What readers ask most

No. Acne starts inside the follicle, driven by oil, sticky skin cells, bacteria and inflammation. Washing twice a day with a gentle cleanser is enough; over-washing makes skin more irritated. How spots form.

It is best not to. Squeezing can push contents deeper and increases the risk of marks and scars. Cover a spot with a hydrocolloid patch instead. If a big one is painful, a dermatologist can drain or inject it safely.

Diet is not the root cause, but high-glycaemic foods and, more weakly, skimmed milk have been linked to more acne in some people. If you notice a pattern, adjusting is reasonable. Guilt about eating is not.

Usually 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. Judge a treatment after about three months, not three days.

A temporary increase in spots in the first weeks of using a retinoid or exfoliant, as existing microcomedones surface faster. It should settle within about six weeks. Spots in brand-new places, or burning and swelling, point to irritation rather than purging.

Yes. Choose non-comedogenic products and remove makeup at night. Feeling better about your face matters.

Hydrocolloid patches help open or weeping spots heal and stop picking. They do little for deep lumps unless they contain an active ingredient.

Yes. Adult acne is common, especially in women, and often appears on the jawline and chin. Hormonal treatments can help when topical care is not enough.

If you have painful deep spots, scarring, no improvement after 12 weeks of treatment, sudden adult-onset acne with other hormonal symptoms, or acne affecting your mental health. See what a prescription adds.