So many questions about pimples have been popping up lately, that we’re hitting them all on the head at once with this all-you-need-to-know guide to sorting out your spots.

Q.1. I have an oily t-zone and always get pimples on my forehead. What products can I use to help me solve this problem?

If your pimples are localised to the forehead, and - this problem spot aside - you’re happy with the general state of your complexion, I wouldn’t recommend buying too many new products. Start by trying a mattifying lotion. It’s applied after moisturiser and before makeup. How it works: micro-sponges literally soak up excess sebum, meaning you get less shine on skin surface, and less chance of oil blocking pores. One to try: Model Co Pore Minimiser ($32 from Model Co). If you find yourself high-beaming later in the day, you can use a couple of blotting papers to take away the oil.

Q.2. What’s the best treatment for blackheads?

There’s nothing like a deep-cleansing extraction facial to get rid of these little nasties. Of course, prevention is the preferred strategy. Weekly exfoliation, followed by a mud or clay mask will do wonders in keeping pores cleaned out. For extreme cases, consider using a pore-cleaning cleanser on a daily basis. For example, Garnier Pure Deep Pore Wash ($9.49, call 1300 659 259 for info). Nevertheless, even the most meticulously cared for skin will still get blackheads - that’s why a regular facial is so important for skin maintenance.

I get both blackheads and whiteheads. Is there something you can recommend that could get rid of both with the one product?

Blackheads and whiteheads are both classed as comedones - blocked pores. There are open comedones (where the sebum oxidises and turns a dark shade) and closed comedones (where the sebum is trapped beneath the sebum, creating that white look). Basically, they can both be treated the same way - and exfoliation is key. Start to focus on cleansing well and exfoliating regularly (see above answer for more info), you should soon notice a decrease in both blackheads and whiteheads.

Q.4. I have a daily skincare routine suitable to my skin type, but I always have blackheads no matter how many treatments and masks I do. How can I get rid of them? I don’t have much money to spend.

Your poor thing - it sounds like you’ve tried everything. But I’ll just run you through a checklist of the easiest options, in the case that you have missed any.

1. A salicylic-based cleanser. When paired with your weekly scrub, it gives your clog-easy pores the extra exfoliation they need. Try: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam ($36 from Clinique).

2. Pore strips. Still an effective and quick way to de-plug pores. Biore’s are still as genius as ever.

3. A self-heating treatment. A great way to open up clogged pores. Try: Model Co Heat Caps ($26 from from Model Co). Extra tip: After washing off, it’s actually very easy to do a gentle DIY extraction. Wrap tissues around your pointer fingers and gently nudge each side of pore, until the plug comes out.

4. Moisturiser. It may be tempting sometimes to skip moisturiser - it seems counter-intuitive when skin is producing so much oil itself. However, even oily skins need hydration. And when skin is dehydrated, blackheads become much more stubborn. Make sure to use a light gel-formulation of moisturiser.

5. Non-comedogenic makeup. Look for this term on the packaging. It means that the formulation won’t block pores. Your blackheads may actually be being caused by what you’re putting on your skin, rather than what’s going on under the surface.

If you’ve nodded yes to all the above five options, you really need professional treatment. If it’s a matter of an extreme excess of oil, speak to your GP about medication options. Try to also save up for a facial every couple of months. I know you’re on a budget, so maybe speak to your therapist and see if she can customise a simpler and cheaper facial for you - maybe a twenty-minute ’steam-and-clean’ session.

Q.5. I get really bad pimples all over my face. What can I do to clear it up?

There are actually various types of spots. There are the comedones (see Q.3 above). And then there are spots of the inflamed variety. They’re known by derms as papular (the big red angry ones) and pustular (the big red icky ones). I’m guessing these are the main types of spots you’re suffering from (although it’s not unusual for skin to experience all kinds at once). There are a few factors at work here. Not only is your skin producing excess oil, but bacteria on the skin surface is provoking the inflammations. Neutrogena has a fabulous new range - Rapid Clear - that treats all stages of the pimple cycle: controlling oil, combating bacteria, and also calming inflammation. There are three products in the collection, each priced at $13.99. A definite must-try. Good luck!

Q.6. I’m a teenager and get many pimples and breakouts. Which products can I use that aren’t too strong for teenage skin?*

So many skin types suffer from spots these days that most anti-acne ranges tend to be gentle as well as effective. The Neutrogena range I mentioned above could be perfect for you. The Garnier Pure and Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions ranges are also impressive and would also be suitable for you.

Q.7. How can I achieve clear skin if I have only a few spots?

It sounds like you only need one simple spot lotion, dabbed on the very tips of pimples straight after cleansing. One of my all-time favourite is Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel ($32 from Clinique).

Q.8. Is there a way of dealing with pimples without spending money?

I know some people insist that a dab of toothpaste overnight does the trick. And others swear by rubbing aloe vera (straight from the plant) onto spots to help calm redness. But I have to say, there’s nothing like a hard-hitting spot lotion. Clearasil has some serious (and inexpensive) ones, based on the active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide. But make sure to only apply them to actual spots, as they can be drying on the skin.

