10 Acne Spot Treatments That *Actually* Work
Like doing your taxes or running into your ex at the grocery store, breakouts are unavoidable. And just like the aforementioned instanances, dealing with an unexpected pimple can be just as dreadful. Whether you use acne-fighting products daily or only when you're experiencing a breakout, spot treatments are a fast and effective tool to add to your skincare routine.
“Spot treatments deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients—typically salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—to the pesky pimple,” says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “An acne-fighting serum or toner, on the other hand, will have less concentration of the active ingredient.”
The right acne spot treatment can be safe and effective for both those with cystic acne–inflamed red bumps deep below the surface–and sensitive skin types because you only need to use a small amount on the specific areas to get relief. Ready to zap that zit? Keep scrolling for our roundup of the best acne spot treatments out there.
P.S. All set on treatments and just want to safely cover up breakouts while they're healing? Check out our favorite foundations for acne-prone skin.
About the Expert:
Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City.
Blackheads, whiteheads, cysts...they’re no match for this super-powered spot treatment. Five percent benzoyl peroxide targets acne at the source. “Benzoyl peroxide is essentially like dropping a bomb to eradicate any p.acnes and bacteria on your skin,” says Dr. Engelman. And don’t worry, this spot treatment won’t leave your skin dry and crusty. It’s also infused with soothing probiotics and tea tree oil to minimize annoying redness and flaking.
Stop breakouts before they even get a chance to start with this preventative anti-blemish booster serum, which uses a proven combo of colloidal sulfur and salicylic acid. “Sulfur helps prevent the growth of bacteria by prohibiting the activation of certain proteins, causes mild exfoliation of the top layers of skin, and reduces inflammation,” says Dr. Engelman. “And salicylic acid has keratin-dissolving properties that can break down dead skin cell buildup and decongest pores.”
Salicylic acid is an OG spot treatment ingredient. Why? Because it works FAST. MURAD's maximum strength formula clears pores and reduces blemish size and redness within four hours. It's also formulated with shea butter to soothe the skin, oat extract to reduce redness, and horse chestnut extract to regulate sebum production.
Cover up your breakouts—and look cute in the process—with these star-shaped pimple patches. Each sticky hydrocolloid patch is clinically proven to absorb fluid, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the wound healing process by protecting your pimples from outside bacteria. “I am loving pimples patches right now,” says Dr. Engelman. “The patch protects the zit from further irritation and infection by providing a ‘sealed’ environment for skin to heal itself.”
This might just be the closest thing to a magic eraser for whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. A combo of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich broccoli, tea tree, and soybean extracts help reduce all of the annoying side effects—like redness, swelling, and discoloration—that are associated with breakouts while squalane—a hydrator that mimics your skin’s natural barrier—soothes and protects skin while the acne-fighting powerhouses do their work.
This gentle (but powerful) spot treatment is spiked with a blend of 12 herbs and organic biodynamic alcohol to help fight acne and leave your skin smooth, clear, and radiant. It also helps keep emerging blemishes at bay so you can prevent pimples before they show up. Got plans? This zit zapper goes on clear, so you can apply it and head straight to work, a date, or brunch.
If you usually break out along your jawline and chin when you're stressed or around your period, you're likely dealing with hormonal acne. The saw palmetto (a type of palm) in this gel is especially effective at combating excess androgen production in combination and oily skin. Dab on a thin layer after cleansing your skin thoroughly. You can use this spot treatment up to three times a day, but it's best to stick to once if you notice any dryness or peeling.
Got 15 minutes? That's all the time this dermatologist-tested mask needs to work its magic. A potent blend of sulfur, witch hazel, kaolin, and botanicals purify, calm, and soothe acne-prone skin. Cover the affected area generously (until the skin doesn't show through), avoiding your eyes and lips. Let the mask work its magic for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and go on with your life.
The main ingredient in this itty bitty but oh-so-powerful tube is wintergreen leaf extract, a natural salicylic acid. It also includes sea salt to reduce blemishes and sulfur to absorb oil. This spot treatment is lightweight, quick-absorbing and super portable, making it perfect for reapplying in the middle of the day, wherever you are.
Hands off your face! This salicylic acid rollerball formula is convenient and effective for all skin types—and soothing, thanks to tea tree, rose hip, and tungwood oil. There's also PhytoVie® pollution defense to keep the city smog from getting to you. Roll it on once a day after cleansing and build up to three times a day as your skin tolerates it.
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