Why do I still have bad spots at 25 yrs old?

I am 25 & I have always had bad skin. I would not say that it is acne but I have a lot of black heads all over my face & get a lot of big spots on my cheeks.. I don't put make up on every day only when i'm going to work & things as I have a lot of redness & scars on my checks. They make up I ware is expensive & I always put a moisturiser & primer on 1st that are none oily. I also was my face twice a day with a blemish control face was. I went to boots & asked about my skin at the pharmacy counter. They said it does not look bad enough to give me the acne treatment so gave me some freedom cream. It helps sometime but you only put it on when you get a spot it doesn't prevent it. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas that could help as it makes my face hurt & really sore to touch when I get a lot of big spots & boils on my cheeks.