Do spot treatments work?
There’s always that one particular zit that just won’t go away. That’s why we’re so thankful for spot treatments! With a range of options, you’ll find a product that fits into your routine, works well with your skin, and makes all those annoying blemishes disappear. But do they live up to all the demands placed on your skin? Let’s find out a little further!
How long does it take for spot treatments to work?
The key to finding treatments effective is consistency. If a particular blemish isn’t going away anytime soon, you can apply a spot treatment as needed to smooth its path. You’ll find that it takes about 4 weeks for a spot treatment to shrink a zit and soothe redness.
There are many different types of spot treatments. Some formulas leave a noticeable stain behind, where the drying and antibacterial ingredients work. These products can be left on overnight without worrying about staining your pillowcase, unlike other products like toothpaste or diaper cream, neither of which will get close to your face or acne.
You’ll also find that there are other spot treatments that dry down, so you can put makeup on over it and go about your day without worrying about looking weird. This type of formula works just as well and contains many powerful active ingredients that can help to significantly reduce redness and swelling.
Are topical treatments necessary?
This is all about your personal preference. If you find that certain blemishes linger too long and always seem to stay underneath the skin, you can use a topical treatment to remove the bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum underneath. This can sometimes result in a pimple, and from there you can decide the next steps, whether to have it plucked by a beautician, or just leave it alone and hope it will go away over time. One thing I cannot stress enough is that you should never squeeze or pick at pimples yourself! Whether you press gently or not too hard, the pressure can cause the skin to tear and become damaged, sometimes leading to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
We have written a blog post specifically for you on how to get rid of skin blemishes fast to help you with any other issues you may have. It is filled with helpful tips on how to treat and remove pimples quickly without causing permanent damage to your skin.
Do topical treatments make acne worse?
It is always possible to have too much of a good thing. When using topical treatments, remember that you need to take care of the skin around the pimples, as these topical products are known to be very drying to the face.
The best practice when using an intense spot treatment is to apply the product to particularly stubborn areas when needed, rather than applying it all over your face. This will prevent your skin from becoming too dry, your face from feeling tight, inflammation, and more breakouts. If you don’t use a spot treatment, salicylic acid is an ingredient that will work wonders in your routine! Salicylic acid is a type of salicylic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin’s layers to help clear bacteria, dirt, and oil from the pores. By using a cleanser or serum with salicylic acid, you can keep your skin clearer for longer. Remember to use a moisturizer that’s rich in hyaluronic acid and other skincare ingredients to keep your skin’s protective barrier hydrated and functioning.
When should I use a spot treatment?
If necessary, although this may sound simple (perhaps too simple when it comes to treating acne). However, by using a spot treatment on spots that need to go away faster, you can not only eliminate them, but also keep your skin balanced, healthy, and happy. Here’s an overview of where you should use spot treatments in your daily routine:
Cleanse your skin with a cleanser or face wash
Use a chemical exfoliant to remove any remaining dead skin cells
If you use a serum, apply it right away and give it plenty of time to absorb into the skin
Apply spot treatments topically to any active skin blemishes you wish to treat
If you use a facial oil, apply it right away and avoid spot treatments
Apply moisturizer
Apply eye cream
(Mornings only) Apply SPF 30 or higher and avoid the spot treatment areas
If you’re new to skin care or trying to introduce a new step into your daily routine, this may seem like a lot, but since each product targets a different skin area or layer, has different ingredients and actions, you won’t overload your skin and should work effectively as a team to give you a clear, glowing complexion.
How can you get fair skin fast?
We previously gave you some helpful tips and methods in a blog post dedicated to removing spots fast. You can also follow some simple steps to get clear skin:
Remove makeup every night using a cleanser suitable for your skin
Avoid touching your face during the day as this will transfer bacteria from your fingers to your face
Avoid refined sugars in your diet as much as possible
Avoid fatty and unhealthy fast food
Drink plenty of water every day
Change your pillowcase to avoid cross contamination
Wash your makeup brushes more than once every two weeks to prevent bacteria and dirt from causing stains
Okay, we have answered your main questions about topical treatments and their effectiveness. You will find it a unique step in your daily routine, but once you get used to using it, you will wonder how you ever got along without it!
