Adult acne is a thing and it happens to pretty much everyone at some point. You can do everything right – cleanse every day, exfoliate and moisturise regularly – and still get a big pimple on your nose or forehead every now and then. And one of life’s greatest mysteries is the inconvenient timing of a pimple appearing on your face right before a big event. In this case, your only goal is to get rid of it as soon as possible. If your acne gets out of control, you may need to change your skincare routine or see a dermatologist. However, when zits appear out of nowhere, invest in one of our best spot treatments for men.
What are the most effective spot treatment ingredients?
Keep in mind that spot treatments are most effective on pustules (small pimples filled with pus) and will not work if you have cystic acne (inflamed, large, red, painful breakouts), says Dr. Dilshaad Asmal, a Cape Town dermatologist at Rondebosch Aesthetics. Investing in spot treatments with acne-fighting ingredients is critical. Dr. Asmal suggests looking for products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and other ingredients. “These ingredients exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflammation,” she explains.
Read more: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Washing Your Face For Smooth and Clear Skin
Here are the best hard-hitting products to shrink your pimples
Catrice Pore SOS Spot Treatment
This tube is reasonably priced, so you won’t be breaking the bank while treating stubborn spots. The clear gel with 2% salicylic acid can be applied to spots every four hours. Hazel, bisabolol and glycerine are also included in the formula to nourish and soothe the skin. A little goes a long way, as with most spot treatments.
Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
A touch of this salicylic acid-infused gel on an unsightly pimple will shrink it in no time. Simply dab a small amount on affected areas up to three times per day. If drying or peeling occurs, cut back to using once a day.
Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask Sheet
This tea tree and salicylic acid face mask clears spots and helps prevent future breakouts. The ingredients are also excellent for removing pore-clogging oils, controlling shine and reducing redness without over-drying.
Uriage Hyséac Cleansing Gel
If you have oily skin, you need this gentle face wash. It effectively removes impurities and excess sebum, according to dermatological testing. Basically, it gives guys with oily skin that extra oomph.
Kiehl’s Breakout Control Acne Treatment Facial Lotion
Skincare experts know that salicylic acid can be a game changer when treating unwanted pimples. That’s why Kiehl’s no-frills Breakout Control Acne treatment puts the ingredient front and centre to help your skin stay clean and clear all day long.
Sisley Paris Intensive Dark Spot Corrector
Nobody likes dark marks that serve as a reminder of past pimples, and this effective spot treatment does an excellent job of removing them. The Sisley Paris Intensive Dark Spot Corrector contains high-performance ingredients that help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a more even-looking complexion.
Black Opal Total Coverage Spot & Scar Concealer
If you’ve woken up to an unexpected pimple blemish, there is no other skincare product better than a concealer. A good concealer is a quick fix for masking spots and scars, making them less visible. Black Opal Total Coverage Spot & Scar Concealer is available in six different shades, so you can find one that matches your skin tone.
