my hair which only made it worse. my parents saw and understood what i was going through since they too had bad acne as a teen. so they took me to a doctor, he said that i could go on accutane. we were hesitant because of all the bad we heard about this drug. but we went for it i was on the drug for 6 months, i was on the off brand of the drug it was called amnesteem (i think thats how you spell it) this dries your skin and you have to put facial cream on but it works. my cover up actually covered my skin and it was beautiful. there was some redness left after the process but it goes away over time and then they put you on a cream to keep the oil down. the only thing about this pill is no alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and no sex this was all easy for me because i can control myself. they took a blood test every month to make sure my kidney and organs were go to go. this is an expensive treatment but if you have insurance you will be fine. for a few months after the treatment my family took me to the hospital to get my blood checked i was blessed my blood was clean everytime and i did not get any bad side affects. i highly suggest this treatment to anyone who can handle the rules for it.

Posted by Clarissa on 26/06/2011 at 03:25

I have lots of spots on my face and they make my face look awful......help?

Posted by Optional on 09/06/2011 at 02:50

Hi, I have about 10 little spots on my face. I have 4 brothers and they all had bad acne and i dont want that! Help me :( I also have lots on my back and have dry skin on face too.

Posted by Optional on 27/05/2011 at 07:33

i tend to get moe big and lumpy red spots on my face when i eat unhealthy foods like chips etc.. also, girls if u miss a period you get harsh spots due to hormone levels rising, drink plenty of water and go to sleep early- this helps prevent spots. also youtube bubi she has some good tips for kin remedies e.g coglate xx

Posted by Optional on 23/05/2011 at 10:18

Mine are mostly from stress and I find a Cup of cocoa, no tv, a candle-lit bath and an early bed drasticly reduce the next days soreness/inflamation &new; spots :)

Posted by Optional on 05/05/2011 at 04:32

I have found that taking supplementary zinc helps a lot. I'm taking 100mg a day, which is actually way too much, but does the job. You may want to google "take zinc to reduce acne" for more info!

Posted by Optional on 09/04/2011 at 11:50

cn any1 plz help i got many blak spots on my face nd they dont seem 2 fade away its now 5 yearz therez not a thing i hvnt tried nd av also gone 2 the dermatologist

Posted by Optional on 28/03/2011 at 09:31

I'm only 12 and my face is covered in spots... :( What should i do...?

Posted by Optional on 27/03/2011 at 04:52

i drink alot of drinks and ihave acne on my skin how do i get rid of it

Posted by Alice on 27/03/2011 at 12:00

hey am 25 and still have spots and make me so low nothing work i've try few things it annoy me so much

Posted by Optional on 23/03/2011 at 08:57

I have lots of little spots well I'm not sure if it is a rash or acne how can I tell and prevent it from becoming quite bad ?

Posted by Optional on 08/03/2011 at 01:53

Hey guys i use to get lots of spots about 3 years ago mainly because i had an oily skin and use to eat lots of junk/greasy food now after 2 years i am spot free(apart from the ocassional spot) the secret is to drink at least 1litre of water a day. use oil controler cream and wash ur face at least twice a day. and you must cut down on greasy food to at least once a month. its that simple.

Posted by Anonymous on 24/02/2011 at 01:25

Hello, im 13 years old and all over my shoulders I have spots,i'm a bit worried because a few of them (but not many) are rather big and can be painful against my clothes and when I lie down, I just wondered if it is normal to have loads of spots on your shoulders and if they are just spots or something else, if there is any simple solution (like cream or other products) to get rid of them please let me know!

Posted by shannon on 16/01/2011 at 03:58

heyy, im 14 and i have trouble with my spots soon as i get rid of one more come back i have lots of spots that havent come out yet and i do have alot of blackhead ive looked on every website and nothing actually cures it. ive tried all skin soloutions to stop spots but they make me worser.

Posted by Optional on 09/01/2011 at 11:34

i find sudocrem cream every night really helps and also diluted dettol.good luck.

Posted by Optional on 13/12/2010 at 03:59

When I was 17 i got a big outbreak of spots - so I went to my doctor who tried me with some tablets to take - they worked for awhile but then I think I got immune to them, so the next time she prescribed me with a different tablet (doxycycline capsules) and a gel (differin gel - also known as adapalene) they work well with my skin and sometimes I will go off them, but spots come back - I plan to carry on taking them now and constantly use the gel. I would rather get rid of spots by taking tablets daily and using a gel- even if it does get annoying at times - but it is worth it.

Posted by Optional on 26/11/2010 at 05:39

I get spots/blackheads around my crutch and under my bottom cheeks and have done for years. Whilst pregnant they disappeared ? Im always clean and would like any advice on how to keep them at bay ?

Posted by Optional on 23/11/2010 at 02:06

I have had acne since the age of 20. I was referred to a dermotologist who gave me duac once a day gel. This is great worked really well. Also try dettol anti bacterial soap its only 0.70p but is so good!!!

