Are you looking for a good acne spot treatment product which delivers on its claims?Having an acne breakout just before an important occasion or meeting can ruin your look and lower your confidence significantly. This acne can be because of many internal and external factors and long-term solution is to treat the root cause rather than the acne itself but having an effective acne spot treatment at hand can help you get rid of surprise acne breakouts with ease. These products dry out the acne quickly to reveal clear skin without leaving any marks or spots. If you are looking for good spot treatments, here is the list of ten most effective products which work on your acne on the spot:
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Dermalogica Concealing Acne Spot Treatment
Dermatologica is known for its quality skin care products which work effectively on acne-prone skin. The best acne spot treatment comes in a compact and easy-to-use tube which makes it very convenient to use this product on the go. It is also suitable for sensitive skin as it contains no artificial fragrances or color. It conceals acne and controls excess oil without drying the skin further or making it sensitive. The natural extracts present in the formula dry the acne and prevent the skin from breaking out further. The price is moderate.PROS:
- Comes in a convenient packaging which is travel-friendly.
- Does not dry out the skin and prevents further acne breakouts.
- Contains natural extracts which nourish the skin from within and conceal minor imperfections.
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
CONS:
- The price of the product is a bit high as compared to the quantity.
- It has an overwhelming fragrance.
What we like about it:
The effective action of this product on pimples by concealing and treating them on the spot makes it a one-stop solution for treating all acne breakouts.
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
Formulated with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, this tube from Neutrogena is a gem in a bottle as it is non-comedogenic so it does not clog the pores and dries out the pimples faster than any other product in the market. It is available in 7 size options to choose from. It does not cause any redness or dryness and leaves the skin feeling soothed and calm. It lightens the scars and dark spots too when used continuously. If you have cystic acne, this product is your go-to to control them. The price is cheaper as compared to other products.PROS:
- Contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide which dries the acne and prevents it from reoccurring.
- Is available in 7 sizes to choose from so you can try the product before buying a bigger size.
- The formula is non-comedogenic so it does not clog the pores.
- Works on cystic acne also.
CONS:
- Is a bit sticky in consistency so it feels uncomfortable on the skin.
- Can cause allergies if used on very sensitive skin.
What we like about it:
This product is effective in controlling cystic acne breakouts without making the skin irritated or red. It is oil-free and contains benzoyl peroxide which dries the acne.
Diva Stuff Blemish Bomb High Powered Acne Spot Treatment
The formula of this product contains bentonite clay, tea tree oil, peppermint, clove, and lemon among other ingredients. All these ingredients are proven to clean the skin of all the impurities and control acne. The product comes in a jar packaging and the quantity is higher as compared to other tube products. This product is also effective on blemishes in addition to acne breakouts. It has a thick and creamy formula which is easy to apply. The product needs to be applied on the acne and washed off after it dries for best results. The fragrance of this product is soothing and calms the skin. The price is moderate.PROS:
- Comes in a convenient tub packaging which is compact and lightweight.
- Also treats blemishes and works on existing acne spots.
- The thick consistency applies well and sticks to the acne to enhance effectiveness.
- Has a soothing fragrance which does not irritate the skin.
CONS:
- Takes some time to show visible results.
- The price of the cream is higher as compared to the quantity.
What we like about it:
The jar packaging allows you to see how much product is remaining. The formula is rich is acne-fighting ingredients which clean the skin and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
Clean & Clear is one brand which makes targeted anti-acne products. This formula is suitable for all skin types and is oil-free. It contains 2% salicylic acid which controls excess oil and reduces acne breakouts with continuous usage. It promises to lighten the acne marks with just one use. The formula of the product is oil-free so it does not dry out the skin or makes it feel greasy. It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. The product is available in four sizes and seven styles to choose from so you can choose the size depending upon the requirement. This product is cheaper as compared to other spot treatments.PROS:
- Contains 2% salicylic acid which reduces acne breakouts and clears existing marks as well.
- Has a lightweight consistency with an oil-free formula.
- Is available in 7 styles and 4 size options to choose from depending on the usage.
- Comes at an affordable price and in a travel-friendly packaging.
CONS:
- It does not have a pleasant smell so it can irritate some users.
- Leaves a burning sensation on the skin if more product is used than required.
What we like about it:
The small tube makes the application easy on blemishes and pimples. The ingredients of this product are carefully selected to reduce pimples and acne along with blackheads also. The multiple sizes and price are an added advantage.
