DD1 started with teenage acne a few years ago. It was on her back and her face. To be honest, although it was sore and unsightly, it wasn't TOO terrible - you see MUCH worse - but it bothered her enormously. Here's our story:
We started with anti-bacterial face-wash and oil-free moisturiser from Boots. Tried various different types - a tea tree one, Clearasil, a Boots own brand one... It's a good idea to keep skin clean and comfortable and to have a hygienic routine but it didn't make much of a difference, to be honest.
After that we went to the GP. We have been backwards and forwards to the GP several times and and been prescibed:
Panoxyl wash - which contains Benzyl Peroxide - and a cream containing the same stuff. This helped a bit but didn't clear it up;
A lotion called "Zineryt" in a roll-on applicator. I think it is a combination of benzyl peroxide and a topical anti-biotic. Still didn't clear it up.;
"Differin" gel, which is a gel-cream that contains a retinoid (which, as far as I am aware, is the stuff that also works on wrinkles? I think it's similar to the stuff in Boots Protect and Perfect"?). It helped a bit with the acne/ spots but gave her terrible red/ sore/ dry/ flaking skin. Like bad sunburn.
Then we were prescribed a low-level anti-biotic. Still didn't clear it up.
Finally, the GP prescribed Dianette (it's the contraceptive pill but one that works on acne) and also a more expensive low-level anti-biotic called Lymecycline. BINGO! Beautiful, peachy, clear and glowy skin for over a year now. One very happy daughter.
Apart from the psychological misery and physical discomfort that acne causes, these spots can leave scars that can last a lifetime, and there really is no need to suffer - there are so many things that you can try.
Good luck, OP.