Q.9. What’s the best way to prevent pimples?

It’s a mixture of a things. Great skincare, for one. So, cleansing well, exfoliating often, and treating yourself to regular facials. A healthy diet is also important. While we now know that chocolate and pizza don’t directly cause pimples, it’s true that an unhealthy diet in general will eventually show through to your skin. Eat as much pure food as possible, increase your fruit and vegetable intake, and drink up to two litres of water daily to keep your system flushed. Lastly, de-stressing can be very de-spotting too. Stress increases the body’s production of oil, which in turn can lead to spots. So try to add a few me-time activities into your week.

Q.10. I do a lot of sport and the sweating tends to cause breakouts around my hairline. I also get breakouts on my chin and blackheads on my nose. I have heard about Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Exfoliating Gel - is this any good? Or do you have other suggestions?

That’s actually a perfect product for you (BTW it’s $60 from Adore Beauty). You’d apply it just before you work out. Make sure that you cleanse skin of any makeup first, and you then cleanse away any sweat after exercising. Also, try not to exercise with any styling lotion in your hair - this could be contributing to the breakouts you’re getting around your hairline. Lastly, your chin breakouts may be hormonally-triggered and therefore need to be treated separately - see my answer below.

Q.11. I have been getting pimples on a very regular basis, and they keep re-occurring in the same region - the lower cheek and around the mouth. I cleanse well. Could it be my makeup?

It could well be your makeup - if your makeup isn’t oil-free or non-comedogenic. But it may be more than skin-deep. While not all experts agree with this theory, hormone breakouts are commonly said to occur mostly on the jawline and chin. It could therefore be that your spots are linked to your cycle. They’re hard to treat topically although regularly dabbing the spot-prone area with a salicylic acid-based lotion (like the Ultraceuticals one mentioned above) may help. Some women also find that certain oral contraceptives can clear things up, so speak to your doctor if you’re interested in this option. As for those skin experts who dispute the hormone-breakouts theory, some say that jawline spots could be simply caused by a grimy phone or if you’re in the habit of leaning your chin on your hand while at your desk.

Q.12. How do I cover blemishes without it looking caked on or irritating the skin?

First up, you need the right concealer. Creamy or liquid formulations won’t deliver enough pigment, so go for one that is set in a tub or compact. Using fingertips is also a no-no - the warmth of skin will melt most of the concealer away. Next, invest in a concealer brush and lightly dab coverage on only the very top of each spot. Continue to press bristles into skin until concealer is completely blended. You may also find a cotton bud does this trick well too.

Q.13. I find it really tricky to cover the pimples on my nose. What can I do?

Try the technique outlined above. Because the nose is smack-bang in the t-zone, you may want to first coat skin with a mattifier, such as Model Co Pore Minimiser ($32 from Model Co).

Q.14. I have very oily skin and lots of pimples on my forehead. I’ve never been able to find a foundation that doesn’t make my skin greasier - even if it says it’s for oily skin. What can I do?

You need to deal with your skin situation first. If we get the oiliness under control, you’ll get fewer pimples. In turn, you won’t need as much foundation. Check out the first answer in this feature for some ideas.

Q.15 I have pimples - how can I minimise them with makeup?

Again, focus on skincare first to treat rather than mask the problem. Having said that, you may want to look into mineral makeup. It’s free of many of the pore-clogging skin-irritating ingredients that most bases have; it’s soothing on inflamed skins; and it’s dense pigment quality means you get great flawless-looking results. Check out Bloom’s new range - see Bloom for more details.

Q.16 I’m on acne medication which is helping to clear up my skin, but I’ve also recently noticed that I have these dots on my face where pimples use to be. They’re not raised or bumpy, just flat, red dots. Could you please tell me what they are and how I can get rid of them?

First up, even though the spots feel flat, there’s a chance that there may be blockages underneath - and until these are sorted out, they’ll never completely heal and fade. So go see someone with a great reputation for dealing with problem skin. In the instance where spots are only on the surface, be patient - you need to wait several skin cell cycles (about 90 days) for complete renewal and for the marks to disappear. A course of microdermabrasion or peels may help things along if you have the budget.

Q.17. How do you get rid of acne scars and discolouration?

If you’re talking about red spots, chances are they’ll fade without a trace after a few months. If you have darker skin, spots can leave behind discolouration that lingers much longer (known as post-inflammatory pigmentation) - in this case, a course of peels may help even skintone back out. For more severe scarring, we’re dealing with a serious skin injury. Most scars result from extreme forms of nodular acne - but some scars can result from more superficial blemishes. There are many different types of scars, and numerous treatments available, from microdermabrasion to laser.

To find the best treatment for your particular scars, go and see a dermatologist or skin clinic known for being up-to-date with all the options.

One treatment to keep in mind: Fraxel laser, which resurfaces skin but in a much less intrusive and traumatic way. Skin experts are raving about its success in clearing up scarred skin. Only drawback: it’s still relatively new technolog so very pricey. Think around $5,000 for a course. If you’re interested in knowing more, check out Fraxel for more details.