Targeted Treatments to Beat Breakouts Fast
Think about that moment when you wake up in the morning, groggily make your way over to the bathroom, and look into the mirror only to see a big, red zit staring back at you. There's a mixture of dread, stress, and panic—and everyone's been there. But instead of cursing the time you fell asleep in your makeup or starting to poke and prod at the pimple, take instant action! Spot treatments go right to the source, battling the bacteria that's causing the acne and soothing the inflammation that's creating that bright red color. It sounds simple because it is!
Breakouts beware: These ten treatments are a force to be reckoned with.
1/11These specialized creams deliver powerful acne-fighting ingredients directly where you need them most.
Photo: courtesy of Nordstrom2/11A high concentration of salicylic acid immediately clears bacteria and reduces swelling.
Bliss No Zit Sherlock Spot Treatment, $18. Nordstrom.com
Photo: courtesy of The Body Shop3/11Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial, making it the perfect solution for girls who prefer gentle or organic ingredients as opposed to harsher chemicals.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blemish Gel, $9. TheBodyShop.com
Photo: courtesy of Ulta4/11This one-two punch product promises to fade a pimple’s redness within eight hours and help to reduce the chance of getting dark marks once it’s gone. Apply it at night and by the morning, your breakout will be less noticeable.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel, $10. Ulta.com
Photo: courtesy of Sephora5/11Sulfur is the star ingredient in this acne treatment. The cream speeds the healing process while also rapidly diminishing the size of your breakout.
Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $18. Sephora.com
Photo: courtesy of Ulta6/11This tinted cream conceals and treats, so you’re not trying to layer makeup over already-irritated acne.
Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment, $26.Ulta.com
Photo: courtesy of Sephora7/11Caffeine and red algae stop redness in its tracks for results you can see quickly.
Origins Super Spot Remover, $15. Sephora.com
Photo: courtesy of Sephora8/11Towards the end of a pimple’s life cycle you still want to treat it, but your skin may now be dry or irritated. This gel soothes spots while speeding up the healing process.
Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel, $16. Sephora.com
Photo: courtesy of Ulta9/11For a really bad breakout, use this duo cream that combines benzoyl peroxide with micro-eoliating LHA. It’s not for the faint of heart, so if you have sensitive skin you’ll want to skip it. Even girls who don’t normally experience irritation should use this sparingly, but trust us, it works. You’ll notice a big difference within 24 hours.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, $37. Ulta.com
Photo: courtesy of Ulta10/11The 10% benzoyl peroxide in this classic cream makes it one of the strongest over-the-counter treatments on shelves. Clean & Clear’s iconic pick isn’t messing around!
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, $6. Ulta.com
Photo: courtesy of Sephora11/11A mixture of sulfur and natural botanicals blasts cystic pimples without over-drying skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment, $28. Sephora.com
