How you can improve your skin

Be patient. Improving acne takes a long time, even with the most powerful treatments from your doctor. Do not expect much improvement in the first few weeks of any treatment.

Do not squeeze! Discipline yourself not to squeeze or fiddle with your spots, because this encourages scarring. Relaxation techniques may help you break the habit (cassettes, videos or books may be useful).

If you have a large yellow spot containing pus that you feel you really must get rid of, pierce it with a needle and gently squeeze the pus out using a tissue. Wash your hands and sterilize the needle in a flame beforehand.

For blackheads, you can buy a ‘comedone spoon’. It has a hole in it, which you press onto the blackhead to release it from the pore; abandon the attempt if the blackhead does not come out easily.

Wash carefully. Wash the affected area twice a day with a pH-balanced, unperfumed soap. Antibacterial soap is no better than ordinary soap, and harsh soaps can irritate some skins. Alternatively, use a gentle antibacterial facewash; a variety of brands are available, and can usually be found alongside the anti-acne products in pharmacies and supermarkets. Avoid facial scrubs and abrasive cleansers, which might increase the inflammation of the skin and make scarring more likely.

Spot creams, gels and lotions. Do not waste your money on anti-acne preparations that simply describe themselves as medicated. Most have very little effect. They are also expensive, and you are likely to need to continue your anti-acne treatment for months or even years. Similarly, expensive creams containing alpha hydroxy acids (also called AHAs or fruit acids) are sometimes advertised for treating acne, but there is little scientific evidence in their favour. The Acne Support Group (see Useful contacts) says that some cosmetic companies are preying on the vulnerability of acne sufferers, and wants tighter regulation of the cosmetic industry.

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, and might be worth trying if your acne is only mild. Apply a small amount of the 5% strength twice a day after washing, taking care to avoid your eyes.

Nicotinamide gel (available from pharmacies) may be helpful if the spots are inflamed, but not very severe.

Benzoyl peroxide. Your best bet is to ask the pharmacist for 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. This zaps skin bacteria, and is available as a cream or gel. The gel releases its active ingredient more effectively than the cream, but is more drying. Before using benzoyl peroxide, draw a diagram of your face on a sheet of paper. Mark in the areas where your spots are, and roughly how many. This will help you later to decide whether the treatment works.

Apply the treatment thinly twice a day after washing, avoiding the lips and eyes. Its main action is to prevent new spots, so apply it over the whole area – do not just dab it on individual spots that are already there. After a week or two, upgrade to the 4% and then the 5–10% strengths, unless you have excessive peeling and redness; some slight peeling is usual. If your skin feels very dry, use the treatment every other day, and use an oil–free moisturizer (for example, Neutrogena Clear Pore, Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear) on the alternate days. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from your clothes as it has a bleaching effect; you may also find bleach marks on coloured bed–linen.

After about 2 months, decide whether your spot count has improved by about a third. If it has, continue with the benzoyl peroxide. You may need to continue it for several months. If there has not been improvement, see your family doctor for some stronger treatment.

In 60% of people with acne, their back as well as their face is affected. Applying a cream or gel to the back can be tricky. Acne specialist Professor William Cunliffe suggests applying the cream on your back as far as you can, putting an old T-shirt on, sitting on a hard-backed chair and rubbing your back up and down.

Pore strips. Be cautious with pore strips. These are not really a treatment for acne; they do more harm than good if used on red, inflamed spots. But they can lift out blockages at pore openings (blackheads) and may prevent an inflamed spot developing, in addition to improving the appearance of the skin. The problem is that the adhesive is powerful and can damage sensitive skin. So:

do not use pore strips more than once a week
peel the strip off very carefully
if pulling the strip off is painful, dampen it with water before continuing
after use, wash your face with a gentle antibacterial wash.

Avoid greasy make-up. If you wear make-up, avoid heavy and greasy make-up; oil-free make-up is available in some ranges. Remove it at night with a gentle cleanser before washing. If your acne is all over the face, with lots of blackheads, your make-up might be the cause, so try different brands. To disguise an individual spot, use a medicated spot concealer stick or cream a couple of shades lighter than your normal skin tone to counteract any redness. Apply it with a tiny brush to just cover the spot, removing any excess by tapping the area gently with your finger. Do not apply it to a large area or you may make the skin sensitive.