Posted by chellllls on 15/11/2010 at 07:08

i have a few spots on my face and im reaaaly scared incase its acne can anyone give me a solution that would prvent getting spots ?x

Posted by Optional on 31/10/2010 at 11:19

Went through my teenage and uni years vitually spot free, but now i cant seem to get rid. I think its revenge for so many years fighting them!lol still cant find a face-wash/spot fighting cream that works, used all the top named products and all only leave my skin dryer with more breakouts. Can anyone reccomend anything that actually gets rid of them??

Posted by Jess. on 30/10/2010 at 08:44

I wouldn't say i have acne but i have a faceful of spots and i'm fed up, i no everyone is going to have them but when your freinds have none it isn't nice. My mum is thinking about maybe the pill do you think this is a good idea? If not please say.

Posted by Optional on 24/10/2010 at 08:42

i want to get rid of all my spots i suffer bad with them and they hurt and have lumps under, but i dont want to buy stuff for it. what can i do?

Posted by Optional on 19/10/2010 at 08:48

I have spots on the inner side of my thigh, very close to the groin but not actually on my groin. I have no idea why, sometimes they are small black & yellow heads, sometimes they are hard lumps, but they have been around for nearly 3 years now. I've been tested for STD's no worrries there which is a relief given I've been with my fiance 4 years & have never strayed! Does anyone else have this condition? Any idea's what it may be?

Posted by liz on 19/10/2010 at 01:16

a great tip for removing them pesky ole black heads is to make a home made peel off mask. you will need powdered gellatine (in baking aisle at tesco) and milk. mix 1 teaspoon of the gellatine and 2 teaspoons of milk into a lumpy looking mixture. microwave it for 30-60 seconds and when its cool enough, apply a thin layer to problem areas. allow it to go hard and then peel it off. it may pull and make your eyes tear up a little, but its so sticky it will take many of your black heads with it! a great tip given to me by a friend

Posted by Optional on 18/10/2010 at 10:24

i have got to pile loads of make up on because of my spotty dotty face :0 :S its discusting i have tried everything to get the spots away what do i do????.

Posted by bablu on 15/10/2010 at 06:42

If skin is v.oily. Wash your face with detergent powder or detergent soap. I am not joking. I have tried it. Drink lots of water.

Posted by Mare on 15/10/2010 at 08:20

Posted by Optional on 11/10/2010 at 03:43:23 pm I wear a hard hat at work and I think this is the problem to my spots but there is no chance of being aloud to take it off . What can I do ? Try taking it off on your bathroom/lunch breaks and washing your face and the part of the hat that's touching your face. I know that sounds weird but when I had to wear a visor for softball it caused me that problem, too. That's how I fixed it. Frequently washing my face and the part of the visor that touched my forehead. Best wishes. xx

Posted by Optional on 11/10/2010 at 03:43

I wear a hard hat at work and I think this is the problem to my spots but there is no chance of being aloud to take it off . What can I do ?

Posted by Blair on 09/10/2010 at 06:29

I used to suffer from the few annoying spots now and again which wouldn't look too nice. In about a week my whole chin is now filled with huge spots and its making me feel like I don't want to go anywhere cause it just looks disgusting and i think its going to get worse. Is there any solution?

Posted by Optional on 06/10/2010 at 11:20

Want a deep cleaning that you can feel working for cheep! It's good to use soap or your clensers each night just as it's good to exfoliate (rub the skin in a circular pattern with a brush, spung, bath flower)to loosen and remove dead skin cells. Sometimes our faces become unusually oily and the poors dirty; our stress levels and period can also cause break outs when we otherwise would have healthy skin. Skip using your normal cleanser for a night and taking a small bit of toothpaste (found this works best with Crest- the dark blue minty one) and work it into your skin while in the shower. Wait until the tingly feeling turns into an unbearable burn (20-60secs) then rinse. You don't want to burn the skin or dry it out to much. Pat dry, wait at least 4 hours before applying lotions, makeup, or other cleansers which could reclog the poors. It's best to use warm water to open your poors before cleaning your face and really cold water after to close and shrink the poors again so they stay clean, keeping the skin young and firm. Use this method only when needed and never more then once or twice a week for heavy acne. Or use only when needed every few months.

Posted by Aishy x on 28/09/2010 at 07:34

i've found a perfect method for me! You should try it too: Put a tiny drop of vinegar (if you put too much this could lead to burning) in a dish and add honey and some sugar and a pinch of powdered aspirin and massage onto your face and leave for 10 mins then wash off with warm water. I found this on youtube but added a few bits in myself, its for spots and ESPECIALLY IF U PICK UR SPOTS AND SCABS GROW IN REPLACEMENT THIS IS 4 U!!!!!!!!! HOPE THIS HELPS SOME OF YOU!!!!!!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Posted by Optional on 28/09/2010 at 05:59

im 13 and get really red spotson my forehead but clean and clear cream face wash- really helps with some spots, and so does clean and clear dual action mosturiser. But know i've got a spot that grew under my skin and i peeled the skin and now its really red and big but it's completely flat!!!!!! any help as to how i can get rid of it?? plz help ;P

Posted by rebecca on 22/09/2010 at 12:34

i hd spots all over my face not no more

Posted by Optional on 19/09/2010 at 05:46

heyy i found out that if you just use and like clean and clear face wash everymorning and every night and then you put some germolene on your face every night after you've washed it then it really works rather well!! just dont pick!!!!!! cause you get scabs on your face and its not a nice feeling =/ but seriously clean and clear + germolene = good skin, it might not get ALL of your spots away but it gets most of them away anyway.. nobodys perfect!xxx

Posted by Optional on 16/09/2010 at 05:52

I have very greasy skin, particularly on my forehead. I am very clean and shower every day, but not long after having a shower my forehead starts to become greasy. What causes this and how can i stop it?!

