7 Spot Treatments That Actually Work
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THE PASTE: Carbon Theory Breakout Control Spot Paste, £18
Full of breakout tackling ingredients, this spot paste is designed to eliminate blemishes and minimise any inflammation they cause. Formulated with antiseptic tea tree oil to keep skin clear, vitamin A stimulates the production of your skin’s natural proteins, while antimicrobial silver kills off any acne-causing bacteria. Finally, zinc oxide soothes irritated skin and helps repair any damage caused. Even better, the formula is vegan and cruelty free – plus, it’s estimated you’ll get close to 50 uses out of it.
Available at BeautyBay.com
THE MOISTURISER: La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ Blemish Treatment, £17
A cult classic for a reason, this moisturiser is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. A dual-action gel, it’s designed to minimise the appearance of spots and blackheads, control shine and diminish any red and brown marks left behind once the breakout heals. Able to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours at a time, it’s suitable for sensitive skin types – in fact, most people who incorporate it into their skincare routine see a clearer complexion in roughly four weeks. For those who don’t have oily skin, we recommend using this as a spot treatment or applying only in the areas which are prone to shine, like the chin and forehead.
Available at Boots.com
THE OIL: Votary Blemish Rescue Oil, £35
Dermatologists have largely changed their view on the best way to treat breakouts. Rather than drying them out, most professionals now agree the right natural ingredients can do a whole lot more in terms of healing. Votary’s Blemish Rescue Oil is one such product aiming to heal existing blemishes and reduce inflammation. Enriched with salicylic acid to penetrate pores, exfoliate and dissolve dead skin cells and reduce inflammation, the product also contains rosemary essential oil, which purifies and restores balance. Finally, a sophisticated blend of rice oil, oat oil and tamanu oil come together to soothe and calm irritated skin. Trust us when we say our blemishes healed in record time.
Available at LibertyLondon.com
THE CLEANSER: Versed Keep The Peace Blemish-Calming Cream Cleanser, £15.50
Made with 79% post-consumer recycled plastic, this cleanser is a gentle, non-drying face wash for spot-prone skin. Using 1.5% salicylic acid, the formula targets blemishes without stripping the skin of its natural oils, while apple fruit extract acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing any build-up that may contribute to future breakouts. Plus, it’s topped with antioxidant-rich blue tansy to help cool and soothe irritated skin. Vegan and cruelty free, it’s also completely safe to use during pregnancy, should you end up suffering from hormonal breakouts.
Available at LookFantastic.com
THE PATCH: ZitSticka KILLA Spot Clarifying Patch Kits, £26.99
Harnessing the brand’s signature ‘microdart’ technology, these patches flood the epicentre of an early-stage blemish with targeted ingredients, and are designed to cover, hide, protect and improve the appearance of unwanted spots. Layered with 24 self-dissolving microdarts that melt within two hours of application, no matter how angry the blemish, you’ll find it looks better within a couple of hours. Simply apply to a clean face and hold the patch down for ten seconds before releasing. Either remove after a couple of hours or leave on overnight – you can always reapply if you think it needs further treatment.
Available at Boots.com
THE OVERNIGHT TREATMENT: The Inkey List C-50 Blemish Night Treatment, £12.99
Are you one of those people who always wakes up with excess shine and – dare we say it – a fresh blemish? This overnight gel treatment targets breakouts, unclogs pores and reduces the appearance of redness by morning, so you wake up knowing your skin is as clear as it can be. A powerful combination of vitamin C and vitamin E helps reduce the bacteria count on your skin, thus preventing the chance of new blemishes appearing, while 2% salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores. Extra points go to the added lotus oil, which works to balance out uneven complexions.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
THE LONG-TERM PRODUCT: Paula’s Choice Clear Skin Clearing Treatment With Azalaic Acid, £37
If you’re someone who suffers from regular breakouts, you might be in the market for a longer-term solution. This triple-action formula works to prevent blemishes, fade post-breakout marks and soothe redness. The lightly hydrating formula also provides a velvety matte finish that minimises enlarged pores, while anti-ageing ingredients smooth skin’s texture and improve skin tone. It’s a great substitute for moisturiser if you tend to find traditional creams too cloying, and it looks great under make-up. Bonus.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
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