Breaking out? Break free from your blemishes with these skin-saving spot treatments.
Hands in the air! We’re going to need you to step away from the mirror. Don’t cheek us—keep those hands where we can see them. Now unhand that pimple. What a relief—we’re not too late. Your spot is intact and we’ve saved you the impending headache.
That’s right. Popping your spots is not a productive way to clear your skin. Rather, it’s a one-way street to further irritation, hyperpigmentation and, in the worst-case scenario, a nasty scar. Instead of getting handsy with your face, start by looking at your skincare habits, your personal hygiene and even your gut and hormonal health—and, if you need a little extra help, leave it to these spot treatments.
From gentle solutions for sensitive skin to heavy-duty pimple patches for emergency spot control, we’ve got them all down here for you to peruse.
SALICYLIC ACID SAVIOURS
When it comes to spot treatments, it’s everyone’s first instinct to douse a blemish in salicylic acid—and for good reason too. It works by dissolving the dead skin cells clogging your pores, and controlling excess sebum. The result? Clear skin for days!
Better yet, pair it with niacinamide or caffeine to improve the appearance of pores and soothe the skin.
SHOP BURO’S SALICYLIC ACID FAVOURITES:
BREAK OUT THE BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Think of benzoyl peroxide as the more aggressive, and extremely effective sibling to salicylic acid. Instead of dissolving what’s in your pores, it just kills acne-causing bacteria. Hence, it works best on inflammatory acne such as pustules, cysts and nodules—basically, if your acne is on the more severe side. You can get it over-the-counter in pharmacies in the form of spot treatments, face washes and gels.
READ: All the different types of acne—explained
SAY YES TO SULFUR
Sulfur probably isn’t the first thing your mind jumps to when you think acne management, but it actually really works. Specifically, it helps to dry out the surface of the skin, while absorbing excess oil, thus preventing further breakouts.
SHOP BURO’S SULFUR-INFUSED PICKS:
GO FOR THE ESSENTIALS (OILS)
Tea tree oil is better known as everyone’s favourite natural remedy. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, which makes it an effective zit-buster. Avoid applying it directly onto your skin as essential oils have a rep for being a little too potent. However, when formulated into products with other anti-acne ingredients or diluted way, way down, it might just be a problem-solver.
Note: Essential oils may not be the best idea if your skin is particularly sensitive. Remember to do a patch test on your body before you slather it all over your face.
PICK THE PIMPLE PATCHES
Most (but not all!) of these bad boys may look like office supplies, but they work a charm when it comes to treating your acne. Pimple patches act as a barrier between your burgeoning breakout and the environment, and some even treat as they protect so you’ll be left loving the skin you’re in.
SHOP BURO’S PICKS FOR PIMPLE PATCHES:
Click here for more skincare tips.
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