Posted by Optional on 13/09/2010 at 02:12

what is solution for excessive oily skin

Posted by Optional on 27/08/2010 at 09:30

I've had acne since I was 13 years old. I tried all the creams and yes some of them worked, but I really wanted to find the actual cause. Finally, after years of frustration, I began taking a digestive enzyme and HCL (hydrochloric acid) combo (super enzymes, NOW brand) everytime I ate and within 2 days I saw dramatic difference. 10 months later and my skin is absolutely clear! I just needed some digestive help, so simple.

Posted by dec on 24/08/2010 at 03:20

Hey ,im 15and i get spots quite bad from time to time and it seems that the only way to get rid of spots is to eat a healthyer diet when i eat unhealthy i get lots of spots and it took a while to understand why but now i know my diet is the problem i try to stay as healthy as i can bye drinking lots of water and eating little fatty/greasy foods and my spots disapear after a few weeks :) hope this helps

Posted by lisa on 21/08/2010 at 02:39

i have acne all over my face i never p[ut anythinglike soap or cream on it. cos some people have been saying this makes it worse. i really want to fdind how i can rid of them.

Posted by Optional on 15/08/2010 at 09:16

i dont have ance or blackheads but have spots which are the same colour as my skin how do i get ride of them

Posted by haileybailey on 12/08/2010 at 11:30

can u help? i overwashed my face...now i have parts of my face-were i get ance that are extremly red-espelily under the circles of my eyes, and it turned dry, all becuase i overwashed it- but it hasnt improved for the last week, school is starting and i need to know how to get my face back to normal

Posted by SPOT EXPERT pro :) on 09/08/2010 at 01:18

heyyaa i am 14 and i have teenage spots and i have done alot of reasearch on how to get rid of them fastly and i read that honey gets rid of them and some one eles said they use vinegar and on youtube.com i saw a video that said to crush up asprin and mix it with water and put it on the spot... so i thought well i have some vinegar and i have some honey .. i dont have asprin but i do have paracetemol tablets soooo ....... i got a little dish 1.put a load of just normal vinegar in the dish... 2.mixed some honey in with the vinegar. 3. put 1 paracetemol tablet in and crushed it and mixed the powder in with the vinegar and honey.... 4. it didnt smell 2 good but i had nothing to loose so i put it onto the spot effected area.. and did this every night for a week and my spots magically just cleared up I STRONGLY RECOMEND THIS IF U HAVE TRIED EVERY THING B4 xx hope this helps 4 u !!!

Posted by Optional on 09/08/2010 at 11:56

ok that is nice to know how spots are formed but it doesnt help me in any way. i just need a way to get rid of them once and for all.

Posted by Optional on 07/08/2010 at 04:33

I rarely get spots but this one is diagusting. And its always on my chin in the same place. What would happen if i popped it. Not thay ill be able to because its like a boiled egg :@

Posted by spotty on 05/08/2010 at 01:08

I have small white spots on my vaginal lips,mainly around the bottom half,not itchy but pretty solid,i asked my husband to squeeze one to see if it would bust or go away but he seems a bit reluctant

Posted by Optional on 05/08/2010 at 10:29

Hi guys, I am almost 20 and I have been suffering acne for almost ten years on and off. If you have tried a bunch of acne products on the market, and they haven't worked you may want to consider seeing your family doctor or getting a referral to a dermatologist. When you have severe acne, products such as clearasil, clean and clear, proactive, etc don't always work. Dermatologists specialize in the treatment of skin disorders, which is what severe acne is. Your dermatologist or doctor will find the best medication for your skin, unlike the products on the market. There are many topical creams, antibiotics and even birth controls that help clear up acne. If these medications dont work, your doctor may advise you "last resorts" such as accutane or laser therapy, however there are many downfalls, which is why it is a last resort. Your dermatologist would provide you with all the side effects these treatments pose. Lastly, only a dermatologist can provide these "last resort" treatments. I hope this helps

Posted by TJ on 01/08/2010 at 11:54

I'm 22 and have had spots since I was about 12. Throughout school I used to get them, whiteheads mainly. I often popped them 'cos they looked bad, but that then of course left red marks and scars for weeks. When I was 20 I was still getting them now and again, and my mate told me it's to do with pores opening/closing. When you sweat, your pores open and can let in bacteria which in turn causes spots. If you cool your skin, it closes your pores and stops the bacteria from getting in. Because I play a lot of sport, I often sweat, so I started to come in after playing and stick my head in cold water for a minute so. I've been doing that ever since, and I rarely get spots anymore. Don't know if it's just coincidence, but no harm in trying. Also, drinking lots of water helps!

