You went to bed with clear skin but woken up with a spot that’s red, raging and angry. What would a dermatologist do? How would a make-up artist conceal a last minute eruption? Well think of this as your blemish 101 because we asked the questions so you know exactly what to do in such a complexion crisis. Seriously, no-one will be able to detect a hint of a spot by the end of it.

Dr Anita Sturnham, GP, Dermatologist and Founder of Nuriss Skincare & Wellness Clinics

Before you even get to concealer, are there any skincare products you reach for first?

Anti-inflammatory agents can work wonders. Dabbing a bentonite clay or zinc and sulphur based treatment over blemishes for 5-10 minutes can instantly calm things down. Bentonite clay draws impurities out of your pores, whilst zinc and sulphur have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Follow with simple cryotherapy aka an ice cube. Rub it over any areas of inflammation for 60 seconds – this will constrict the blood vessels, reducing redness and swelling.

There’s the red shiny swollen type of spot and the dry, post-squeeze spot with the potential to turn crusty. Should you treat them the same way?

Don’t pick is the number one rule but for either scenario I’d advise medical grade products such as salicylic acid 2% or over the counter benzylperoxide gel (Quinoderm). Use them before bed to dry up spots. Integrate BHAs like salicylic acid into your night time cleanse too as it will seep into your pores and unblock them, reduce bacteria, regulate oil production and calm inflammation - I especially like Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser, £20 or Nuriss Alpha Beta Cleanser, £25.50.

How to cover a spot, according to the experts