Check your contraceptive pill. The label will tell which progestin it contains. The newer progestins – gestodene, desogestrel and norgestimate – are least likely to worsen acne. The pill containing drospirenone (Yasmin) also seems to be a particularly good choice for women with acne. In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a contraceptive pill containing norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen) for treating acne in women.

Consider a zinc supplement. One study has shown that zinc may be beneficial in acne that is inflamed (Dermatology 2001;203:135–140).

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Thursday, March 25th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by miss angel on 03/07/2010 at 12:29:29 pm

dear Dr am very worried for ma skin ma skin is so oily and very rough with so many acne spots I am getting very depressed please help plxx

Posted by wishii on 03/07/2010 at 12:24:56 pm

these all are very good tips for skin care thnx ...for this

Posted by Poppy Moore on 22/06/2010 at 10:51:38 am

I had a lot of spots when I was young but I stoped eatting junk food and drank lodes of water and now they are all gone! All I can say to you is if you want it soo bad and you would do anything to get rid of your spots then do this! It's soo good and soooo worth it! Now I have started off my job as a model! Soooo happy!! :) Hope you lot are as happy as me and trust me it works and is sooo worth is!! All my love, kisses and spot free skin (lol) Poppy Moore

Posted by Optional on 10/06/2010 at 08:31:31 pm

Heres my advice.... Improve your diet and make sure you are drinking enough water each day (green tea is great for the skin). I disagree with using such harmful products on your skin (especially benzoyl peroxide, after all if it bleaches sheets and towels why on earth would you want that on your skin) especially if you have sensitive skin. Try natural products that contain essential oils. They improve the skin naturally. Don't give up if it doesnt happen straight away, it takes 28 days for the skins cycle. Be patient! Oh yeah and dont touch your skin, picking them just makes them more aggravated and takes longer to heal also it can scar. Hope this helps.

Posted by Optional on 10/06/2010 at 01:47:11 am

im 16 and i have only just got spots before my prom, they are not even big spots they are just red painful lumps that dont seem to go away, i think its worse sinse my fringe got long is that common?

Posted by lookin good on 18/05/2010 at 04:13:26 pm

hi I have had acne since I was 9 I still have it now I'm 17. Over the years my acne has changed I don't hardly get pimples but now I have spots and scars but I know it will get better and change.i just want to tell you guys it will get better just don't give up keep trying because I know what it's like to look in the mirror and hate what you see but I promise with time and determintation it'll get better

Posted by Sharon on 15/04/2010 at 04:03:15 am

Hi, I have got spots on my right side cheek and they never seem to go away, I am using Clean + clear and other spot treatment, I am also getting brown spots under the skin, My makeup does not hide any of theses and I am getting very depressed please help

Posted by Eva on 31/03/2010 at 12:24:25 pm

I am 12 years old and lots of spots and black heads. I have had loads of creams, and gels but nothing seems to work. I don't wear a lot of makeup and wouldn't dare touch foundation because it just makes it worse! Does anyone have any advice? :(

Posted by Loi on 16/03/2010 at 03:30:36 pm

My pimples come and go and now they are in my neck,i hate looking myself in the mirror.

Posted by sujata on 22/01/2010 at 05:49:00 am

In my face so many pimples is their and blackhead what should i do for it

Posted by ;D on 18/01/2010 at 12:36:00 am

Well guys, just have a healthy lifestyle, eat alot of fruits and vegetables and don't each too much unhealthy crap like fast food. Exercise regularly but remember to wash after sweating. Exercising clears your pores when you sweat, it also releases endorphins I think they are called so it makes you happier and less stressed. Stress + bad diet + unhealthy lifestyle = acne. Good luck :-)

Posted by Ross on 05/01/2010 at 04:54:00 am

How much is this benzoyl stuff? And sunbeds do work, diet is a big thing, and most creams are useless! Sudocrem can clear redness but will not make em go away! Fact is, you can never get rid of spots through teen life but you can help make them better.