Posted by james on 11/07/2010 at 02:24

i have had spots since i was 14 and now am 18 what is the best and fastest medication i can use

Posted by Optional on 09/07/2010 at 08:55

ive got this spot which wont go away. ive trid squising it but it wont pop, bathing it in hot water and ive tried cream and TCP it steal wont go ive had it for a week. this spot is on my nose and its realy embarasing

Posted by julie on 24/06/2010 at 11:57

I have had spots since the age 12 and im 49 and still got them its not what you eat its the hormone Androgens that stimulates the sebaceouse glands and the bacteria thrives on it. I feel psychological distress at my age and wear a lot of make-up that makes it worse, but its the only way i can face life.

Posted by Kimalia on 04/06/2010 at 11:15

well i have had spots since the age of 8 becuase i used to eat loads of greasy food like mcdonalds and kfc. its because my dad used to spoil me all the time because i was a daddys girl but i had still got spots and im 13 ive tried the clean and clear products and it does work but you have to keep on buying and buying ot for the spot to go away and its pretty expensive. does anyone know a spot treatment thats doesnt really cost much.

Posted by Optional on 23/05/2010 at 08:38

still getting spots at my age

Posted by Optional on 19/05/2010 at 06:42

Is it bad to pop pimples? Cause I do.. I'm a teenager though, I just don't want to get scars. EEEE.

Posted by jane on 01/05/2010 at 02:38

how do you get rid of blackheads and how are thay caused.

Posted by Female on 15/04/2010 at 03:59

I went to the doctors and they put me on some tablets which cleared it up, but then they just came back after i went off them. So i think its just my age! They are depressing though. It seems the more i get rid of, the more pop up. I hope they go eventually! xx

Posted by yoyoyoyoyoyo on 08/04/2010 at 11:59

i think this site is great for peoplles personal problems!!

Posted by ance on 05/04/2010 at 01:36

i have really red flakey skin and spots on my face i have tried everything but nothing works could someone help

Posted by leslie on 05/04/2010 at 02:04

hi i have scab tipe spots in my head and they are very hitchy and i have a few on me face the ones on my fave have a burnung feeling but the ones on me head a hitchy can you help get rid of them and tell me what they are thanks .

Posted by Optional on 04/04/2010 at 09:14

i get spots all over my forehead and chin, i have tried almost everything but nothing seems to work and it just looks like they are getting worse. it is quite depressing since barely any of my friends even have spots and the ones that did have somehow got rid of them. if anyone can suggest something to me that might help, that would be really helpful!

Posted by A girl on 02/04/2010 at 07:16

I now know how it works - i am going on holiday with my school to osmington bay in 2 weeks and need to get rid of my spots before i go so thanks.I need all the soaps and whatnot.

Posted by Optional on 22/03/2010 at 01:30

spots are rearly hard to get rid of use honey and yogurt face pack it helps alot so dont wash it with soap use my facepack

Posted by aisha zafar on 20/03/2010 at 09:39

hi there recently last month i have a few spots on my left side of my check i dont really get spots.. but i got this rash on my face when i was on my period and it has left marks on my face as i piched them

Posted by Optional on 16/03/2010 at 04:14

i have really red flakey skin round my nose both sides i have tried everything but nothing works could someone help

Posted by Optional on 14/03/2010 at 01:13

To all the people who are suffering with severe Acne or spots try this Drug called Roactain Only can be perscribed by the dermotolagist at Any Hospital close by i have suffered with spots for along time now and i know how other people must feel but the drug called roactain really does work a treat And has changed my life and made me feel so happy in myself and more confident & i am still only 13 years of age the Drug Usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks to see the dramatic affect but the wait is all worth while every 4 weeks i have to go back to the hospital whilst they up the dose of the drug each month it gets stronger and Starts to dry all the spots up and they just vanish and you dont get Anymore Hope this will be usefull to all you People who are suffering aswell GOOODLUCK ! And hope this information helps many of people get there georgeous face back x

Posted by rimmo on 11/03/2010 at 02:05

hi ihave achne, i constantly wash and moisturise my face. Usually upto 3 times a day. What am i doing wrong ? or is it just natural at my age because of hormones ? Thanks

Posted by Optional on 10/03/2010 at 06:21

i dont know if mine are spots or acne, ever since i came on the pill in january i cant seem to get rid of them off my chin. or when they start to go away i get another somewhere else, they make me really self-concious i just dont know what to do

Posted by Optional on 08/03/2010 at 12:08

im 19 and have spots but i just hate the way they look i have tryed everything tablets cream face wash all of it it just makes my face dry and i hate the ones where u look and nothing is there and the next time u look a spot is there its how did u get there i just dont know anymore i wish one day i wake up and there gone

Posted by Optional on 05/03/2010 at 08:51

had acne for years. 6 months of roaccutane they never returned

Posted by Optional on 04/03/2010 at 04:12

Try panoxyl aqua gel, it takes a few weeks/months to work dependant on how bad the spots are but it definately works, tried everything before I tried this without sucess + its only a couple of £'s for a tube, bonus as have spent a fortune in the past! It will leave your skin red and dry at first til your skin adjusts I mixed the gel with same amount of oil free moisturiser and found this worked well.

