Between the age of 13 and 18 I seldom got spots. And then, when I was 19, a mere 3 weeks before starting university, I suddenly got a number of big, bright red blemishes that wouldn’t go away. I knew I had to do something as I didn’t want my confidence knocked just as I was going to meet lots of new people at uni. Although I didn’t quite manage to completely ‘cure’ the spot situation, I got it under control using these products. Phew!

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam £17 I quickly discovered the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution range and found it extremely effective. The foaming facial wash removes excess oil and minimises pores without completely stripping the skin. I still keep it in my bathroom cabinet in case of a breakout!

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion £18 The toner is perhaps the strongest member of the team. The alcohol in it cleanses the skin further and it feels satisfyingly tingly on application.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser – Light £7.50 A gentle light moisturiser after cleansing and toning is key. With echinacea and borage oil, this cream will repair your skin and soothe any redness.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash and Mask £3.79 A brilliant clay-based face mask, spots are significantly less red after 5 minutes and skin is calmed and soothed. Excellent value for money – it’s a huge tube that lasts a very long time!

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Rapid Clear Treatment £4.99 Going out tonight and woken up with a spot so big it’s worthy of its own postcode? Apply this amazing gel and within a few hours the spot has practically vanished. Genius.

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream £2.99 Apply a very thin layer of Sudocrem over an inflamed area of skin overnight to help minimise redness. It also works wonders under makeup – in my opinion it’s the best concealer ever!

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer £15 A makeup bag staple, the liquid to powder formula is a quick way to conceal and treat spots simultaneously.

If you have spots on your back or chest, a lot of people find the sea salt method works very well: fill a small bowl with boiling water and allow to cool until bath temperature. Add a couple of tablespoons of sea salt to the bowl and stir until completely dissolved. Immerse a clean flannel into the water for a couple of minutes and ring it out and lay the flannel out flat across the affected area for as long as you can (so if the spots are on your back, lie on your front!) Dip the flannel back into the water and repeat until the water has turned cold.