Annoying skin fact #1: we all get spots.

Annoying skin fact #2: there are different kinds of pimples, and all need to be treated differently.

Annoying skin fact #3: acne can linger well into your twenties and beyond, so learn how to deal as soon as possible.

Here, a guide to spotting your problem – and blitzing it. By Beauty Editor Katrina Lawrence.

1. Bumps and Blockages:
Whether you have little lumps, blackheads or whiteheads, the main underlying issue here is the dead skin that’s building up and getting stuck in your pores.

Make sure you’re cleansing thoroughly twice a day (if you wear a lot of makeup, you may need to double-cleanse at night) and exfoliating regularly (in general, once a week for normal skin, twice for oilier types).

Weekly mud or clay masks will also work some super-cleaning wonders. If you suffer from widespread blackhead attacks, you may need some extra-exfoliating help in the form of salicylic acid. Basically, it’s the same stuff used in making aspirin and, used daily, it does all the dead-skin-clearing work for you.

If you can afford it, see a facialist every one or two months for some good old-fashioned deep-cleansing – steams, extractions and masks will help draw any uninvited guests out.

2. Big Red Angry Spots:
This is the textbook pimple. It goes something like this: A pore clogs up with various nasties (dead skin, dirt, oil), which then have a fight with the bacteria hanging around on the skin surface – and, before you know it, things get out of control.

Exfoliating can help reduce the likelihood of these blowouts in the first place – although be very gentle when you do exfoliate, so as not to aggravate any pimples.

You also need skincare that will fight the bacteria directly. Look for pimple creams containing antibacterial ingredients and apply them directly to troubled spots. Just make sure you don’t over-use, as this could have a drying effect on skin.

3. Lots and Lots of Lumps:
If you’re dealing regularly with full-scale breakouts, they could be hormonally-triggered – hormones can set off the sebaceous glands into overdrive, which is doing your clog-prone pores no big favours. In this case, the pill may help, so speak to your doctor about your options.

If your pimples feel deep and nodular, it’s likely a case of cystic acne - in which instance, your doctor can refer you to a dermatologist to talk you through the more serious oral and topical treatments.

Top Spot Tip:
Avoid the temptation to use rich or anti-ageing creams before your time. Instead, go for light, lotion forms of moisturiser and sunscreen.