Posted by Annonymous on 03/03/2010 at 02:18

I have really bad spots and they won't go away i have tried different tablets (erythromycin and tetralysal), zineryt, and over the counter products (clean and clear,clearasil etc.) but they just won't go away i have been taking tablets for around 2 yrs now so im off to the hospital to get rid of them, the only problem is the injections and tablets they give you have side effects but im sure itll be worth it as they are suppose to be gone with in a month so its all good. (:

Posted by bizzy on 02/03/2010 at 12:57

My daughter suffered badly with spots/acne and it was getting progressively worse. We tries lots of creams from the pharmacy and they made things worse because she has really sensitive skin and some of the products were so strong they left her skin red, sore and almost raw. We have now found that Clinique "Anti-Blemish Solutions" works fab (we use the soap rather than the foam and the lotion twice a day). It seems a bit expensive but all the products we tried were also expensive. At least it works!

Posted by Anonymous on 27/02/2010 at 12:33

I'm 19 and had severe acne on my face, back and chest for about 6-7 years now. I've used everything such as toothpaste, top brand products, low brand products, been to the Doctors, had rentin gel and cream, paroxol cream, anti-biotics, used scrubs, cleasners, moisturisers the lot, nothing worked. I now use wash my face twice a day but use a loofah cloth to scrub off the dirt and it actually works. I would recommend you use a moisturiser as well as your face will dry out. Also make sure your drinking enough water and eating your fruit and veg. I know most teenagers don't so thats probably where the problem lies.

Posted by dan on 25/02/2010 at 03:26

hey im dan 19 ive had acne since i was about 14 ive tryed everything even tablets from the docter it just wont go sometimes its not to bad but most of the time it is i dont know what to do and im really depressed what can i do?

Posted by Katie on 23/02/2010 at 11:21

I have tried toothpaste, freederm, spot sticks, clean and clear ect, some at the same time and clean my face so regularly. i dont have them REALLY bad but i have 6 or seven really angry red spots on my head constantly and sometimes they become giant red lumps how do i get rid of these !!!! REALLY

Posted by Lucy on 17/02/2010 at 08:05

0k well i only have about 3 spots i used to have about 10 about 5 days ago but anyway i used "My Skin" product you get it from Tesco and Boots places lyk that i they they are about £2.00 something , i must add get them all thats what i did and it worked a treat for me to put those spots to rest !

Posted by iyaaa. on 10/02/2010 at 05:48

what i did to get rid of the acne on my chin, and i have tried like everything there is. >< But yeah appaz that if you cut out dairy it really helps, because obvs milk has hormones in it from the cow, so the extra hormones react with yours and create extract oil. ( aha, research! ) So i did that, and have been for the past 3 weeks, and not a single outbreak on my chin or anywhere else, since i have cut out dairy. So my skins really clear now. :') But bc's i picked them i still have scars. But i would rather scars than acne anyday. :) Srsly you need to try it.

Posted by Anonymous on 31/01/2010 at 09:16

I would highly suggest not be self-conscious about spots. Acne can be a little bit bad, but spots are not a turn off girls. Be proud of your body, because you have one.

Posted by emma on 31/01/2010 at 12:08

am 11 years old and i have acne and its doin my head in how do i get ride of it pls help

Posted by dayday:') on 30/01/2010 at 03:43

i'm 13 &i have to many spots i think, iv tried everything &atm iv been using coco butter wich is alright as it has been getting rid of the spots on my cheeks &they seem realy smooth now but its bringing them up more on my chin &forehead, i have eaven tried rubbing potato juice on my face, it really doesnt help. does anyone knoe any ideas how i could atleast make them less seeable?

Posted by chloeee on 29/01/2010 at 04:13

i don't like sports they rearen your sking and it makes you look ukley...

Posted by :)R&& H on 29/01/2010 at 02:12

thanks for your help :) x

Posted by sarah on 05/01/2010 at 09:11

ever scince i read this i thaught i should do somethink about my spots because they were becoming embarasing and all red , i had spots on my chin cheeks and forhead so i washed my face in the morning then straight after school , ive been doing it for about 2 weeks , the spots on my chin cheeks and chin have all gone i am just left with red scars and ever so often a spots comes up but the ones on my head dont seem to be going ! lol but im really pleased the rest of them have gone.

Posted by Anonymous on 05/01/2010 at 03:39

for the guys, shave your skin right before going for a surf. that works for me at least. going into a creek with fresh water clears my face too. thats all i got, peace

Posted by Rachel on 04/01/2010 at 06:57

Hi. A couple of days ago i got a small spot on my head, inbetween my eyes and the past two days it is now quite a big hard lump. There is no head on it but it is relly painful. It is also started to make my eyes puffy!?! Never had this before, any idea any1??

