Do Spot Treatments Really Work? A Guide to Effective Acne Care

Does Spot Treatment Work?

There is always that one particular spot that just won’t go. This is why we are truly thankful for spot treatments! With a selection of choices to decide from you will find a product that will certainly fit into your routine and work for your skin, zapping away all those pesky blemishes, but do they live up to all the skin claims, let’s find out more!

How long does spot treatment take to work?

The key to making spot treatments work is consistency. If there is a certain blemish that has no intention of going away any time soon applying the spot treatment topically when needed will give it some marching orders. You will find that it’ll roughly 4 weeks for the spot treatment to work at reducing the size and calming the redness of any breakouts.

There are many different types of spot treatments available. Some formulas leave behind a visible patch with the drying and bacteria fighting ingredients busily work underneath. These are the products that can be used overnight without the worry of making an enormous mess of your pillowcases unlike other products, such as toothpaste or nappy cream, both of which should not go anywhere near your face or breakouts.

You will also find there are other spot treatments that dry clear leaving you with the ability to apply makeup on top and go about your day without the worry of any funny looks. This type of formula works just as well and contains an array of potent, active ingredients that can help reduce redness and swelling significantly.

Is spot treatment necessary?

This is entirely up to your own personal preference. If you are finding some blemishes outstay their welcome and always seem to remain under the skin then you can use spot treatment to draw up the bacteria, dirt and excess sebum that is laying underneath. This will sometimes make the spot have a head and from there you can decide the next steps, be it an extraction performed by a beauty therapist or left in the hopes it will go away in its own time. The one point I must stress is to not squeeze or pick any spots yourself! It doesn’t matter if you use the most gentle touch or don’t squeeze too hard the skin breaking from the pressure will result in damage and sometimes lead to scarring and pigmentation.

We have a dedicated blog post for you about how to get rid of blemishes fast to help you with any other questions you may have and it is full of useful tips on treating and removing spots quickly without any lasting damage to the skin.

Do spot treatment make acne worse?

You can always have too much of a good thing. When using a spot treatment you must keep in mind that you will need to look after the skin around the blemishes as these topical products are known for being quite drying to the face.

The best method to choose when using strong spot treatments is to apply the product when needed on a particularly stubborn spot avoid applying the product on the entire face. This will stop the skin from becoming too dry, leaving the face feeling tight, irritated and can result in more breakouts. During the times you aren’t using the spot treatment salicylic acid is an ingredient that will work wonders in your routine! Salicylic acid is a BHA that works further down into the deeper layers of the skin and help to unclog pores of any build-up of bacteria, dirt and oil. By using a face wash or serum containing salicylic you have the ability to keep your skin clearer for a considerably longer amount of time. Just remember to keep the skin’s protective barrier hydrated and functioning correctly with a moisturiser that is full of hyaluronic acid and other skin nourishing ingredients.

When should I apply spot treatment?

When you need to, though this may sound very simple, (perhaps too simple when it comes to treating breakouts). But by using spot treatments on blemishes that need help clearing up quicker you are not only zapping those away, but keeping the skin balanced, healthy and happy. Here is a rundown of where the spot treatment should be applied throughout your daily routine:

Clean the skin using a cleanser or face wash

Apply a chemical exfoliating toner to slough away any remaining dead skin cells

If using a serum, apply this now allowing enough time for it to absorb into the skin

Apply spot treatment topically on any active blemishes that you’d want to treat

If using a face oil apply this now avoiding the spot treatment

Apply moisturiser

Apply eye cream

(AM only) Apply an SPF of 30 and above avoiding the spot treatment areas

If you are new to skincare or trying to introduce new steps in your regime this may seem like a lot, but as each product treats different areas or layers of the skin, with various ingredients and roles they perform you won’t overload the skin and should work well as a team to give your skin stunning clarity.

How can I get clear skin fast?

We have previously shared with you some helpful hints and methods in a blog post dedicated to getting rid of spots fast. There are also some easy steps to follow to give you clear skin:

Remove makeup every night with a cleanser that will work with your skin

Avoid touching your face throughout the day as this can transfer bacteria from your fingers to your face

Cut out refined sugar as much as you can from your diet

Avoid greasy and unhealthy fast food

Drink plenty of water daily

Change your pillowcases to avoid cross contamination

Wash your makeup brushes more than once a fortnight to keep them clear of bacteria and dirt that lead to spots

There you have it, we have hopefully answered your main questions about spot treatments and whether they work. You will find it to be a unique step in your routine, but once you have gotten into the habit of knowing how to use it you will wonder how you ever lived without it!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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