Posted by monis on 21/12/2009 at 09:02:00 pm

hi i am monis i am 18 years old boy. i am livin pakistan.my main problem is acne.please tell me how to remove acne and acne spots in few week

Posted by -x-ocd-x on 24/11/2009 at 02:29:00 pm

im 13 and have had spots for about 2years im wondering if the comedone spoon technique works and where to get it or any advice on how to get ride of my acne

Posted by sss on 31/10/2009 at 04:22:00 pm

i am 22 and didnt have spots at the normal time of puberty, but they started comming up arounf the age of 18, and by now i have tried all the creams and face washes on the market as well as the recomended facials. does anyone have any advice please?

Posted by WHOEVER on 22/10/2009 at 01:44:00 am

HMMM .. I USE COLD WATER TO WASH MY FACE .. I FIND THAT IT KEEPS MY FACE BRIGHT AND CLEAN .. WITHOUT THE GREASE I GET FROM TIME TO TIME .. I THINK I HAVE SOME STRESS PROBLEM TOO .. WHICH SUCKS .. BUT YEA I FIND I HAVE A GOOD COMPLEXION .. EVER SO AFTER I WASH MY FACE!

Posted by ms embarrased on 10/10/2009 at 11:43:00 pm

i think i have used Benzoyl peroxide too much and now I have constantly flaking skin PLUS acne on my face and body at the same time and add to it, I am stressed and my acne is rashing up. if i didnt have to go to work i would lock myself inside. i started on 2.5% and self diagnosed a higher percentage because i thought it would work better. Help!

Posted by Callum on 16/09/2009 at 02:34:00 pm

I did have spots but when i went to my doctor about them he gave me something called Isotrexin every since then i get the odd cupple but my face has really cleared up you all should try it ;)

Posted by fatti on 16/09/2009 at 02:24:00 pm

i have got ber spots on my cheeks near my hairline and also on my fore head more towards my hairline wt can i do??? im very depressed and stressed

Posted by sophie on 11/09/2009 at 02:11:00 pm

i have spots, and i really need to get rid off them but really hard to, i hate looking at my self.

Posted by Chloe on 09/09/2009 at 02:51:00 pm

ive suffered from acne sice iwas about 13 and still 10 years on im struggling with it ive been on the pill dianette for years now and tried nearly all th elotions an dpotions out there still with no avail its on my face back and chest makes me feel like a freak and knocks my confidence i was jsut wondering if anyone had any extra advice or info to try and help my battle????

Posted by Samdeamigo on 17/08/2009 at 10:48:00 am

Hello, here's one treatment that works wonders. Mix four teaspoons of honey with five teaspoons of cinnamon powder, then add two teaspoons of lemon juice. Mix it ip to a smooth paste and apply as a facemask in the evening and wash off with clean warm water in the next morning. Also try picking one rose and sqwashing it in a pot of water until it is either pale pink or deep fuchsia ( depending on the roses original colour.) Mix this with lemon juice and it will magicly turn a bright peach colour. Apply this to the skin after washing and leave for half an hour then wash it off with warm water. Both of these remedies should clear the skin of acne in two weeks roughly.

Posted by Vicky on 14/08/2009 at 10:35:00 am

Hi All, Thought I'd see if I can offer any advice, I have always suffered with spots and never found anything that worked until I started using Benzoyl Peroxide. I found a website a few years ago which gave step by step instructions on how to use it and it really worked for me: 1. Use Benzoyl Peroxide, make sure it is 2.5% not higher (the site I went on said that anything higher than 2.5% is too strong and is the reason lots of face creams containing it don't work) 2. wash or cleanse your face - the trick is to try not to disturb your face so be REALLY gentle, it takes longer but is totally worth it. 3. Leave your face alone for 5mins 4. Apply the cream all over - it is drying so start with a small amount and buld up over a few weeks - again rub the cream in REALLY gently disturbing it as little as possible 5. Leave your face alone for 5mins 6. Moisturise your face This worked for me and now I just need to keep a tube handy incase of an odd spot which I now just apply directly and it is reduced loads. I use Panoxyl 2.5% Agueous gel, you can get it really cheaply from Boots or online. Good Luck!!

