7 Acne-Fighting Spot Treatments That Actually Work

Why is it that pesky pimples pop up overnight right before something super important, like picture day, a school dance or a big presentation?

Luckily, there are a slew of acne-fighting spot treatments that keep zits at bay, so you can look your best for all the big moments. Ahead, we've rounded up the best spot treatments that actually work (without being harsh on your skin).

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: $17

This tried and true Mario Badescu Drying Lotion has been around forever—and let us tell you, it works. It's formulated with salicylic acid and calamine, along with other quick-drying ingredients and goes to work on whiteheads while you sleep. A little goes a long way, so make sure you don't shake the product, and are always using a fresh Q-tip.

(via Ulta)

 

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment: $6.49

Got a major pimpling brewing underneath the surface? Clean & Clear's spot treatment is packed with salicylic acid and witch hazel to dissolve pimples. And get this: 100% of people tested who used this product showed cleared skin in just one day. It's also clear, which makes it easy to wear during the day if needed.

(via Target)

 

Starface Hydro-Stars: $22

Not only are these the absolute cutest pimple patches we've ever seen, they deliver out-of-this-world results. These hydrocolloid pimple patches are oil-free, vegan and reduce the appearance of pimples overnight.

(via Starface)

 

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment: $20

If you have super sensitive skin, Neutrogena's Light Therapy clears breakouts—no joke—at the speed of light. It's clinically proven to speed the reduction of breakouts using red and blue light to treat acne without flaking or burning your skin. Blue light penetrates just beneath the surface to target acne causing bacteria, while red light goes deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation.

(via Ulta)

 

ZitSticka Zit Patch Killa Kit: $29

If creams and potions aren't really your thing, this ZitSticka patch will definitely do the trick. First you clean the pimple area with a swab, and then apply the micro dart Killa patch. Eight patches come in each kit and they really do the job.

(via ZitSticka)

 

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment: $22

This fast-acting formula uses the power of both 2% salicylic acid and sulfur, along with licorice root, witch hazel and oat kernel. And 97% of people say their blemish appearance improved in just one day.

(via ULTA)

 

Versed Nix It Complexion Solution: $12

This non-drying acne treatment uses tea tree, lavender, lemon and rosemary oils to combat blemishes on the spot. We love it because not only can you use it overnight, you can apply it over makeup so it works on pimples during the day, too.

(via Dermstore)

 

Need an all-over treatment? Try one of THESE acne-fighting face masks.