Posted by Anonymous on 29/12/2009 at 11:34

I had terrible acne, and couldn't leave the house with out tonnes of make-up on. I went to a skin specialist, who sold me an acne treatment. The process wasn't expensive or embarrassing! My pimples have all disappeared, and I only get the occasional one before my period.

Posted by phoeeebeee :) on 12/12/2009 at 09:31

Hey guys im 13 and i had my first spot in 2008. i have got about 12 zits on my forehead and 3 on my face i have used clean and clear and all sorts but they didnt work so i went to the clinic and they gave me something called zineryt i was in the UK at the time and the doctor gave me the zineryt and i use it twice a day. all i does it is it drys them out and then about 2 weeks later your skin is all clear its great !! xx phoebe

Posted by Bethan on 10/12/2009 at 02:50

Hello. recently ive just started getting more and more spots on my forehead. at the moment i have mountain in my left eyebrow and ive had it for 3 days now, it really hurts. i put vasaline on every night to try and bring out the spot but it hasnt done anything to it. help me i hate going out with spots!

Posted by louisa on 30/10/2009 at 12:27

i have horrible spots, but i use spot cream that sometimes work (i use two different types) and i wash my face twice a day so shouldnt they go? hardly any of my freinds have it as bad as me i go into school all depressed and my freind asked what it was (thought it was a bruise)and in fact it was an inflamed spot!!!!! argh go away damn spots!!!!! :(

Posted by Bails on 16/10/2009 at 10:36

I wash my face everday. I put stuff on it to heal it over night. My acne still has not gone away. It's really bad on my forehead and the skin next to my nose. Okay. So... NOW WHAT?!? It WILL NOT go away and that's annoying. It's not hereditary, but will it get better in the next year or so if I continue my routine?

Posted by Mazza on 15/10/2009 at 05:17

"I never get spots because I clean my face every morning and evening." so what so do I and I still have spots...there the most annoying things in the world. I've tried a number of things and currently using clean&clear face cream wash makes it feel fresh n tingly but their still there, and iv also changed my diet eating more fruit and veg and drinking more water. Their mainly on my chin area too, knocks my confidence when people point it out and ask what it is or when they look =[ I hope they go away and not get worse!

Posted by Anonymous on 09/10/2009 at 01:35

i never get spots because i clean my face every morning and evening.

Posted by acne pron :( on 08/10/2009 at 08:30

really good website. i suffer from acne really bad and now i know what causes it i can help get rid of it for GOOD!

Posted by Jackoooo on 29/09/2009 at 07:25

ive had achne for about 2 years now, and nothings really working im on these tablets now called enrythromycin and i duno if there gunna work :( and im also on differen gel, sometimes maybe i think i should just leave them be and they might go on there own, but they make me really down :(

Posted by Anonymous on 27/08/2009 at 08:26

I get spots on my face, makes me really depressed :'(.

Posted by James on 26/08/2009 at 03:37

I have recently managed to treat my acne (finally) :-) I have tried everything - the usual stuf from the pharmacy and tablets from the doctor and it just kept coming back. I saw an ad in the LondonPaper for an american product called Blemish Complex, in two weeks I was spot free. One of the products was a little strong at the start but when I rang them they talked me through using it and now my skin is really clear. Good luck, there is a cure out there (at least for me)...

Posted by chloe on 29/07/2009 at 09:45

hi how do i get rid of spot without leave a big red mark or a scab on my head

Posted by Hannah on 27/07/2009 at 02:24

im scared as for some reason i have achne on my shoulders not on my fae is this normal?

Posted by ellmoes on 27/07/2009 at 01:10

I have a bit of a spotty appearance, and i know you have too use creme's etc... But is there a more quicker way too dealing with spot? i.e. should i leave a hot towel on my face for a while/ should i leave the spot creme on for a fairly long time? I know its odd for a guy too do this but im trying to really impress my girlfriend for whenn she gets home. Money is not a problem so if people can recommend good treatment without going online would be very greatful.

Posted by Arima on 23/07/2009 at 08:37

I have acne on my buttocks and have no idea how to get rid of it. Have tried topical creams such as aloe-vera lotion, vaseline, etc. to no avail. There are usually anywhere from 3 to 7 of these "zits" on one cheek at a time and sometimes the other will be free of any and other times there will be at least a couple on it. The areas sometimes clear up on their own but only for a few days at a time. What can I do to rid myself of thise terrible things?

Posted by anon on 04/07/2009 at 08:04

i have recently got a huge blind lump on my chin i squeezed it and it went red the next day i squeezed it again but nothing happend and the skin tore off it blead for a while then it started watering what cream can i use to dry it up plz help

Posted by Annoymous on 20/06/2009 at 04:49

Hello im 14 years old and am female. i dont havea lot of spots on my cheeks or forehead etc.. but have so many on my nose, big ones aswell like pimples. there horrible i often cry and pray for them to go away because i cannot focus on anything else and my grades at school are gradually slipping. please help me toothpaste DOES NOT work for me, any other responses?

