Top 10 tips

1. Get help

There is no point in suffering in silence. Although acne cannot be cured, it can definitely be treated effectively. Discuss your problem with your doctor and ask him/her to refer you to a dermatologist.

2. To squeeze or not

It is hard to resist the temptation, but try not to pinch or squeeze lesions. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. If you handle your skin too often, infected material may go deeper into your skin and this could cause additional inflammation and possible scarring or dark blotches.

3. Stay out of the sun

You may be tempted to suntan because suntan can improve your looks. However, the effect is only temporary and there is no evidence that sunlight improves acne. Sunlight can do more harm than good as it leads to early ageing and increases your risk of skin cancer. Many medications used to treat acne can actually make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Rather follow one of the many proven treatment programmes.

4. Give your skin a break

If you constantly switch products and try too many things, you don't give anything a chance to work. Try one new product at a time, giving each at least three weeks to take effect.

5. How to remember to take your medication

An easy way to remember to take your medication, is to associate it with a routine daily event such as brushing your teeth. Keep your medication next to your toothbrush or on the breakfast table.

6. Wear the right clothes

Tight bra straps, headbands, collars and other clothing which place pressure on the skin may cause zits and blackheads in those areas of the skin. Rather wear loose, cool clothing which allows your skin to breathe.

7. Stay out of the kitchen

Working in a kitchen, going on holiday to places with high humidity or using a steam room or sauna, can aggravate your acne or cause flare-ups. This is due to hydration and swelling of the ductal blockages which lead to the inflammatory phase of acne.

8. Check your medicine cabinet

Many medicines, especially corticosteroids and anti-epilepsy drugs, can make your acne worse. If you think this is the case, never stop taking it without discussing it with your doctor first.

9. Sleeping beauty

Your mum was right. It is important to get eight hours' sleep - not only for your general health, but also for your skin. In order to build a healthy immune system, you need your rest. Although enough sleep cannot prevent acne, it can help fight infection and aid recovery.