Alba Botanica Acnedote Invisible Treatment Gel
If you have sensitive skin, this formula is suitable to use as it is formulated without phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances. Alba Botanica is a great brand when it comes to making natural skincare products and this treatment gel is a very good product to invest in. The clear gel-like consistency is easy to apply and makes the pimples dry with just a few uses. The gel is made up of witch hazel extract, calendula extract, lavender extract, aloe vera extract and salicylic acid which moisturize the skin and clear all marks and pimples. It does not contain any synthetic fragrances or chemicals. The gel comes in five flavors and six sizes so you can choose your desired size accordingly.PROS:
- Contains witch hazel extract, lavender extract, salicylic acid, and does not contain any harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.
- Has a lightweight gel-like consistency which gets absorbed into the skin without drying the skin or irritating it.
- Is available in five flavors and six sizes to choose from.
- Has a pleasant fragrance and can be used by all skin types.
CONS:
- Can breakout your skin further if you do not rinse the product off carefully.
- Makes the skin feel itchy if left on the skin for a longer period than advised.
What we like about it:
The soothing gel helps in controlling pimples and acne without irritating the skin. The paraben-free and fragrance-free formula adds to the goodness of this gel.
TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment
Made up of bentonite clay, pink grapefruit oil and other essential oils like peppermint, spearmint, tea tree and lemon, this spot treatment works from the inside and cleans all the impurities to reveal clear, better skin. It is mainly used for treating cystic acne but works well on sudden acne breakouts too. It also reduces skin inflammation and controls excess sebum production. The witch hazel extract present in the cream balances any excess oil to control any future breakout. The product has a faint mint smell but nothing very strong. The price is a bit high but the effects of this cream make it worth it.PROS:
- Contains bentonite clay and pink grapefruit extracts which absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin to reveal smooth and acne-free skin.
- Has a faint mint smell which keeps the skin feeling fresh and clean.
- Also contains vitamin C and aloe vera which hydrate the skin and improve the skin texture.
- Comes in a convenient tub packaging.
CONS:
- The price of this product is high.
- Does not work on very stubborn acne breakouts which need are caused due to stress or hormonal issues.
What we like about it:
The powerful ingredients of this cream make it a great all-in-one skincare product for acne-prone skin. The quantity is also good and a single jar will last for 6-7 months if used properly.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment Cream
La Roche-Posay is one of the most luxurious skincare brands available in the market and this acne treatment cream is a bestseller from the brand. The dual-action of this cream not only lightens a pimple and acne but also provides mild exfoliation to the skin with LHA to prevent blackheads and pimples. The formula is free of oil, fragrance, and parabens which harm the skin. The gentle exfoliating action of this cream improves the texture of the skin and reduces any further acne breakouts. This is one of the most expensive acne spot treatments you would find but it works well for cystic and topical acne and enhances the texture of the skin.PROS:
- Provides two benefits with one formula by controlling acne and exfoliating the skin.
- Contains skin-loving ingredients which do not clog the pores or cause any sensitivity.
- Works well in controlling cystic acne and blemishes.
- Comes in a convenient tube packaging for travel purposes.
CONS:
- Is very expensive as compared to other acne spot treatments available in the market.
- The formula is quite strong for delicate skin and can cause rashes.
What we like about it:
The cream works on acne, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads simultaneously to reveal cleaner and brighter skin. The tube is designed carefully to allow easy application on pimples.
Murad Acne Spot Treatment
Enriched with sulfur and salicylic acid, this product from Murad keeps the pimples at bay as sulfur is known to kill bacteria quickly. The fragrance of this cream can be little strong for your senses because of the sulfur present in it but it is the only thing that works on severe acne. It also works effectively in fading dark spots gradually if you use it regularly. The color of the product is light yellow and it has a creamy consistency. The best acne spot treatment contains 3% sulfur concentration which kills all bacteria and cleans the skin with its drying nature. It also works on blemishes and fades them with regular use. The price is moderate.PROS:
- Contains 3% sulfur which dries the acne and prevents it from leaving any marks.
- Fades existing dark spots and improves the condition of the skin over time.
- Has a creamy consistency which hydrates the skin without making it feel greasy.
- Shows visible results from the first use.
CONS:
- Has a very strong fragrance due to the presence of sulfur in the formula.
- The price is a little high for the quantity.