Posted by ELC on 03/06/2009 at 01:22

well.. got my first pimple at age 9 ever since then everything seemed to go downhill, i had severe acne from the ages 12-15 covering around 50% of my body, i didn't like going out anywhere, i wouldn't swim without wearing a t-shirt, basically my skin was always covered.along with this problem came severe depression and all this because i didn't want anyone looking at me. So i decided to go to the doctors who prescribed me benzil peroxide *not sure on spelling*, i tried the 10% version first which dried my skin out so much i was in alot of pain and had to pile on the moisturiser which made my skin more oily therefore making me have more pimples, so went down to 5% which seemed to work alot better. When i was about 16, going out late, sleeping over places, it was hard to keep remembering to use my cream, but then i just started eating differently. I changed my diet started drinking mainly water and reducing my fat and sugar intake which seemed to help alot. i still get the odd pimple and mainly around when im due for my period, but i dont think about it too much ive learnt that its not the worst thing in the world if you dont have perfect skin, people should accept you for who you are regardless of how you look.

Posted by lodgey on 01/06/2009 at 09:44

go to the doctors i had it really bad but they gave me some tablets to take then some cream it is quality there nerly all gone in less than 2 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by polly on 03/05/2009 at 11:30

i have red like small spots only 3 at the top of my leg i thought it was caused by shaving but a friend told me it could be caurse by maybe using damp towels and told take a long time to go

Posted by sarah on 29/04/2009 at 05:00

Hey. I have a spot on my nose. just on the top and its so embarrasing because when ever i speak to people, they see it straight away. I've tried so many things now and its riduclous as its not going away. its really really fat. i need help so much, so please do me favour? i'll respect it very much thankyou.

Posted by WiseGuy on 15/04/2009 at 11:23

try the new oxy spose to be specially designed for male users. i started 3-4 days ago seems to be doing a better job than the many other produces i've used.

Posted by L on 14/04/2009 at 03:46

Had my first spot at 13! Had acne through school, tried EVERYTHING including acupuncture and herbal remedies! Finally had the pill, dianette which was wonderful (although it got severely worse before it got better), then stayed on the pill (Cilest) for 8 years with perfect skin (it was very rare to get a spot!) I came off the pill at age 25 and they all came back... Went to a dermatologist and I'm currently on week 11 of Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), its clearing up, got three spots left that are hard and lumpy under the skin and won't go away (yet), and a lot of scars cos I'm naughty and pick them, but I think they will fade after I finish treatment as Roaccutane makes your skin very sensitive and quite red. I recommend Dermalogica facials, as I have had them for about 10 years now and when I was on the pill I had no scars at all. My aim is to be completely pill free and spot free... I am getting there, slowly! Good luck everyone - there are ways to beautiful skin!

Posted by Ben on 14/04/2009 at 02:05

Hey, ive had spots since i was in yr6 and now im in yr9, quite along time i know and now ive started drinking more water and stopped eating as much greasy/fatty foods and more fruit and it helps alot and its more healthy to, plus its probably cheaper than buying creams yourself but if your gettin prescribed creams from your doctor may help but in my experience water and less fatty foods is helping me more. hope this helps :)

Posted by Tom on 09/04/2009 at 07:33

Hi I'm 14 from London (Male) I've sufferd from Acne FOR AGES! I went to my doctor told her how is was making me feel (I had SEVERE ACNE) and she refferd me to the hospital dermatologist clinic. And I got tablets the only thing is it DRYS YOUR SKIN REALLY BADLY HAIR AND LIPS BUT I RECCOMEND YOU ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO REFER YOU TO THE HOSPITAL DERMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT.. Hope it helped? LMAO

Posted by Liam on 23/03/2009 at 05:44

Hi, i am 17 and i have had spots/acne for 2 years now and i really can't get rid of them. I have been given antibiotics from the DR and have been on them for nearly 2 months now and still no developments. any help or advise? i get really upset about this.

Posted by Anonymous on 21/03/2009 at 10:42

Heya!! i used 2 get reli bad spots, i finally got enough courage up 2 go 2 a dr, she gave me this cream callrd duac and although it takes along time (a month?) to work, it is amazing once it does, i would really recomend itxxxxx

Posted by S on 19/03/2009 at 08:22

i have spots "/ i have been to the doctor about it & he gave me Co-Panoxyl & some tablets. it DOES work, but the things is, i get out the shower & put it on then sleep, then in the morning for school i was it off, moisturise but then put make up on them, because even though the size of the spots reduced, its still big, so i cover it with make-up. theyre mainly on my chin "/ i think in the summer holidays im just guna wear no make up & let the sun get to my face. dya think itl work? x