Posted by Anonymous on 13/08/2009 at 06:40:00 pm

I'm trying some of these simply because of meeting this girl soon.But to be honest I haven't got bad acne but a little of it does seem to affect me as for on my nose or the side of my head as for where my hair goes down(near the ear).It seems to be more of a problem there as i get loads of them and they tend to itch. Body acne is a right pain,i got it all over my upperchest.

Posted by Lucy on 13/08/2009 at 05:49:00 pm

My spots were so bad I didn't want to leave the house. My doctor prescribede me with long term antibiotics & within afew months they went away. I an still taking them but my spots are coming back & I'm scared I'm immune to them! I don't want to be depressed again & desperately need some advice, please help me! , x

Posted by Anonymous on 18/07/2009 at 09:22:00 am

i keep geting big red inflamed spots on the back of my neck. HELP

Posted by Just on 07/07/2009 at 10:51:00 pm

Try three handfuls of freezing cold water in da morning, daytime and at night, but dont dry your face or touch it; even if it has a tingeling feeling! It worked for me! (Also cut down on chocolate)! xxx

Posted by Emily on 04/07/2009 at 01:11:00 pm

My spots are really bad and i have a lot of breakouts none of my friends have spots its so unfair i have used a lot of products including clearsil and clean and clear and none seem to work on my skin can you recommend me anything?

Posted by sandeep on 01/07/2009 at 10:51:00 am

i have oily skin & a problem of acne

Posted by Pricilla on 22/06/2009 at 04:12:00 pm

i get loads of spots and never wear make up and always clean my skin but they dont seem to go away.. im even taking tablets and iv'e tried 100s of creams and gels. I never buy alcohol or perfumed treatments and NOTHING seems to work. How can i get rid of these horrible things? Please Help Me! Pricilla_XO

Posted by Shozzy on 21/06/2009 at 06:09:00 pm

hi, i have acne on my face and have had for a while now and also always get spots what can i do to get rid of it?

Posted by maddilin on 20/05/2009 at 05:20:00 pm

i have had spots since i was 10 back then i had only a few but over the years it got worse ive tryed sudo crem witch dose help to make them go down but come back up again face wipes witch dont do anything toothpaste,tcp.pills ect. please please please help me even if you managed to get rid of a couple it will do xx :) xx

Posted by gem on 18/05/2009 at 01:48:00 pm

I have had spots since i was 11 years old and since then it has got worse and worse i was on dianette the pill for 2 years and it improved my skin but the last year and a half my skin is awful inflamed and scars are now present too i use dermalogica special cleansing gel day and night tone and moisturise i eat right have alot of salad fruit and vegetables and still my skin is awful, so what am i too to do now? its very depressing and i feeling bloody fed up im quite happy with my body but this is just gettin too much my bf i have been with for 5 years, but hardly see's me without make up. what can i do someone please help!!!

Posted by spotie on 23/04/2009 at 09:24:00 pm

iam 42 and my back is coved in spots that pop and pus all the time been to lots of doctors had no help from any

Posted by star123 on 06/04/2009 at 08:32:00 pm

DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE SAY! I got bullied because i had lots of spots.I got upset that i didn't want to goto school. I would try to get days of school.My brothers picked on me a lot.So don't get bothered by it because in time the spots or acne will will clear if you cut back on sweets and wash you're face in the mornings and evenings. If you are My age and at high school just ignore it! xxx

Posted by AYSH on 28/03/2009 at 01:42:00 pm

My acne worsen before a week my period comes coming... New acne just pops up each day. And worst of all, i got a bad habit of squeezing them. The main problem i'm facing is the scar. Reddish pointed acne that i sometimes have a hard time to cover with make-up. And some scars are left on my face which upset me. I hope the scars could get lighten with some cream or something else... Any comments?

Posted by Anonymous on 25/03/2009 at 07:43:00 pm

I am 17 and have spots since i was around 13, but they seem to be getting worse then better. I have tried alot of things but nothing works. I have been to my GP and have tried some gel and antibiotics but still no effect, so bascially i give up now, but i am not happy as all my friends dont have spots like i do, really upsets me. I do wear make up to cover them up but not much. My face is always red and sore, please help me, if there is anything else i can try please say?? thanks x

Posted by Lee on 18/03/2009 at 10:19:00 am

I have spots just round the sides of my face like ive been shaving, not alot but very sore under the skin and dont really surface, ive left them and they are going down but i have had them for months. Any advice?

