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When you break out, the first and most important thing to do is to leave your pimples alone. Although you may be tempted, squeezing or popping your pimples will only make it harder for them to heal. Doing so can aggravate your pimples, making them even more red and inflamed, and it can also lead to permanent scars.
I’ve made a habit of leaving my blemishes alone and I find that they heal within a week. While waiting for acne to heal, you can also use certain treatments to make the healing process even quicker. Acne Patches are one such option, and another is acne spot treatments.
Keep reading for a guide on how to use acne spot treatments and a list of effective ones to try.
What are the benefits of acne spot treatments?
Spot treatments are great for reducing the size of a pimple while also calming any signs of redness or swelling. Spot treatments are also perfect if you’re looking to get rid of your acne as soon as possible as they help your acne heal faster.
How do you apply acne spot treatments?
Acne spot treatments should only be applied on spots where you need it, and not your entire face. It’s important to apply them with clean hands as you don’t want to spread anymore bacteria on the affected areas.
However, there are spot treatments, such as MIZON’s Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot or Ciracle’s Red Spot Pink Powder, which you have to apply using a cotton swab due to its powder form. To do this, simply dip a cotton swab into the bottle until you reach the bottom. Slow pull out the cotton swab and apply the powder directly on your troubled spots.
How does an acne spot treatment fit in your routine?
Before applying your acne spot treatment, make sure to wash your face and ensure that the affected areas are clean. You should apply your spot treatment after cleansing and toning, and before your serum and moisturizer.
You can skip on applying your serum but if you still want to incorporate a serum and spot treatment simultaneously, always apply the latter first. In order for the spot treatment to work efficiently, allow some time for it to completely dry and fully absorb into your skin before applying the next product.
Spot treatments may also dry your skin out, especially if you already have dry skin, so don’t forget to apply a moisturizer as the last step of your routine. To keep your skin hydrated, go for moisturizers with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that also help repair your skin, such as ceramides, squalane, shea butter and hyaluronic acid.
Can you leave a spot treatment on overnight?
Absolutely! You can use an acne spot treatment in both your morning and evening skin care routine so feel free to apply them in the evening and leave them on overnight.
What not to do while using spot treatments
Spot treatments are formulated with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, so it’s best to avoid using other exfoliants at the same time. Over-exfoliating can lead to a damaged skin barrier, which can make your skin react even more. To be safe, exfoliate once a week and on days when you’re not applying a spot treatment.
Here’s a list of acne spot treatments that are worth trying:
RELATED:
- Chapter 49: A Guide to Acne Spot Treatments
- Chapter 48: How to Improve Your Skin Texture
- Chapter 47: Tips to Slow Down Premature Skin Aging