NOT just a teenage thing — acne now affects nearly half of all adult women in the UK, including many in Bolton.

According to a survey commissioned by skincare brand Eau Thermale Avene, acne vulgaris, to use its icky full title, now affects 44% of women in the UK.

Dermatologist Professor Rino Cerio said: "Adult acne is increasing in prevalence, among women in particular.

"I'm seeing some women come to me with acne in later life; they can be tearful, frustrated, and have very poor self-esteem or depression in some cases."

So why the increase? Hormonal changes are often the cause — either natural fluctuations or due to changing or stopping hormone-based birth control methods and, later in life, the menopause.

But stress also increases the production of androgens — the hormones which can stimulate oil glands and cause breakouts.

There are steps everyone can take to maximise their skin health, such as drinking eight glasses of water a day and getting enough sleep.

Dr Howard Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad skincare, said: "Overall, proper nutrition is important for healthy, acne-free skin.

"Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A, to help normalise the turnover of dead skin cells."

As for acne treatment, tailor it according to your needs. Whether you suffer from just the odd spot, or regular breakouts and more persistent zits, here is what the experts advise.

SPORADIC SPOTS

For infrequent acne, the old adage about never going to bed with your make-up on still applies.

"Always cleanse your skin before you retire to bed. Without proper cleansing, bacteria can survive — and thrive — on your skin, leading to breakouts," says Dr Murad.

Cleanse with caution, though, says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall: "There is reflex with acne-prone skin, to over cleanse and strip our natural oils with heavy alkaline, often alcohol-based cleansers. Stick to gentle cleansers that keep the skin barrier calm and optimally functional."

Follow with a mattifying toner and moisturiser, and target individual spots with a serum treatment to dry them up overnight.

Now, let's clear this up once and for all: is it ever OK to pop a spot? Only if you absolutely have to, the pros say.

Professor Cerio warns: "The spot itself is keeping the bacteria contained, so when you breach the barrier, you're at risk of creating other spots and permanent scarring."

Dr Hextall adds: "If the spot has a yellow head, it is suitable. Make sure your hands are thoroughly clean and press until clear fluid appears, not blood, as you can encourage scarring. Wipe the area and then apply either witch hazel or tea tree oil."

CLEANSE: Murad Clarifying Cleanser, £25 (murad.co.uk)

TONE: La Roche-Posay Serozinc, £8.50 (boots.com)

MOISTURISE: Avene Cleanance MAT Mattifying Emulsion, £12 (boots.com)

TREAT: Witch Overnight Clearing Serum, £5.99 (superdrug.com)

REGULAR BREAKOUTS

If acne attacks have become more frequent, step up your skincare regime with skin-clearing ingredients and clinically-proven products.

"Salicylic acid helps to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Try products that protect and restore skin health, with antioxidant vitamins C and E," advises Dr Murad. "For more heavily blemished skin, look out for hydrogen peroxide with a patented delivery system that spirals down into the pore, eliminating bacteria with oxygen, while maintaining hydration."

Professor Cerio agrees: "It's so important to strike the balance right between treating acne and maintaining healthy skin. Cleanance Expert has a core ingredient of Diolenyl, which works only where it's needed and actively targets the acne-causing bacteria." The moisturiser can be used twice daily and can help soothe the irritation that some topical acne medicines cause.

CLEANSE: Super Facialist by Una Brennan Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash, £7.99 (superfacialist.co.uk)

TONE: Murad Blemish Clearing Solution, £39.50 (murad.co.uk)

MOISTURISE: Avene Cleanance Expert Emulsion, £15 (boots.com)

TREAT: La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector, £9.50 (boots.com)

ONGOING ACNE

What if, after trying all the chemist's suggestions, your spots are still showing no signs of retreating?

"If in doubt, seek medical advice, especially if symptoms worsen over a period of time," says Professor Cerio. "The are a multitude of measures that can be taken to improve acne and help to prevent its return, including contraceptive pills."

An expert will be able to reveal more about the exact causes, too.

"A dermatologist can help tailor a treatment specifically toward your skin issues and the underlying causes that are unique to your lifestyle," says Dr Murad. "Especially if you have severe cystic acne, which is marked by pimples that are both deeper and longer lasting than regular acne."

You may have heard of Roaccutane (or Accutane), a controversial pill that works to reduce oil production and has been shown to be highly effective in treating acne.

"I only advise this treatment when first and second line treatments are unsuccessful or deemed unsuitable," notes Dr Hextall, while Dr Murad says: "I don't typically recommend Roaccutane to my patients as it can cause harsh side effects, but it is really up to the physician and the patient to determine what would work best."