The way the world seems to work is that breakouts most commonly occur a) before a date b) before a job interview or c) before your tropical holiday where you were planning on going makeup-free for two weeks.
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Due to this (often horrible) timing, a good spot treatment is a non-negotiable in your skin care arsenal.
From shrinking the blemish to calming surrounding redness, these are the tried and tested spot-treatments to whack on when having a breakout isn’t an option.
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix
We say: If you fall victim to the occasional breakout, this targeted pimple cream will clear sporadic pimples fast. Formulated with seven gentle botanicals, it’ll calm irritation and clear blemish-causing bacteria deep within the pores.
You say: “love this product, love that its fast acting while has a botanical base! my new fave pimple fixer!!! Highly recommend” – Nickyfraser
Read more Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix reviews here…
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment
We say: For effective treatment on mild acne and pop-up spots, this at-home light therapy spot treatment is a game changer. Neutrogena’s blue light targets pimple-causing bacteria while the red light reduces inflammation.
You say: “Voila! Treat spots morning and night and you’ll see a difference in just a couple of days. Even on the hormonal zits. Yay!!!” – MerryGoRound
Read more Neutrogena Visibly Clear™ Light Therapy Spot Treatment reviews here…
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment
We say: This targeted, dermatologist-tested spot treatment penetrates the skin to reduce the appearance of current blemishes while preventing the formation of new ones.
You say: “I love this spot treatment for it’s speed. It’s very active and also very gentle which is also important to me.It’s great for under make-up and day use” – clearcrystalwater
Read more Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment reviews here….
Murad Blemish Control Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
We say: If you’re looking for something you can wear during the day, and more importantly, out in public, Murad’s gel will sit incognito under or on top of makeup.
You say: “I have been using this spot cream for breakouts around my chin and jawline during the night. The next day, the breakout either disappeared or reduced dramatically!” – Mayy
Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Spot Treatment
We say: Rapidly improve the appearance of blemishes with this benzoyl peroxide-free treatment. Formulated with potent exfoliators like salicylic acid and bromelain, this Ultraceuticals treatment will sort out your pesky pimple while the soothing addition of clove oil and vitamin E will ensure your skin is protected in the process.
You say: “I’ve used this product to help treat breakouts and pimples and found it to be very effective and fast healing! With its active potent ingredients my breakouts would dry up and start to heal with in a couple of days” – vanessda14
Read more Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Spot Treatment reviews here…
Sukin Naturals Blemish Control Spot Banishing Gel
We say: Fight breakouts fast with the powerful blemish-fighting ingredients of salicylic acid and willowherb. Plus, speed up healing time thanks to the calming addition of aloe vera, coconut extract and ginger.
You say: “All you need is a small amount on each pimple in order for it to die down or complete disappear within the next 24 hours. I love it! I would recommend this to anyone who is in need of a quick fix to their breakouts!” – marchgoddess
Read more Sukin Naturals Blemish Control Spot Banishing Gel reviews here…
Main image credit: @mindykaling
Do you have a holy-grail spot treatment?
Mario Badescu drying lotion works wonders
I’ve heard that this product is wonderful!
I still get the occasional pimple even in my fifties, I haven't bought a specific product for them, I find if I put a blob of clay mask on the pimple when I got to bed it really helps to clear it up
So many options!
Fortunately no breakouts for me.
I’m lucky not to suffer breakouts either!
No spots ATM. I would probably try the Sukin one if I get some.
A very interesting article once again well done BH.
angielp and M8 I'm keen to try this now. I have never had too many pimples in my life and now I am getting hormonal big ones!
Good for those who need it. Hope it helps.
Thanks, angielp! I wish I'd seen this reply sooner! 🙂
I have the neutrogena light
I've tried the Sukin one for the occasional PMT pimple. Simple used to make a good roll on pimple treatment but I don't think they make it anymore.
That’s unfortunate!
The light therapy one looks really cool
I’ve used the Sukin spot banish gel but I got to try it during a good skin phase (not that I’m complaining about that).
I heard about using toothpaste to dry out a spot
Doubt it works!
Will have to check some of these out.
I like the sound of this product RitaB. Has it been around for a long time or new to the market?
OMG I wish this article had been published last weekend. I got a zit on my nose, The only thing I had in my cupboard was Clearasil Ultra Rapid Treatment. I think the tube must have been old because it wasn't rapid. Some great products here to try.
I don't recall the last time that I had a pimple on my face but sometimes they pop up elsewhere
Thankfully i don't get much anymore, but in the past Ultraceuticals has been amazing for me
I wish this stuff had've been around when I was a teenager.
Does the light treatment actually work?
Very interested in the Kiehls one. On the rare occasion that I get a spot I use the Clinique anti-blemish gel which I got a sample size of. Seems to work a treat but boy it can sting. But I used to use the Simple roller ball one but haven't been able to find it again.
My daughter swears by the sukin.
Thankfully this is not something that I have to worry about…phew
Sadly I find nothing works overnight though
Cosrx pimple patches get rid of any spots that pop up for me overnight.
They featured in a BH article!
I am very very grateful for the fact that this problem has never been an issue for me.
So many options but sadly for me nothing works overnight
I get one pimple once a month and I haven't found anything that's helps but the Sukin one is cheap and seems to have good reviews so might be worth purchasing.
The neutrogena pen sounds really interesting! I usually just use overnight pimple patches.
The neutrogena pen sounds good
I refered the Sukin to my friend and she said it's doing a great job.
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Apart from the Sukin one, where are the affordable options?
Good point Perthchick. I wonder if you could just look for dupes?
Great article BH!
That LED device is good for people who don’t have melasma!
I’ve heard great things about Murad products!