What we like about it:
The formula of this product is unique in terms of ingredients as very few acne products contain sulfur as one of the main ingredients. It works effectively on all types of acne and pimples.
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Acnefree Spot Treatments Terminator 10
This medical-strength spot treatment claims to kill 99% of the acne-causing bacteria with just a few uses. The formula of this spot treatment is very strong so it should be used carefully. It penetrates deep into the skin and prevents breakouts by treating the root cause of the acne. The formula is designed to reduce redness that is caused by acne breakouts. The chamomile ginger extracts and sea whip cool the skin and provide a soothing effect. The cream is available in four sizes to choose from. The price is one of the lowest in the market and if you are looking for a good spot treatment for acne on a budget, this product is for you.PROS:
- Comes at a very affordable price and is one of the cheapest spot treatments for acne available in the market.
- Contains chamomile extracts and sea whip which reduce inflammation and provide a cooling effect to the skin.
- Kills 99% of the bacteria which cause acne and keep the pores clean.
- Is available in four sizes to choose from.
CONS:
- The formula of this cream is quite strong so it is not suitable for sensitive skin.
- It does not have a pleasant fragrance and can cause a burning sensation if left for a long duration on the skin.
What we like about it:
The strong formula of this cream zaps pimples and acne with just one use and controls redness. The skin-calming ingredients give your skin some relief.
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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
One of the most popular treatments for acne-prone skin, this lotion is a genie in a bottle as it provides instant effects. Formulated with calamine, salicylic acid, and other pimple-drying ingredients, this lotion works on the skin overnight to reveal brighter, clearer skin. It is suitable for skin types and is very gentle in terms of formula strength. The consistency of the lotion is very thin so it needs to be applied with a cotton pad on the affected area. You can use earbuds to apply this lotion effectively on the acne. The price is a little high as compared to the quantity but this lotion is loved by people for its quick action on acne and whiteheads.PROS:
- Provides instant results and dries out the acne on the spot within just a few hours.
- Is suitable for all skin types and works well for cystic acne also.
- Very little quantity is required for each use so one bottle lasts for a very long time.
- Contains calamine which nourishes the skin and hydrates it.
CONS:
- The price of this liquid lotion is a bit high as compared to the quantity.
- It dries the surrounding skin around the acne too.
What we like about it:
This lotion has calamine which is known to improve the texture of the skin and control unevenness. It also calms the skin and reduces breakouts without irritating the skin.
Check Video Review
What causes acne and how can you avoid it?
Acne can be caused due to many environmental and hormonal factors but the are most common reason is the lack of a proper skincare routine. Following a good diet and exercising regularly can help you get a clear and flawless skin and keep the acne under control. Some other factors which can trigger acne breakouts include stress, hormonal imbalance, diet changes, skin allergies, or exposure to certain pollutants. Some acne breakouts can subside by themselves in a day or two while some breakouts take a long time to heal completely.
If you have an acne-prone skin, it is very important to take care of it with a proper skincare routine which is specifically designed to cater to that particular skin type. Choose products which do not aggravate the skin and provide a soothing effect. Avoid any skin care product that contains too many chemicals which can block pores and cause acne. Using a toner is very important when it comes to acne-prone skin as a toner balances the pH of the skin and cleans the pores to remove any dirt or oil that may have been trapped in the pores. Another very important product is a good face wash with a medicinal formula which keeps the skin clean and prevents the bacteria from causing further breakouts.
Most acne breakouts can be treated easily with over the counter medications or creams which contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both these ingredients are known to control acne and lighten marks and blemishes. You can also avoid acne easily if you follow a good diet which is rich in whole nutrients and devoid of processed foods which can aggravate the skin further. Avoid excess salt and sugar if you are experiencing acne as salt causes water retention which can slow down the healing process.
FAQs:
Q. Is it safe to use overnight treatments on acne continuously for a long time?
A. No. Overnight acne spot treatments should only be used for emergencies when you need to hide or control your acne growth for an important occasion. These products can be very strong on the skin if they are used continuously for long periods of time. You can use a milder version of the same product if you want to use an acne treatment product for your breakouts. Making long-term changes to your diet and lifestyle can help a long way in eliminating acne completely.