Posted by Anonymous on 18/03/2009 at 05:29:00 am

For a few spots try a cream w/ Benzoyl peroxide. Just dab it on a few times a day and you pimples clear up nearly instantly! Stuff from the Clearasil works well and they have a good face scrub, 3 in 1. You can use that one as a face mask once a week and its sooooo nice to your skin. :)

Posted by dean on 02/03/2009 at 05:57:00 pm

ive got spots that really hert what the best way to get rid of them ?

Posted by eunice on 20/02/2009 at 06:08:00 pm

my spot really not good and ive tried every cream but its not helping

Posted by Danielle on 15/02/2009 at 08:03:00 pm

Hi.I am 14 years old and getting tired of having spots. Nothing helps th get rid of them and they always turn up everywhere on my face.This makes me fel ugly which i dont want to feel ! Help???

Posted by Landa on 08/02/2009 at 04:03:00 pm

Everyfin Sukz!!! I am 18 and I had spots since 11 I guess ill have it till I become a granny!!! I have tried nearly every product cheap and expensive but none of them seem to work.. I advice all of u to just to get on with it trust me your just going to depress ur self even more if you keep searching for something that will clear the spots because the chances are your just getting excited over nothing and then u'll put ur self down. And if you really do wana try something new there

Posted by amanda childs on 07/02/2009 at 09:50:00 pm

my spots are really getting me down, i do where make up but i cleanse tone and moisterize every day, i mainly only ever get them around my mouth and my skin is quite greasy. i do smoke and im on the pill containing norgestimate and can not solve this problem as it is getting me down,could u please maybe give me some advise that may help my spot prone skin

Posted by alex on 21/01/2009 at 11:41:00 pm

i start to get spots when i was about 13 then it just keep gettin worues and wours as i get older i have tired alot of products for them and at the moment i am using at the same time Soap then a face wash, then face wipes , then a 4 hour action gel and slightly diloted tea tree Is this to much?

Posted by Fruit pie on 20/01/2009 at 02:37:00 am

I recommend a natural and quite the homemade ordeal. Examples would incude, homemade facial masks ^__^. Try googling it to find a wonderful variety of recipes to better your skin that you can find easily in your own home. This is a much cheaper alternative to buying costly products. The fresher and more natural, the much more beneficial. Try an egg mask... Yolk- for dry to normal skin, heals blemishes. Whites- for oily to normal skin, absorbs excess oils. Or be creative and use ingredients to make your own mask for your own personal purposes. Be sure to leave the mask on a limited amount of time. After use, always thouroughly rinse off with water... then with cold water to close your pores. Lack of water is also a problem. So drink plenty of it! It helps your body rid of the toxins from everyday life and most foods in today's society.

Posted by samatha on 09/01/2009 at 06:11:00 pm

i have spots they are on my cheeks and some on forhead but it is not that bad the main problem is that after it goes i get scarring. i cover it up with make up i know i should not but what can i do; plus before i had this everybody used to comment on how beautiful i am now even though they sometimes do it is not as much as before. i am so down i used to walk down the streets and cars would beep but know no its because of my SPOTS! that i have turned ugly!

Posted by sumbody on 08/01/2009 at 03:03:00 pm

i have reli bad spot's and everybody bullys me about them i have had them for a year an there just not clearing up the doctors treatment dosnt work an they reli get me down could you please help.!

Posted by Anonymous on 28/12/2008 at 08:37:00 pm

i have found that sunbeds or facial solariums can help clear spots.

Posted by some1 on 22/12/2008 at 10:36:00 pm

HELP ME!! i feel really bad about my spots, i only have a few but i am meeting up with my old school friends and i am scared of what they will think of me. WHAT CAN I DO??

Posted by Anonymous on 18/12/2008 at 07:57:00 pm

Posted by GGG on 16/12/2008 at 05:33:00 pm

I ind that a small amount of baby nappy rash cream 'Sudocrem' makes a big difference and improvement to red inflammed spots. Give it a try.