It really doesn’t matter whether you have hit your 40s or are still in your early 20s – acne is a common problem amongst many women (and even men). Since we live in a humid environment, we are more likely to have oily t-zones or complexions, which can make us more prone to clogged pores and breakouts. What makes it all worse? Stress, which is (sadly) inevitable considering the busy lives we lead now.

To combat this recurring problem, many of us tend to try a ton of different acne-busting products in hopes to improve or at least stabilise our skin condition. But this doesn’t always work. Using the wrong type of serum or spot treatment on your pimple can actually lead to more damage. Why? Because you need to know the type of acne you’re having in order to purchase the right product to effectively treat it.

“Acne can be broadly classified into non-inflammatory and inflammatory,” shares Dr Lum Yang Xi of IDS Clinic. According to her, blackheads and whiteheads are actually classified as non-inflammatory acne – surprising, huh?

“These can be treated and prevented with good skincare. Lookout for products that contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, clover flower and lilac extracts that can help to refine pores,” she then adds that going for regular facials will also help clear up stubborn zits.

The latter, on the other hand, tend to be more serious and include “papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, which are terms used to describe the different stages of acne.” With such serious cases, skincare alone (Dr. Lum recommends using products with probiotics and vitamin C) may not be not enough. Some “may require combining treatments with oral medications or even some light/laser treatments.”

Here, we pick out the products that are infused with the recommended ingredients to help you kickstart your anti-acne journey.