We can’t count how many times an angry red pimple has popped up to say hi right before that job interview, party or date. There’s a reason why ‘What is the quickest way to get rid of a spot?’ is such a commonly Googled question, after all. But if you think that TikTok toothpaste trick is really going to work, think again – it’s one of our best spot treatments that you need.
From creams and gels to stickers and drying lotions, there are tons of spot treatments vying for your attention. The problem is that lots of them are high in harsh types of alcohol – these help tighten pores, dissolve dirt and grease and give you that clinically clean feeling, but they can also strip your moisture barrier to leave your skin as dry as the Sahara, in summer.
Unfortunately, even if you have oily skin, this drying effect can increase irritation, leading to ramped up sebum levels and, in turn, more breakouts. Sweaty workouts will only anger acne further, so this is one problem you’re going to want to get on top of, stat.
The best way to banish breakouts is by tackling the grime at the heart of each blemish while either nourishing the surrounding skin or leaving it the hell alone – aka exactly what our best spot treatments do. Here they are in one handy list, as tested by over 280 women in tandem with the Women’s Health Lab, with our guide and reviews below:
Why am I getting so many spots?
Spots can be caused by everything from hormonal changes (that week before your period when your sebum glands go into overdrive…ugh) to stress, medication changes, pollution and your diet.
Other than using a good spot treatment (more on that to come), Dr Hana Patel, a GP specialist in skin and women’s health, suggests the following self-help techniques to patients with oily skin or acne:
- Do shower as soon as possible after exercising. Exercise in itself can’t improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and self-esteem, so keep it up.
- Do completely remove makeup before going to bed. Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and use lukewarm water, as very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
- Do wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting it fall across your face. Do use a fragrance-free, water-based moisturiser if dry skin is a problem.
- Do speak to a pharmacist for advice if you develop mild acne, and seek antibiotics or a stronger cream on prescription if your case is more severe.
- Do not squeeze spots or try to ‘clean out’ blackheads, as this can cause permanent scarring.
- Do not wash affected areas more than twice a day, as frequent washing can irritate your skin and make your symptoms worse.
- Do not use makeup, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled as ‘comedogenic’). Use water-based ones instead, as they’re less likely to block your pores.
What do dermatologists recommend for spots?
Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, aka a big name in dermatology, told us that the most popular over-the-counter spot treatments contain a few key ingredients that work in different ways.
“Look for benzoyl peroxide, which kills the bacteria that causes acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells,” he says. “Then there’s salicylic acid, which helps prevent pores from clogging, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate and reduce inflammation.”
If this all sounds *a bit much*, panic not, because the Women’s Health Lab has found the best spot treatments you can buy.
How we tested spot treatments
Our panel of over 280 women put 19 spot treatments to the test for a month to find the best. They judged each product on how easy it was to apply, its texture, and how effective it was at blitzing blemishes. They also kept a beady eye on the frequency of future breakouts, and noted any irritation or sensitivity.
In the Women’s Health Lab, our beauty pro used a VISIA Complexion Analysis machine to assess any changes to the appearance of our testers’ skin. They had two ‘before and after’ appointments – one on the first day of the trial and the other on day 30.
So, without further ado, here are the 10 spot treatments we’ll be turning to for clearer, healthier-looking skin:
