Spot treatments are a godsend. They banish the pimple by reducing its redness and inflammation without the risk of deep scarring and infection. They speed up the zit's healing process so you won't be tempted to squeezy the nasty red bump just to make it disappear. You can usually find these ingredients on spot treatments: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, bee venom, etc.
You may already have these in your routine, but have you ever wondered if you’re using these emergency skin savers correctly? Below, we listed down the offenses you may be guilty of:
1. Applying too much.
You might be thinking that you can accelerate the pimple’s healing process if you dab a thick blob of the spot treatment on the zit. Unfortunately, you’re just wasting product. This practice causes over-drying of the area, which then results in a damaged skin barrier. Your complexion will be more prone to breakouts and pigmentation.
2. Rushing with the rest of your skincare routine.
We know you’d rather clock in extra minutes of sleep than spend time doing your skincare routine. But, hastily slapping on layers of products will defeat the purpose of each. Wait for your toner, serum, or moisturizer to dry down before applying the spot treatment. This way, each of them can work their way in your pores and do their magic!
3. Putting it on the rest of the face.
If you think you’re being proactive when you smear spot treatment on areas where you *think* you often get pimples, you’re doing more harm than good. Only apply it on active zits. As mentioned earlier, a spot treatment may be too strong and may dry out your complexion. For prevention of breakouts on the rest of your face, use toners, serums, and moisturizers that refine pores, control oil production, and reduce bacteria growth.
Looking for the best spot treatment to zap zits? Try these finds:
1. Quick FX Pimple Eraser
A thin layer of the Quick FX Pimple Eraser will eradicate and dry up that ugly zit without leaving a mark. Its formula contains niacinamide (for brightening), salicylic acid (to purify the pores), and glycolic acid (to exfoliate the skin’s surface).
QUICK FX Pimple Eraser, P59, Watsons
2. Belo AcnePro Pimple Gel
This tiny tube can zap zits in no time. It has bee venom that reduces pimple-causing bacteria and inflammation.
BELO AcnePro Pimple Gel, P169.75, Lazada
3. Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
Bid that nasty red bump goodbye with a thin layer of this organic, tea tree-based anti-acne gel.
HUMAN NATURE Acne Defense Solution Gel, P199.75, Robinsons Supermarket
4. Luxe Organix Miracle Spot Corrector
A powerful spot corrector that treats pimples and brightens the marks they leave behind. It also prevents the breakouts from coming back!
LUXE ORGANIX Miracle Spot Corrector, P199.75, Lazada
5. Benzac Spots Treatment 5%
You can be sure that Benzac works: It’s dermatologist-approved and trusted by many! It contains benzoyl peroxide that purges the sebum + dirt buildup in the pimple, eventually treating the spot.
BENZAC Spots Treatment 5%, P381.75, Watsons
6. Snoe Shoo-Zit! Dip & Dry Acne Drying Lotion
This is an affordable option for another famous drying lotion. It has calamine that soothes inflamed pimples and salicylic acid that clears the pores of debris and gunk.
SNOE Shoo-Zit! Dip & Dry Acne Drying Lotion, P449, Lazada
7. Kylaz Spot Off Treatment
This gentle anti-blemish treatment has salicylic acid to purge clogged pores and chamomile extract to soothe angry, inflamed breakouts. It won’t dry out the area, too.
KYLAZ Spot Off Treatment, P570, Beautymnl
* This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
