Anyone with acne will know the feeling of pure, unavoidable frustration after trying 15 recommended products in a row that just did not make a difference, unless that difference was making it worse.

The thing with skincare recommendations is that everybody's skin is completely different - as acne sufferers know far too well - so what works for some won't work for others. However, sharing tips and advice is always helpful, and while what I'm going to recommend today has worked for me personally, obviously proceed with caution.

There are many different types of acne and beyond that the extremity can vary week to week, even day to day, so the most important piece of advice I could give is to establish a consistent routine and do not let it slip. It doesn't matter how many drinks you have,'always'wash your face before bed or else you'll wake up to regret more than that person you kissed.

In our lowest points, when we spend hours trailing through product reviews, reddit discussions and 30 minute YouTube videos, it can sometimes feel like the only answer to clear skin is either medical - which isn't alwaysavailable or possible for everyone - or extremely expensive. Yes, I'm looking at you, microdermabrasion!

Here, I have put together a list of tried, tested and trusted products that have helped to improve the tone and texture of my skin while reducing the regularityand severity of breakouts. For the record, I have cystic acne and plenty of scars to go round, so reducing pigmentation is also something I'm always looking to do.

Have a look below and feel free to tweet me if you have any questions - when it comes to skincare, it can feel much better talking to someone directly. Hence this being written in first person. Ta-da!

Mario Badescu's Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

Before this cleanser I used Boots' Tea Tree & WitchHazelFoaming Face Wash because I only trusted natural ingredients. However, with acne it is best to use a cleanser that includes active ingredients, particularly Gylcolic Acid. The Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser(£15.00)was a total game-changer for me. It's gentle on the skin yet helps to refresh and revive as its lightexfoliating qualities kill off dead skin cells, helping to improve the tone and reduce scarring or dark marks. Tip: perhaps use a natural cleanser, like the Boots one, every third day.

The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Serum

After cleansing, it can be good to use a serum prior to moisturising but it's best to find one that will tackle the unique problem you're having. With cystic acne, it's best to consistently treat breakoutswith ingredients that will dry up blemisheswithout irritating themlike The OrdinarySalicylic Acid 2% Solution (£4.25). Put this over blemishes and it'll take away the redness and inflamation, while reducing the size of the congested pores.

Boots' Witch Hazel Gel

Okay, nowthisproduct is one that I have never went without since trying two years ago. It is a life'saver'. 100%. The Boots Witch Hazel Gel (£1.99)is a cooling gel made ofDistilled Witch Hazel and Glycerin that can be used as a more general pre-moisturiser serum to prevent breakouts and keep the skin clear. You can use this all over and you'll notice your skin is clearer within days.

The Ordinary's Natural Moisturisng Factors + HA Moisturiser

While The Ordinary's serum (above) is a topical treatment, this moisturiser is an absolute staple of my personal routine. After cleansing and toning - with whichever serum or treatment you like to use - you must, must,'must'moisturise. The Ordinary'sNatural Moisturizing Factors + HA (£6.75)is lightweight yet completely hydrating and will last you all day long. And with its amino acids-based formula, it simply boosts the natural compounds in your skin.

The Body Shop'sSkin DefenceMulti-Protection Essence SPF50

Okay so this one is a little more pricey, although it's the most expensive thing on this list, which £21 isn't too bad. What I was rather late in learning in my skincare journey is just how important wearing SPF is. Forget about the 3-step regime because the fourth and final step to your skincare routine is the most important. The BodyShop's Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 (£21.00)is an essential - with Vitamin C for brightnening the skin and a 4 star UVA rating, it provides the essential protection from the sun and other harmful factors.Note: SPF protection is essential for reducing the redness of scars and preventing them from getting worse.

Superdrug's Vitamin E Hydrating Mist

If you don't already know, Superdrug's Vitamin E range isbrilliant. While it may be too safe to properly make a difference to acne-inflected skin, the products are amazing at brightening the skin tone and keeping it looking fresh and revived. TheVitamin E Hydrating Mist (£2.99)is good for a simple refresher or to use as a make-up primer and setting spray.

Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray

Perhaps a more beneficial alternative to Superdrug's Vitamin E Mist is the Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray (£7.00). Also ideal for a light, refreshing spritz and a very, very good primer and setting spray, it contains aloe vera gel, herbs and rose water. It smells absolutely'divine', also, and while a little pricier than Superdrug, it's still a lot cheaper than most make-up setting sprays.

L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Charcoal Detox Face Mask

I'm cautious to useface masks too frequently after going overkill with them over the years, and am also weary of ones that are too chemical-based. However, theL'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Charcoal Detox Face Mask (£7.99) has never let me down. You can feel the charcoal mask working as soon as it's on. I usually leave it on until the entire mask goes dry, which depending which areas of the skin have more oil, can vary. A must-have.

Words: Ross McNeilage