As someone with oily skin who’s dealt with hormonal acne for the better part of my life, I’m no stranger to pesky pimples. I’m sure I’m not the only one who relied on applying toothpaste on a pimple in an attempt to get rid of it overnight. Well, don’t ever try it. The first step to dealing with an angry pimple is patience because pimples always soothe down and disappear in a few days unless you’re dealing with cystic acne. But if you’re like me with zero patience and need to get rid of your pimple as soon as it appears, then spot treatments are for you.
Spot treatments work best on pustules (pus-filled pimples). As the name suggests, they are meant to be applied only to your pimple. Spot treatments most often contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide along with other balancing ingredients so that your skin doesn’t dry out.
Here are our picks of spot treatments that effectively zap pimples whilst not leaving your skin all flaky and dry.
Plum Green Tea Clear Spot Light Gel
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With an extremely lightweight formula, the Plum Green Tea Clear Spot Light Gel works effectively on active acne and blemishes too. Infused with green tea which acts as an antioxidant, salicylic acid which battles active acne and marshmallow extracts that soothe the skin—this spot treatment is an effective affordable option.
Mario Badescu Acne Spot Corrector Drying Lotion
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When Kylie Jenner gives her stamp of approval on a beauty product, you know it’s serious business. Mario Badescu’s Acne Spot Corrector Drying Lotion is a cult favourite amongst the skincare community too. The time-tested formulation of sulphur calamine, salicylic acid and zinc oxide fights acne and calms down redness caused by it. It is best suited for your nighttime skincare routine.
Lisen Moving Forward Light Weight Spot Corrector Gel
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An intriguing combination of ingredients makes the Lisen Moving Forward Lightweight Spot Corrector Gel an effective pick. This spot treatment contains phyto oligo to boost cell turnover, 0.1% salicylic acid to dissolve acne-causing bacteria and centella asiatica to soothe. It also gently exfoliates the skin around pimples to clear any post-breakout buildup.
Versed Game Over Acne Drying Treatment
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Not just pimples, but the Versed Game Over Acne Drying Treatment works for whiteheads and blackheads too. 10% sulphur along with bentonite and kaolin clay treats pimples by absorbing excess oil and exfoliating dead skin cells away. If ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide don’t work for you, this spot treatment is what you need.
Aroma Magic Neem & Tea Tree Anti-Pimple Gel
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Made with natural ingredients, Aroma Magic’s Neem & Tea Tree Anti-Pimple Gel uses neem, witch hazel and aloe vera to get rid of pimples with their antibacterial properties while cucumber juice purifies the skin. This product is gel-based making it suitable for all skin types.
Dr Barbara Sturm Clarifying Spot Treatment
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Dr Barbara Sturm’s Clarifying Spot Treatment targets impurities at the source. Packed with antioxidants and formulated using an active complex of macular biofluids, tea tree oil and zinc oxides, this spot treatment works its magic in a jiffy. It’s available as a clear gel and as a tinted version too.
Earth Rhythm On Spot Blemish Control Complex
If you deal with oily and acne-prone skin, Earth Rhythm’s On Spot Blemish Control Complex is for you. Not only does it work effectively to eliminate acne but also smoothens texture, regulates sebum production and treats post-inflammatory erythema. The trio of niacinamide, salicylic acid and azelaic acid ensure that your pimples vanish before you know it.
