WHAT IS A SPOT TREATMENT?
As the name signifies, a spot treatment helps target the specific areas of our skin, such as zits, acne scars, sun spots, blemishes, or simply an uneven skin tone. And not just that, a good spot treatment can minimize swelling, redness and pain caused by acne. It can also help dissolve the blockage within the pore that caused the acne leaving it clean and unclogged.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
To understand how a spot treatment works, first, we need to understand what it is made of. What makes these spot treatments so effective that they show visible improvements in reducing the pain and appearance of acne in just two to three uses? Spot treatments are formulated with active acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, azelaic acid, niacinamide, retinoids, and many more.
All these ingredients work in the way of their own. Benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be the most effective against pimples. It goes deep into the pores washing out all the bacteria that have caused the acne in the first place, leaving the skin clean and less prone to acne caused explicitly by bacteria. Salicylic acid has this wonderful ability to fight against gunk trapped in pores caused by excessive sebum production. Due to its exfoliating properties also works great with drying up pustules (pimples with whiteheads). When it comes to problems that require immediate solutions, ingredients like sulfur are highly effective. They help dry out pimples and work really well against inflammation.
The different properties of these ingredients make them effective for different kinds of skin concerns, specifically relating to acne or any other spots or blemishes. The key is using them according to your skin concern and type.
HOW TO USE IT?
Spot treatments are applied only on existing blemishes, pimples or other areas of concern. Make sure not to use them over the entire face. Some spot treatments have a thick and visible texture that usually works best at night so that you can leave them on your face overnight. However, some spot treatments are lightweight and dry clear, so you can easily wear them out during the daytime as well. It is the best, and the most recommended to apply the spot treatments after using your cleanser and toner. As we already discussed, spot treatments are formulated with active ingredients which are mainly thin in texture, so it is better to apply them before any serum or moisturizer because a spot treatment applied over a layer of serum or a thick cream would not be able to penetrate deep into the skin where it needs to go to get the required work done.
Dab a small amount of spot treatment directly on the pimple, pustule or any other area of concern. Don’t massage it on the skin, and don’t wash it off, either. Instead, let it dry for at least a few hours to penetrate the targeted pore properly. Active ingredients are pretty potent, and spot treatments in, specific have drying properties, which makes skin a little sensitive. So never overuse your spot treatments, and keep your skin moisturized and sun-protected throughout the day.
Pro tip: Whichever spot treatment you choose, make sure to read and follow the usage directions for that specific product and treat accordingly.
Here are the best acne spot treatments for getting rid of those stubborn pimples in no time!
Best for dry skin:
● Rescue Balm Post-Blemish Recovery Cream from Hero Cosmetics
Just burst a pimple? The only item made especially to nurture your skin after a breakout is Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm Blemish Recovery Cream. It invisibly melts into the skin to reduce the appearance of bumps, scaly texture, and dryness-related red patches. It includes replenishing peptides, panthenol, and beta-glucan, best known for restoring all types of patched skin. Plus, dermatologists have evaluated it, and there are no scents or irritants, so get the safest product!
Best for oily skin:
Are you searching for a miraculous cure to remove skin imperfections overnight? The award-winning Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is a legendary on-the-spot solution to your problem. Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, and Zinc Oxide are present in this quick-acting, potent spot treatment, which absorbs extra oil and clears pores. The best news? It is free from sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and gluten, as well as it’s completely vegan and cruelty-free. So you are just one swab and beauty sleep away from perfecting your skin!
● CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
With 2% salicylic acid, CeraVe Acne Control Gel is a lightweight moisturizing, daily acne treatment that clears outbreaks and aids in reducing blackheads. Along with relaxing niacinamide and barrier-strengthening ceramides, it also provides moderate exfoliation with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA), which help boost the appearance of skin with pores. Moreover, this fragrance-free gel contains three essential Ceramides, which comprise up to 50% of the skin’s natural barrier lipids. Get amazing results in just three days!
Best for acne-prone skin:
● Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
This maximum-power acne spot treatment minimizes the size and redness of spots and blemishes in as little as four hours. The 2% Salicylic acid exfoliates to smooth skin and unclog pores. Moreover, a proprietary mixture developed using pine and thyme extracts inhibits irritants while maintaining the skin’s healthy balance. The treat? Its active ingredients also contain Oat Extract and Witch Hazel which soothes the skin and tightens the pores.
Best for sensitive skin:
● La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment Cream
This treatment cream is quite effective if you need to treat a pimple or breakout or want to tackle whiteheads and blackheads head-on. After just one treatment, blemishes are significantly diminished. This acne spot treatment works quickly and visibly in less than three days because of its 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide formulation and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid for all skin textures. It is dermatologist tested and reduces 60% of acne in 10 days.
Best for blemished skin:
● Carbon Theory | Charcoal, Tea Tree Oil & Vitamin E Overnight Detox Facial Serum
With the help of this Overnight Detox Serum, breakouts can be cleared up and avoided. Encapsulated Cranberry particles, which melt into the skin and are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, are part of this vegan and cruelty-free formulation. In addition to that, its three more features make it worth a shot! First, vitamin E revitalizes and renews the skin by retaining moisture and minimizing redness and irritation. Organic activated charcoal gently draws out bacteria, pollutants, and extra oil. Lastly, Organic tea tree oil clears breakouts and lowers inflammation.
● Kate Somerville EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
Salicylic acid is used in this gentle, all-over acne treatment at the maximum permitted concentration of 2%. Additionally, it contains retinol, which helps even out skin tone and smooth skin texture, while a combination of calming substances balances the skin’s microbiome. Furthermore, the sodium PCA and sodium hyaluronate in this moisturizing product hydrate skin and help counteract any potential dryness brought on by salicylic acid and/or retinol.
Patch treatments:
● Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics
Do you have a zit emergency? The worst periods are always when blemishes appear. The highest quality hydrocolloid, an absorbent gel that draws pus and other impurities from your pimple, is used to create Mighty Patch acne patches. This keeps your skin safe while reducing the size of the blemish and accelerating the healing process. Because this product is manufactured in Korea to the highest standards, it adheres better and is more reliable. Trust the hype!
● Peace Out Skincare Pimple Patch
Use the Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots to heal your spots. These spot patches belong in your next purchase since they contain salicylic acid, which can penetrate pores and clear up blemishes. In addition, retinol helps create clear-looking skin, and aloe vera calms and lessens irritation. It is created with hydrocolloid polymer technology, which aids in nighttime impurity extraction while forming an exterior barrier that prevents bacteria growth.
Best exfoliant for spot treatment:
● Paulas Choice-SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
With a salicylic acid concentration of 2% and a pH range of 3.2 to 3.8, this international best-seller eliminates buildup that dulls the complexion on the skin’s surface and within pores. Enriched with Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, commonly known as salicylic acid), it helps the skin shed additional layers while unclogging and cleaning pores, simulating the natural exfoliation process of younger skin. As a result, skin looks cleaner and more luminous than before and feels noticeably smoother. After just one use, people begin to perceive a natural, apparent glow.
Thank you for reading this blog! Let us know in the comment section if you find it helpful because I would love to know what you think! And if you enjoyed reading this article, share it with your family and friends.