Posted by mehh on 15/03/2009 at 05:42

heyarr well im a 15 year old girl yeah nd i dnt tend t sufeer from spots but i hav al of a sudden come owt in a hell of alot of spots nd it made me not wnt any one to see me this seems weired but bein a teenager you tend to do anything t get rid of them so in put egg white on my spots because i remeber bein 13 and me and my alder sister used egg white t clense are faces so i just fort its worth a go ant it funnly enuf work lol i could c straight away tht they was clearing up but this was after i hav scrubbed my face a number of times and then the nxt day my face did av as maney spots and the ones lleft was very small nd i felt betta nd was not boverd about goin owt so i duna but this is cummin from a teenaged girlwho is not the biggiest fan of spots lov meh !!"Ox

Posted by Anonymous on 10/03/2009 at 08:45

i have tried everything!!:| creams, gels, tablets, and i've been to the doctors way to many times about it. i have LOADS of spots and it's so embarrising! :(

Posted by Saba razzak on 09/03/2009 at 07:17

how can we remove them and specially the squeeze part?

Posted by Gabby on 03/03/2009 at 04:37

I started getting spots when i was 10 and i still have them now . I get really self-concious :/ i HATE them !! I have loads !!! They really annoy me . I have tiried many things , but most of them dont seem to worn :( I am on antibiotics now that the doctor gave me . I have to drink the tablet for 3 months :( it does seem to work but not quick enough :(

Posted by hello123 on 02/03/2009 at 03:22

I used a product years ago called 'Co-Panoxyl' and found it fantastic. I plastered it on my chin because I had no less than about 40 spots both big and small. It removed a layer or 2 of skin and had to keep the area well moisturised but they all went!! Toothpaste is great for emergencies, the paste not gel is better!

Posted by Anonymous on 21/02/2009 at 08:38

Clearasil Ultra works for me. Still get the occassional spot, but Clearsil gets rid of them faster than normal and stops most of them. Be careful when you start to use it, it is quite strong. A good moisturiser helps, look for one that is part of a brand like clearasil or Boots own brand clear skin range as these are designed not to block pores.

Posted by Lozovic on 17/02/2009 at 02:07

Guys try CLEARSIL works perfectly! used to have loads of spots, now significantly reduced in a month

Posted by sammy on 10/02/2009 at 06:21

i started getting my spots at the age of 11 and i am now 17 i have tryed everything that there is from spot cream,tablets to moisturizer is there anything that will get rid of these spots? can anyone help

Posted by xxxx on 03/02/2009 at 10:20

i have a good knowledge of skin as a beauty therapist. using soap on your skin is the worse thing you can do the key is a good moisturizer.if you have an oily skin type you need to moisturise morning and night.this is becouse the skin creates more oil than a normal skin type by applying moisturiser this stops the oil production.i would reccomed dermologica products can be brought from most salons. also use a cleanser morning and night. for oily skin types ask for ultra-calming cleanser and active moist moisturiser.steam your face once a week too!and ALWAYS remove make-up before bed x

Posted by Anonymous on 29/01/2009 at 10:28

I have always suffered from spots, but quickly get rid of them using 'Oxy' wipes/pads and cream from chemist (I think its hydrogen poroxide based), washing 3 times in stead of 2 (I always use dove soap) using a flannel and decent towel for exfoliation (the oxy wipes also help with that) but never too rough! Eat lots fruit/veg when spots come, have more sleep - always helps.

Posted by Anonymous on 27/01/2009 at 07:21

For Acne-Matress My 15-year-old daughter was getting really bad acne. A trip to the GP resulted in an anti-biotic prescription which cleared them up in a few weeks. You need to keep on the anti-biotics for a while, but they really work well. And if you're under 16 the prescription is free (if you're in the UK)

Posted by emma on 23/01/2009 at 02:37

hii :) i had really bad skin for a long time until i read an article in my magazine about acne and spots the girl had gone on a contraseptive pill called dianette thats when i decided to try it. i took it for a couple months and was very paitient now im spot free i would really recomend it x

Posted by Acne-Matress on 04/01/2009 at 06:19

At school i get badly bullied for how i look, the kids stopped it now but my spots are probably NEVER going to go away.. My mum probably spent hundreds of pounds of spot products. NONE OF THEM WORK! Is there any simple reciepe thats fast working and gets rid of spots once and for all? PLEASE help!

Posted by Anonymous on 03/01/2009 at 02:08

In response to the lady who asked about creams etc recently I have found some products that worked great for me and some of my friends have used since my acne has cleared up. I bought a kit from http://www.tepezcohuite.co.uk I hope this helps

Posted by Rima perveen on 02/01/2009 at 10:14

I am suffering from acne from last six-seven months. from Last two months i am under treatment of a skin specialist.He suggested me to take Tab. Tetracycline 500mg and Erythromycin lotion 3% (for Topical Use). Now quite improvement of acne. But the spot are not vanishing. Can u give me any suggestion about this. Thanks.

Posted by Littleminx on 31/12/2008 at 03:36

Hi i keep getting spots which i have never suffererd with before seem to be getting 3 and 4 together and they are sore and red.What can i do to prevent this any creams or something.i really want get rid of them. please help