Acne spot treatment

What acne spot treatment is

Acne spot treatment is an acne product applied to a single blemish instead of the whole face. It means a small amount of one active on one blemish. The limit of a spot treatment is that it only treats what you can see: dabbing single spots doesn't prevent new ones. To stop new spots, dermatologists suggest a thin layer over all acne-prone skin.

Choosing the Right Active Ingredient

The right active depends on the spot.

Benzoyl Peroxide (5%–10%)

Benzoyl peroxide is the classic choice for red pimples. Products go up to 10%, but it's best to start with 2.5%: in a trial with 153 people, 2.5% cleared papules and pustules as well as 5% and 10% and irritated less than 10%. For acne overall, expect 4 to 6 weeks. Under age 12, ask a doctor first.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid unclogs pores and eases swelling and redness, so it works best on whiteheads and blackheads. It may sting a little at first.

Sulfur

Sulfur is allowed at 3 to 10% in nonprescription acne products. The label says to use it only where you have acne, and never on broken skin.

Hydrocolloid patch

A hydrocolloid patch is a small sticker that covers and protects one spot. In a split-face study of 49 people, inflamed spots under a plain patch cleared in a median of 6 days. Medicated patches can irritate alongside other acne products.

A spot product treats the pimple you can see; for the whole face, best acne treatments compares the options by acne type.

How to apply a spot treatment

Applying a spot treatment well is mostly about using less. It means clean skin, a thin layer and patience.

1. Wash gently and pat dry.Use your fingertips and a mild cleanser.
2. Test a new product first.Put a little on one or two small areas for 3 days. No reaction? Use it as the label says.
3. Apply a thin layer.Start once a day; more doesn't work faster and can irritate.
4. One active at a time.The label itself warns that irritation is more likely with two.
5. Wear sunscreen.After benzoyl peroxide, use sunscreen if you go outside.
6. Give it time.Use one product for 6 to 8 weeks before you switch.

If you're not sure it's a whitehead, a photo analysis can tell you.

For a deep, painful lump

A deep, painful lump is a nodule or cyst under the skin, out of reach of any cream. It means you calm it at home and let a dermatologist do the rest.

Ice

Ice wrapped in a cloth reduces swelling and redness.

Warm compress

A warm, damp washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day, helps it move toward the surface.

Cortisone shot

For one large nodule or cyst, a dermatologist can inject a corticosteroid. It flattens most within 48 to 72 hours.

Never squeeze it. Squeezing feels faster, but should you pop pimples shows what that does under the skin.

Safety

Safety with a spot treatment means following the label. These three warnings matter most.

Allergy

Stop and get emergency help for hives, throat tightness, trouble breathing, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue.

Fabric

Benzoyl peroxide bleaches towels, pillowcases and hair. Use old ones.

Storage

Room temperature, away from heat and moisture, so not in the bathroom.

Label ages differ by ingredient, so for a 12 to 17 year old the guide to best acne treatment for teens sorts out which one fits.