Genetics, hormonal imbalance, bacterial infection, and plugged follicles are just a few factors that play a part in who gets pimples and how severely. If you get a few due to raging hormones or perhaps, for being in love, don’t pop your pimple no matter how itchy it feels or how gross it looks!
Popping your pimples is the worst thing you can ever do to your skin. The infection worsens when you squeeze a pimple and hence, it increases your risk of getting a scar. It is better to leave your pimple untouched than to even touch it. However, even a single small zit on the face on an occasional basis is very frustrating, especially when you need to show up for a special event or a date . Layers of concealers won’t hide those big, round zits dotting on your face.
Fortunately, there are fast-acting acne spot treatments that can deal with surface breakouts. Today, we will be taking a detailed look at the 10 best acne spot treatments and know why they are worth a shot. You can rest assured that our options are diverse and efficient. All you need to do is to choose one brand that suits your specific case the most.
1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
If there are only three words needed to describe the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, it’s: fast-acting, convenient, and efficient. This acne spot treatment promises to get rid of those huge, unpleasant leaky lesions on your face overnight! Also, did I mention it only costs less than $20?
This product’s two active ingredients are salicylic acid and calamine. Each bottle is comprised of two layers: the salicylic acid solution, which floats on top followed by the calamine lotion, which sits at the bottom. By the way, don’t even think of shaking the bottle!
To shrink your pimples, simply dunk a clean Q-tip inside the bottle until it reaches the calamine lotion. Then dab the Q-tip on the affected area and give it 15 min. to dry. Don’t contaminate the product by using the same Q-tip. You’ll need one clean Q-tip for each zit.
Take note that this product reeks! Also, it will sting a little. Nevertheless, the most important thing is the results it yields. As soon as you wake up, your zits are guaranteed tiny as a dot without the flakiness or dryness! As far as salicylic acid is concerned, you may want to be extra careful if you have sensitive skin.
Furthermore, this product comes in a 1 oz. glass or plastic bottle. If you intend on taking the product with you during your travels, the plastic bottle would be more convenient.
It is also worth mentioning that the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is personally recommended by Kylie Jenner herself! Not to mention its 2, 232 reviews (and counting) on Amazon alone.
2. The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is a non-prescription hydrocolloid bandage that targets occasional zits, as well as whiteheads and blackheads. This product comes in three sizes so you can choose according to the size of your pimple.
This tiny round patch works by literally drawing the gunk out of your pimple. Your pimple will get visibly smaller once the patch is taken off. One overnight application is all you need to say goodbye to that annoying zit!
Moreover, using this acne patch is a great way to protect your wound from impurities such as dust and smoke, as well as trauma caused by accidental touching. Therefore, it helps the wound heal much faster and minimizes scarring. It is great to know that this pimple patch is thin and light unlike band-aid.
The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch has been garnering over 3, 000 reviews on Amazon. It is also worth mentioning that this product has been officially approved by the Korean Ministry of Food & Drug Safety as well as the FDA.
3. Nexcare Acne Patch
Just like product no. 2, the Nexcare Acne Patch provides a protective barrier against external pollutants, including bacteria from dirty fingers and from polluted air. Thus, it helps prevent secondary infection.
It uses the same hydrocolloid substance that absorbs impurities from your face and speeds up the healing process. The patch strongly sticks onto your skin and absorbs the gunk from pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The size and redness of your pimple will be reduced evidently after a few hours of application. You will only need 2 – 3 patches to completely eradicate your zit.
Furthermore, the Nexcare Acne Patch is among the most affordable options and the easiest ones to use. This product contains no synthetic ingredients that may cause allergies. It promises to be gentle on your delicate skin!
So far, this acne spot treatment has earned a 4-star rating, which is quite an impressive number for a beauty product.
4. TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment
The TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment is a godsend in getting rid of stubborn acne not only on your face but all over your body as well. This product is packed with natural skincare ingredients such as lemon, grapefruit, and tea tree essential oils; peppermint and spearmint water; as well as Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel.
Nevertheless, its most prized ingredient is Bentonite Clay, which is notable for its incredible detoxifying properties.
Pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads won’t stand a chance against this acne spot treatment. This product’s breakthrough formula works by digging out deep-seated dirt, killing acne-causing bacteria, and balancing sebum production. It also soothes the pain and irritation caused by severe and cystic acne. Most importantly, it aids in the prevention of future breakouts.
