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 wide range of products to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits into your daily routine, works well with your skin, and will banish all those annoying blemishes. But do they live up to all the demands placed on your skin? Let’s find out a little more!
How long does it take for a spot treatment to work?
The key to finding the effectiveness of a treatment is consistency. If there’s a particular blemish that doesn’t seem to want to go away anytime soon, you can eliminate it with a spot treatment when necessary. You’ll find that it takes about 4 weeks for a spot treatment to shrink the zit and soothe the redness.
There are many different types of spot treatments. Some formulas leave a noticeable stain behind, where the drying and antibacterial ingredients come into play. 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 the acne.
You’ll also find that there are other spot treatments that dry down, so you can put makeup on over it and go on with 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 can 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 it may sound very simple (perhaps too simple when it comes to treating acne). However, by spot treating the 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 exfoliating toner to remove any remaining dead skin cells
If you use a serum, apply it right away and give it enough time to absorb into the skin
Apply the spot treatment topically to any active skin blemishes that you want to treat
If you use a facial oil, apply it right away and avoid spot treatments
Apply a moisturizer
Apply an eye cream
(In the 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 useful 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!