Q. What are some of the side-effects of using overnight acne treatments?
A. These acne treatments are designed to provide tough treatment to stop the growth of the acne immediately so they can lead to many other harmful side-effects because of the strong formula. The most common side-effects include dry skin, itching, burning sensation, and more breakouts. More severe side-effects can be drowsiness, sleep disturbances, and painful cysts which can form if the product gets trapped in the existing acne or pores.
Q. How much time does it take for overnight acne spot treatments to work?
A. It can take anywhere between 2-3 days for the acne to be gone completely depending on the composition of the product you have used and your skin reaction. Do not fall for products which promise to deliver overnight results as these products can harm your skin in the long run. Patience is the key when it comes to dealing with acne and the more time you give your skin, the more long-lasting the results would be.
Q. Can all skin types use all types of acne spot treatments?
A. Not all skin types are the same and each of these skin types requires different products to treat any acne breakouts. It is important that you first determine your skin type and then try a spot treatment which is formulated to work on your particular skin type. Using a spot treatment that it meant for dry skin on an oily skin can do more harm than good for your skin.
Buyer Guide:
While a long-term solution for acne and pimples include a meticulous skin care and diet routine, sometimes you just need a quick solution on the spot to control any surprise breakouts that occur. All these products are of that category and will help you get rid of unsightly acne with just a few uses. It is very important to keep some factors in mind which will help you to choose the right treatment for your skin type and concern. Some of these factors include:
- Formula
The formula of the spot treatment should be strong enough to provide quick results for acne. Most common ingredients which work quickly on acne and pimples include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, bentonite clay, sulfur, peppermint oil, lemon oil, and other ingredients which work on drying the acne and killing any bacteria that might be causing it. Choose a product which is free of harmful chemicals which can harm the skin in the long run.
- Skin type & acne type
Determining your skin type before buying an acne spot treatment is very important to see which product will work on your skin. There are many types of acne like cystic acne, hormonal acne, comedonal acne etc and each of these types needs different products. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from products which contain parabens, artificial fragrances, and colors.
- Price
While acne spot treatments are a once in a while kind of investment, it is essential that you consider the price of the product before buying it. There are many good products available in the market which are effective on acne and are cheaper in price. If you find a product which is expensive but suits your skin effectively, buying it will be beneficial for your skin. You can check online for deals on those products to get some discounts.
- Customer reviews
Always read customer reviews of the product online before purchasing it as people who have used the product will offer genuine reviews of the product. You can also solve some of your concerns by reading the reviews. Somebody who is having the same experience as you in terms of acne breakouts can offer you advice about how to treat the breakout effectively.
Here are some general tips and tricks you should keep in mind to get rid of the acne breakouts quickly with these on the spot treatments:
- Following a proper diet with light exercise helps to control acne and pimple breakouts to a large extent. Using the right skincare products for your skin type also make a major difference.
- Some formulas need to be applied on the skin and some formulas need to be rinsed after some time. Read the instruction label carefully to avoid any skin injuries.
- Use a topical treatment only in emergencies when you cannot use milder formulas as the spot treatments have a very strong formula.
- Keep the pack closed tightly to avoid any damage to the formula as the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can rot in the air.
- Stop usage of the product immediately if you notice redness or itching of the skin as not all products are designed to suit all skin types.
- Products which have medical strength concentrations of ingredients should always be used after consultation with a dermatologist.
- Do not buy large packagings of such products as they are designed to be used on the go and a bulky pack can destroy the whole purpose.
- Avoid using acne spot treatments if you have very sensitive skin as this can cause further breakouts and can leave marks on the skin.
- Always do a patch test of the product on the wrist or the inner thighs before using it on the face to check for allergies.
- Do not use a cream which has a strong fragrance as this can irritate the skin further and lead to more breakouts.
- Never scratch or try to burst the acne or a pimple as this can not only leave a mark on the skin but also spread the contamination to other areas of the skin.
- Apply the spot treatment on the affected area not more than twice a day to get good results as applying more product than necessary can leave your skin dry and itchy.
So these are some of the most popular spot treatments for acne which work quickly and give effective results. These products are great for emergencies when you need a quick solution for acne that has popped up overnight. Please keep in mind that these treatments are only for emergencies and should not be used for a continuous period of time. This buyer guide will help you find the right product for your skin type and concern. Choose a product which works for you and always keep it in your bag for treatment on the go. You can also refer to the list of common FAQs and the tips to get more information on how to control sudden acne breakouts.
Have you suffered from acne breakouts before? Which is your go-to acne spot treatment?
