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How Do I Choose the Best Spot Acne Treatment?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

When trying to choose the best spot acne treatment, you may best begin by considering the ingredients most likely to effectively treat the pimples as well as the time of day at which you plan to use it. You might also consider reviews of the acne products you are considering to learn how well they've worked for others before you purchase them. The frequency with which you suffer from acne blemishes may also make a difference in your decision-making process; if you only suffer from acne on an occasional basis, you might decide to try a home remedy. Additionally, you may find it helpful to seek the help of a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin care, if over-the-counter (OTC) or home remedies do not work as expected.

Effective spot acne treatments often contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You might get the best result from a treatment that has a significant percentage of one or both of these ingredients. You may also do well to read the rest of the ingredients on the label of the product you choose. This way, you can avoid products that contain ingredients likely to cause skin irritation or make your pimples worse.

A close up of acne.
A close up of acne.

You can also consider when you will use the product as part of choosing the best spot acne treatment. When you apply some products, they may leave a thick, colored film behind. These products are probably best for use at night when you many not feel as concerned about your appearance. If you want a product you can use during the day, however, you may be best served by a product that dries smoothly and clearly.

Witch hazel can be used as a spot treatment.
Witch hazel can be used as a spot treatment.

When you visit a store or look online, you will likely see numerous treatments you can use for acne. With so many from which to choose, selecting the best spot acne treatment can be difficult. To help with your decision, you can search online for consumer reviews that provide insight into the products that worked and the treatments that failed. You can also read online reviews to learn such things as whether an acne medicine is visible under makeup.

Effective spot treatment for acne often contains salicylic acid.
Effective spot treatment for acne often contains salicylic acid.

If you only get pimples occasionally, you might also consider a home remedy. In such a case, dabbing witch hazel or fresh lime juice on pimply areas may help. Some people also use vinegar or a paste made out of crushed aspirin and water on their pimples. Additionally, toothpaste can prove helpful for spot treatment.

Sometimes OTC or home remedies may not work as well as you would like. In such a case, you might decide to see a doctor. A dermatologist is trained to handle skin problems and may help you to obtain the best spot acne treatment.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • A close up of acne.
      By: olavs
      A close up of acne.
    • Witch hazel can be used as a spot treatment.
      By: dianamower
      Witch hazel can be used as a spot treatment.
    • Effective spot treatment for acne often contains salicylic acid.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      Effective spot treatment for acne often contains salicylic acid.
    • The frequency of acne blemishes will be a factor in the choice of spot treatments.
      By: AustralisPhotography
      The frequency of acne blemishes will be a factor in the choice of spot treatments.