Acne Medicine Treatment

While there are dozens of acne spot treatments on the market, finding one that actually works can be quite a challenge. To help, Shop asked a handful of dermatologists and an esthetician about the different types of best acne spot treatments they recommend depending on your specific needs.

Here's what they had to say, starting with what active ingredients to keep an eye out for, as well as their favorite acne spot-treating products.

From pimple patches to drying lotions, here are 21 of the best acne spot treatments to help clear up your skin in no time.

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In addition to this drugstore product's benzoyl peroxide pimple-banishing powers, the oil-free cream is also lightweight, absorbs quickly and won't dry out your face, said New Jersey-based dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling. It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and cause more breakouts, she added.

This cult-favorite breakout buster is another great way to get rid of all of your unforgiving blemishes. Celebrity esthetician Candace Marino swears by this drying lotion formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and sulfur.

The calamine lotion is going to help soothe and cool the skin, she noted. Sulfur helps to purify the pores and the salicylic acid will help exfoliate the pores and help remove oil buildup.

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While it may be tempting, Marino says you should not shake this product before applying. It’s clear on the top and pink on the bottom. So what you want to do is take a Q-tip, dip it all the way through to the bottom and remove without stirring it, she explained. Then, dab it on and then sleep with it overnight.

She also mentioned that many users claim they see fast results with this blemish fighter. According to a study from the brand, 97 percent of test subjects agreed that the appearance of their blemish improved after just one day of using the gel.

This stuff works wonders. I noticed a huge difference shortly after I applied this to my pimples. I have pretty decent skin, just get a pimple every now and then, but this does the trick! wrote one Sephora reviewer.

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While this La Roche-Posay acne treatment is definitely on the pricier side, Sperling thinks it's worth spending the extra cash. Like many of the other options on this list, this product's hero ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. It's also made with a unique lipo-hydroxy acid.

This exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, Sperling said. [It] is best for people with mild to moderate acne. It can be applied in one to three thin layers to the affected areas per day. You can see a difference in your skin within a week or so, she explained.

Hands down my favorite over-the-counter treatment is Differin Gel, which is a prescription-strength retinoid [called adapalene] that is the gold standard for the treatment of different types of acne, from whiteheads to blackheads to mild to moderate acne or even occasional breakouts, said Dr. Melissa Levin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology.

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Sperling is also a fan. Differin is my go-to product recommendation for my patients suffering from acne, she said. It’s affordable and easy to get now that it doesn’t require a prescription.

Differin also has anti-inflammatory properties and is photo-stable, meaning you can use it during the day when the sun is out, added Levin. Plus, it doubles as a great anti-aging skin care product.

As for application, a pea-sized amount goes a long way. I recommend using only once daily and integrating it into your nighttime skin care routine, she said. Those with mild to moderate acne-prone skin will see the best results, but it can be used on all skin types.

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An alternative to using creams, gels or serum spot treatments, these convenient patches not only have awesome blemish-fighting ingredients, but they'll also prevent you from picking or popping your pimples, which affects inflammation and healing time. If someone has an inflammatory acne spot — something that’s above the surface and angry — I love these because you just slap them on and then you forget about it, said Marino. These really help to penetrate the pores and to get to the root of the problem.

I like these because they include salicylic acid, which helps to remove oil and keratin debris from pores. They also include aloe vera, which is soothing and has anti-inflammatory properties, King noted about Peace Out's Acne Healing Dots.

Marino pointed out that you shouldn't leave one on for longer than eight hours at a time, but they're gentle enough to use continuously until the blemish clears up. If you don't want to wait until nighttime to throw on a pimple patch, the brand also offers virtually invisible Day Dots.

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While Levin typically prefers full-face treatments to spot treatments, she does like these specialized hydrocolloid pimple patches from ZitSticka if you're in a bind and can't see a derm.

It's a 24 freeze-dried micro darts bandage that self-dissolves over two hours in order to deliver acne-fighting ingredients with oligopeptide-76, a new novel peptide shown to be as effective as a traditional anti-inflammatory ingredient, she explained.

These patches also contain acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory vitamin B3. King also likes this as a spot treatment option because it's formulated with moisturizing hyaluronic acid.

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Powerhouse ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, azelaic acid, licorice and tea tree oil combine in this spot treatment designed to fight blemishes and leave behind clear, smooth skin. One Ulta shopper loved it so much, they felt compelled to leave a five-star review — after stating they don't normally do so — and written praise after it worked so well for them, clearing up their acne within a week.

These aren't just your average hydrocolloid pimple patches. According to the brand, they're waterproof and protect acne spots from outside bacteria and other contaminants. Reviews are fills with satisfied shoppers who said these patches succeed in reducing inflammation and, of course, making blemishes disappear.

For an affordable option, you can't go wrong with this e.l.f. Cosmetics roll-on treatment. Key ingredients include salicylic acid, witch hazel and aloe to soothe the skin while working hard to get rid of blemishes. Reviewers on the brand's site rave about how quickly they saw a difference after their first use (one reviewer said their spot cleared in a day or two).

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Mineral sulfur and niacinamide are the star ingredients in this spot treatment from cult classic skin care brand Kiehl's. I am so grateful for this product, wrote one Saks Fifth Avenue reviewer. I get hormonal cystic acne monthly and dabbing this on my spots clears them up quicker than any other product I've tried.

Five percent concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid work side by side in this spot treatment to diminish breakouts and post-acne scarring. It even boasts the ability to prevent new breakouts from occurring. One verified five-star reviewer on Amazon said that, after struggling with acne for over four years and trying almost two dozen different products, this spot treatment cleared their skin up after just four days of daily use.

The 10 in this product's name represents the 10 percent benzoyl peroxide concentrate that's included in the formula to deeply and rapidly penetrate acne. Not only does it help manage current acne but it can also help prevent new breakouts.

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I don’t know what magic is in these, but they work like a charm, one verified Amazon shopper exclaimed about Peach Slice's Acne Spot Dots. The magic they're referring to lies in the clean hydrocolloid formulation that aids in reducing the size and inflammation around your zit in less than 24 hours, according to the brand.

Who knew an acne treatment could be equally strong and soothing? While you may immediately feel relief coming from the mint and sage blend, other ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid are working behind the scenes to dry out your pimples.

These little suckers truly work, one Shop editor said about Hero Cosmetics's award-winning pimple patches back in 2020. The sentiment still holds true , with over 83, 000 verified Amazon shoppers rating these hydrocolloid patches a glowing five stars since its release.

Buy Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 Acne Medication Spot Treatment With Maximum Strength 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Pimple Cream & Acne Gel Medicine For Face Acne With Benzoyl Peroxide Medication, 1 Oz (pack

Salicylic acid, witch hazel and niacinamide work harmoniously in Bliss's exclusive Clarity 5 Complex to calm irritated skin while cleaning and diminishing pores. The results, according to the brand and many thrilled customers, is a clearer, calmer complexion in little to no time.

Shop readers are already familiar with CeraVe's fast-acting moisturizers, cleansers and serums, but they also make an effective spot treatment. Developed with dermatologists, it's formulated with ingredients like ceramides, salicylic and lactic acids, and niacinamide to even skin texture, prevent new breakouts and restore your skin barrier.

When it comes to abrupt breakouts, this spot treatment from Urban Skin Rx will be right up your alley. Soothing ingredients like arnica and echinacea aid in fighting inflammation and scarring (especially in those dealing with cystic acne). Plus, other actives like benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid help reduce blemishes overnight.

Best Acne Spot Treatments Of 2023 To Get Rid Of Pimples Fast

Its bottle may be little, but