We have all been through the struggle of waking up with a giant pimple on a big day. These uninvited guests can be frustrating and can dent your confidence. If you are looking for ways to quickly banish a breakout, a spot treatments for acne is your best bet. These zit-banishing treatments target breakouts and accelerate the healing process with the help of highly concentrated active ingredients. But with so many spot treatment options available on the market, how can you find the ones that actually work? To simplify things for you, I have compiled a list of the best spot treatments for acne that you must add to your acne skincare routine ASAP.
Benzoyl peroxide
If you are struggling with frequent breakouts, you must try a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment for acne. This potent ingredient penetrates your pores to kill acne-causing bacteria. As a result of its comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective against all types of acne, including angry, red zits, whiteheads, and blackheads. I recommend applying a tiny amount to the breakouts once or twice daily. Since benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness and irritation, practice caution. I also advise to start with a lower concentration and build it up gradually.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a holy grail for people struggling with persistent acne. This spot treatment for acne definitely deserves a spot in your acne skincare routine because it is a BHA that can help break down pimples and blackheads. It helps in clearing clogged pores caused by blackheads or whiteheads by dissolving the protein that binds the sticky skin cells together. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this powerhouse ingredient can also calm inflamed and red skin. If you want to dry out a pimple and keep it from coming back, apply salicylic acid to the affected area twice every day. Although it works for most skin types, excessive usage can dry out your skin. Therefore, don’t forget to apply the moisturiser after this spot treatment.
Retinoids
Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are one of our body’s most vital nutrients for increasing cell turnover. They are an excellent spot treatment for acne as they prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation. While retinoids can give incredible results, starting with potent formulations can irritate your skin and lead to skin issues like redness, dryness, and rashes. For beginners, I suggest starting with a small amount of a formula with a low concentration, like 0.2% or 0.3%. You must always apply this spot treatment for acne at night as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun, thus increasing the chances of sun damage. Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.
Niacinamide
Did you know that niacinamide works as an excellent spot treatment for acne? Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that works by bolstering the skin’s natural barrier function, improving moisture retention, and fortifying it against external aggressors. Since niacinamide has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it works wonders for people dealing with pesky zits. It regulates sebum production and prevents clogged pores, thus keeping breakouts at bay.
Tea tree oil
Are you looking for a natural spot treatment for acne? You must try tea tree oil. Its antibacterial properties kill acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness and inflammation. Terpinene-4-ol is the active element in tea tree oil that destabilises the bacteria’s cell, thus destroying it. And the best part? It can treat both comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads, and minor blemishes) and inflammatory acne (huge, red breakouts). Since tea tree oil is very potent and can irritate sensitive skin, I recommend diluting it with a carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil, and applying directly to the breakout.
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