23 effective spot treatments to soothe and heal blemishes quickly

Skinlycious Clarifiying Serum, $33

Credit: Skinlycious

1/23

Combining sodium ascorbyl phosphate (Stabilised Vitamin C) and niacinamide (Vitamin B3), this clarifying product works both as a spot corrector and skin brightening serum to quickly reduce spots in just one or two applications. Besides lightening marks and pigmentations, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines, regulates sebum/ oil production, and protects the skin from UV damage.

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Oxy Anti-bacterial Acne Patch, $6.50

Credit: Watsons

2/23

Pimple patches have gained momentum in recent years, and here’s why: not only do they cover up your zit (preventing more bacteria from entering whenever you touch or pick at your zits), but they also draw out the oil and bacteria stuck deep within your pores like a sponge, speeding up the process of healing. The patches are designed to stay on for a recommended 6-8 hours, making it perfect for use overnight as you get your beauty sleep. And these patches from Oxy are super comfortable as they adhere perfectly onto the skin.

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Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment, $52

Credit: Kiehl's

3/23

This spot treatment was created with adult acne in mind – it promises a rapid zit-shrinking turnaround while imparting a boost of hydration. Sulfur is the main acne-fighting ingredient, glycerin, allantoin and aloe vera hydrate and soothe redness, and niacinamide helps brighten the complexion for a uniformed skin tone.

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Eve Lom Dynaspot, $55

Credit: Sephora

4/23

Perfect for reducing the appearance of unexpected breakouts, this fast-working remedy is packed with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pore-purifying ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid to accelerate healing, and zinc oxide, and yarrow extract to regulate sebum production to control excess shine. Dab a little of the pinkish lotion on the problem area and it pretty much fades by the morning without causing any skin peeling like many spot solutions can, so it is perfect for those with dry skin as well.

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Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion, $43

Credit: Sephora

5/23

This toner has a gentle, medicated formula that prevents future breakouts, thanks to its use of salicylic acid. Saturate a cotton pad with this exfoliating toner and sweep over face and neck, avoiding eyes and lip area to eliminate dead skin cells and refine the appearance of pores. It also contains oil-absorbing powders to eliminate shine for a smooth and matte complexion all day long.

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Origins Spot Remover™ Acne Treatment Gel, $33

Credit: Sephora

6/23

If the first application is any sign of a product’s effectiveness, then this spot solution from Origins works like a charm. Expect a slight tingling effect as the transparent gel-like formula goes to work upon application, thanks to its 1.5% salicylic acid content and clarifying oregano oil, which works to purge blemishes upon contact. Gentle exfoliators help clear pores of debris while skin-calming red algae and caffeine minimise redness. It also boasts of an anti-spot technology to protect against spot darkening so your skin remain clear and even.

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Mario Badescu Drying Mask, $30

Credit: Sephora

7/23

Perhaps one of the holy grail acne treatments out there, this clarifying mask is widely raved about as it targets breakouts, congested areas and eliminates pore-clogging sebum. Kaolin purges congested pores and colloidal sulfar keeps acne-causing bacteria at bay while calamine soothes and calms irritated skin. For oily or combination skin types, apply a thin layer all over your skin to clarify complexion two or three times a week or dab directly onto blemishes as a SOS spot treatment.

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector, $27.10

Credit: Guardian

8/23

Battling acne while dealing with sensitive skin can be frustrating, which is why La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar range is a hit amongst those struggling with both acne and sensitive skin. Formulated sans preservatives, parabens, soap, colourants, lanolin, Effaclar products are also tested to be hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making them perfect for even the most compromised skin. A unique blend of piroctone olamine and glycail purified the skin to treat blemishes while micro-exfoliating LHA and healing La Roche-Posay thermal spring water supports self-renewal. It is also fortified with niacinamide to brighten the complexion and minimises scarring.

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Re:erth Blemish Control, $80

9/23

This lightweight gel tackles blemish-causing bacteria with anti-bacterial and anti-viral ingredients like lysozyme and colostrum. While this is not a spot treatment, it can be used to soothe inflammation in existing acne and reduce the chances of getting more pimples. It also has water-soluble vitamin A that gives skin elasticity and firmness which translates into smoother skin with clear pores—minus the harsh effects of other types of vitamin A. We love the cooling feeling when you apply it, and the fact that it doesn’t dry out the skin like some traditional acne treatments.

