A lot of this might seem like common sense. And it is. Looking after skin with acne is not that different from looking after healthy skin. Here are a few do's and don'ts and some simple tips to get things looking better.

Cleansing

The trick with cleansing is to keep it simple and gentle.

1. Wash your face twice a day only. Use plain water and a gentle, non-cosmetic cleanser
2. Wash gently with just your hands or a soft cloth. Never scrub your face. This will only make your skin become more irritated
3. Rinse your face gently with warm water and pat dry with a soft, clean towel
4. Avoid creamy cleansers, toners, oil-based products and thick sunscreens as they can all clog your pores.

Remember, pimples are not caused by dirt, so you can't wash them away.
Over washing your skin can make it dry, red and sore.

Make-up

Just like other parts of skin care, the trick with make-up is to keep it light and natural. People with acne sometimes feel the need to 'camouflage' their faces with thick make-up. But that can actually make acne worse, by clogging your pores.

Better to realise that people are usually interested in you, not just your face. Keep it light and you'll be better off. Try these tips:

1. Use products that are hypoallergenic and low in oil and alcohol. Some products use the description 'non-comedogenic'.
2. A bit of matte concealer is OK, but don't use it all the time
3. A green concealer can help reduce redness. Dab it on, then apply normal concealer over the top – lightly. Only do this for special occasions, as it's best not to put anything on your pimples
4. Instead of covering up, use mascara, eyeliner and lipstick to highlight your good features
5. When you get home, make sure you gently cleanse your skin and remove all make-up

Hair care

First, some general advice:

1. It's a good idea to avoid fringes and cuts where hair falls onto your face. Oil from your hair can spread onto your forehead and cheeks and make acne worse.
2. Try to avoid using mousse and gel when styling your hair. They clog pores.
3. Go for a clean, shiny, dry hairstyle that keeps hair off your face

If you have oily hair:

1. Wash your hair once a day using shampoo and conditioner
2. Wash your hair gently. Rubbing your scalp just stimulates oil production
3. When you apply conditioner, avoid putting it on the roots of your hair
4. Don't brush your hair too often, as this spreads oil from the scalp to hair tips

Shaving

Shaving when you have acne is obviously not the easiest thing in the world! Try these tips to make it a little easier:

1. An electric shaver is preferable, as it doesn't cut so close to the skin.
2. Shave in the direction your beard grows
3. Try to get the whiskers as soft as possible before shaving – so shave in the shower or straight after showering, so steam can soften your face.

Sun, exercise and stress

Sun

1. Exposing your skin to the sun will not help your acne - in fact, sunburn increases the skin's production of oil – something you don't want
2. Getting sunburnt exposes you to the risk of skin cancer, so use a good sunscreen which is oil-free

Exercise

1. If you're taking all this trouble looking after your skin, you might as well look after the rest of your body
2. Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your skin
3. Remember that after an exercise session, it's important to gently wash your face to remove sweat and oil
4. Exercise is worth it – if you look good physically, you'll feel better in yourself

Stress

1. Stress is not known to cause acne, but it can make it worse
2. Stress can make you do things like pick at your spots, increasing inflammation
3. It's hard to avoid stress, but trying yoga, meditation or exercise can help