Moreover, this product’s unique formulation is most effective when you apply it before bedtime and leave it on your skin overnight. Know that this treatment is gentle enough even for ultra-sensitive skin.
Although the TreeActive Cystic Acne Spot Treatment comes in a tiny 0.25 oz. tub, don’t be discouraged! Surely, it’s way too smaller than its counterparts. Nonetheless, you won’t be needing a lot of product to zap away your acne. Just a small amount can provide big results!
5. Burts Bee’s Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment
You can win your fight against acne by embracing the power of nature. Introducing, Burts Bee’s Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment.
Whether yours is mild or cystic acne, Burts Bees promises to greatly enhance its appearance within 48 hours. This spot treatment is formulated with salicylic acid derived from Willow Bark to deeply penetrate congested skin, combat bacteria, and unclog pores from dirt and sebum. Likewise, its formula contains licorice root extracts and tamanu oil to soothe and nourish your skin. Not to mention calendula, tea tree, parsley, and yarrow extracts.
Burt’s Bees Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment is non-irritating and non-comedogenic. No parabens or phthalates were added into its formula that could trigger negative skin reactions. This product is guaranteed 99.5% natural and is clinically proven effective by dermatologists. Although this gentle treatment is specially calibrated for the needs of acne-prone and sensitive skin, other skin types can greatly benefit from it as well.
Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment comes in a 7.5 ml bottle.
6. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
The Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment promises to reduce the swelling and redness of an existing pimple as fast as four hours. Its active ingredient is 2% salicylic acid, which combats acne-causing bacteria and dissolves excess sebum.
The strength of the acid may cause sensitive skin to tingle for a few minutes but you can rest assured it won’t leave your skin dry and flaky. Just make sure you wash your face after a few hours to prevent peeling.
According to its instructions, you have to reapply the product 2-3 times per day in order to achieve its full effects. Nevertheless, consumers mentioned that simply leaving the product overnight can get rid of a zit almost entirely.
Furthermore, the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment comes in a .75 oz easy-to-squeeze tub and features a gel consistency. The gel leaves a noticeable white patch as it sinks into your skin, which is not much of a con in exchange for getting clear skin.
7. La-Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment
Developed and recommended by dermatologists, the La-Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment is guaranteed effective and safe even for an ultra sensitive skin. It is non-comedogenic, oil-, fragrance-, and paraben-free.
As its name suggests, the La-Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment features two active ingredients: micronized benzoyl peroxide at 5.5% concentration and micro-exfoliating lipo hydroxy acid or LHA. The Effaclar Duo is the only acne treatment that features both ingredients. Its dual action power zaps away any blemish by unclogging congested skin as well as promote gentle exfoliation for a smoother and softer skin texture.
Know that this product has garnered over 10 beauty awards such as InStyle Best Beauty Buys 2017 and The Knot 2017.
8. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Spot Gel
The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Spot Gel could be your next pimple fix! This product contains 2% salicylic acid to fight harmful bacteria and dry out any swollen pimple. It also contains Witch Hazel, a natural skincare ingredient notable for its skin-soothing qualities. Last but not the least, this acne treatment highlights its MicroClear® technology, which works by boosting the effects of salicylic acid deep into the very source of a pimple. Therefore, this product also helps future breakouts, too.
9. Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Spot Corrector Gel
Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Spot Corrector Gel promises to dry up and flatten out your pimples overnight. It contains beta hydroxy acid and polyhydroxy acid, both of which promote exfoliation. By sloughing off dead skin cells, you diminish the appearance of red, bumpy zits. Likewise, it contains lilac leaf cell culture extract to absorb excess sebum and soothe your skin. However, you may need to wait until the 7th day of usage large surface breakouts. This product is recommended for night use only.
10. AcneFree Terminator 10 Anti-Acne Treatment
AcneFree Terminator 10 Anti-Acne Treatment is a dermatologist recommended product designed to get rid of pimples using 10% micronized benzoyl peroxide, as well as nourish skin with chamomile and ginger. Use this product twice daily to achieve optimal results. Since this product uses benzoyl peroxide at its maximum strength, those with sensitive skin may have to be extra careful.