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Acnes Anti-Bacterial Acne Patch (0.02cm) For Day 26s, $7.80

10/23

The best part of a pimple patch is watching it turn white will all the gunk from within the pimple, and this one does it quickly and effectively. Not only do they form a breathable, protective barrier that keeps dirt and bacteria out, it also stops the growth of bacteria in the pimple within 24 hours and speeds up the healing process. Plus, they are only 0.02m which make them perfect for the day.

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ZitSticka Killa, AU$39 (S$38.25)

11/23

It might seem counterintuitive to apply an oil to a pimple, but this one is packed with two percent salicylic acid that helps clear out the gunk from the pores, while also exfoliating the top layer of skin minimising the chances of further breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory tamanu oil that helps take the sting out of painful pimples and rosemary essential oil that helps speed up recovery. For some, the remaining post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is lighter than it might be otherwise.

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The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil (20ml), $35

12/23

These are ideal for pimples that feel like bumps under the skin and have no “head” in sight. Don’t even try to pick at them, it will only make things worse. Instead, treat it with a combination of Cleana swabs and Killa patches in this box. Swipe the Cleana swabs onto the skin that has been cleansed and the salicylic acid, tea tree oil, vitamin E get to work. Once the area is dry, stick on the Killa patch. The Killa patch has mirco-darts that self-dissolve and deliver targeted ingredients like hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide and oligopeptide-76 to help heal the zit quickly.

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Murad Blemish Spot Treatment, USD$23 ($31.15)

13/23

Ahh, the good ol’ tea tree oil. This natural ingredient has anti-bacterial properties to soothe, treat and heal pimples.

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Oxy Anti-bacterial Acne Patch, $6.50

Credit: Watsons

14/23

Pimple patches have gained momentum in recent years, and here’s why: not only do they cover up your zit (preventing more bacteria from entering whenever you touch or pick at your zits), but they also draw out the oil and bacteria stuck deep within your pores like a sponge, speeding up the process of healing. The patches are designed to stay on for a recommended 6-8 hours, making it perfect for use overnight as you get your beauty sleep. And these patches from Oxy are super comfortable as they adhere perfectly onto the skin.

Buy it here

Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment, $52

15/23

This spot treatment was created with adult acne in mind – it promises a rapid zit-shrinking turnaround while imparting a boost of hydration. Sulfur is the main acne-fighting ingredient, glycerin, allantoin and aloe vera hydrate and soothe redness, and niacinamide helps brighten the complexion for a uniformed skin tone.

Buy it here

NEXCARE™ Acne Patch Ladies 36s, $8.20, Watsons

Credit: Sephora

16/23

Perfect for reducing the appearance of unexpected breakouts, this fast-working remedy is packed with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pore-purifying ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid to accelerate healing, and zinc oxide, and yarrow extract to regulate sebum production to control excess shine. Dab a little of the pinkish lotion on the problem area and it pretty much fades by the morning without causing any skin peeling like many spot solutions can, so it is perfect for those with dry skin as well.

Buy it here

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots, USD$32 (S$43.34)

18/23

Infused with sulfur and salicylic acid, this treatment not only treats existing blemishes, but also prevents the appearance of new ones.

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NEXCARE™ Acne Patch Ladies 36s, $8.20, Watsons

19/23

Probably one of the simplest treatments, all you have to do is paste an acne patch on the pimple to absorb oil to speed up the healing process. The plastic film also creates a barrier to reduce physical contact, thus preventing inflammation and infection.

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HIMALAYA HERBALS Acne Pimple Cream, $11.30, Watsons

20/23

Infused with the astringent properties of silk cotton tree and anti-inflammatory benefits of five-leaved chaste tree, this spot treatment treats acne while preventing future breakouts.

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Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots, USD$32 (S$43.34)

21/23

Like its name, these acne-clearing dots are virtually invisible. They may be thin, but they certainly do the job!

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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $36, Sephora

22/23

The acne treatment Kylie Jenner swears by. Surely that says something?!

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Skin Inc Licorice Serum, $68

23/23

While it is not a spot treatment, this serum helps to calm and soothe the skin when you have breakouts.

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This article was first published in Cleo and Harper's Bazaar.