How To Use A Spot Treatment On Acne

The good news for anyone dealing with acne is that there is no shortage of products available to help you prevent and treat pimples. From pore-cleaning lotions to oil-free face wash, there’s something out there to help you every step of the way.

But, there’s one small-but-mighty product that we would argue is the MVP of your anti-pimple routine: an acne spot treatment. These targeted potions are meant to be used on pimples that have already formed and have ingredients that have been shown to help visibly shrink the size and color of existing blemishes. They’re the hero you need in times of skin crisis.

To help you better understand how exactly they work and to find the best acne spot treatment for you, keep reading.

What Is A Spot Treatment?

As the name implies, a spot treatment is a targeted product meant to be used only on the area where you have a pimple. They feature ingredients and formulations meant specifically for pimples and their entire purpose is to help shrink the size and severity of an existing blemish.

How Do They Work?

While the general purpose is the same, spot treatments can use a few different ingredients to help achieve its desired effect. In our Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment we use Sulfur, an active mineral that has been shown to contain antibacterial properties. That means it can help reduce the bacteria that causes acne and possibly prevent new bacteria from growing. The Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment also contains Niacinamide (a.k.a. Vitamin B3) to balance surface skin oils and exfoliating Glycolic Acid — meaning you’re addressing your acne in a multi-pronged approach for immediate and lasting results.

For those that tend to be more on the oily side, the Blue Herbal Spot Treatment (which was inspired by our original Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion from the ‘60s) uses Salicylic Acid, a gold standard blemish-fighting ingredient, to shrink the appearance of pimples and reduce instances of whiteheads and blackheads. It works by refining skin texture by getting rid of the dead skin build-up and oil that are the catalyst for the majority of breakouts. Blue Herbal Spot Treatment also uses Frankincense and Ginger Root to help control sebum production and absorb excess oil.

How Do I Use It?

Unlike lotions and toners, spot treatments are meant to be used only on areas that are already broken out. That’s because their formulas are uniquely designed to shrink the size and severity of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads you already have. Applying them to healthy, clear skin won’t have any sort of preventative impact and may cause irritation to areas that are prone to dryness. So only use acne spot treatments on pimples themselves.

After cleansing, apply a thin layer across entire affected area. Pat in gently (don’t rub, or you risk pulling the skin too hard and opening the blemish) and, once dry, follow with your usual moisturizing routine. You can apply a spot treatment up to three times daily if needed, however if your skin becomes too dry and peeling occurs, it’s best to discontinue use and let your skin heal from any irritation.

While prevention is key for controlling acne, when a blemish does form, make sure you have one of these emergency tubes on hand to minimize the visible effects of a breakout.