7 acne spot treatments that actually work for acne scars (2023)

Do you have an obnoxious pimple that you wish you could zap away quickly? Acne is one of the worst woes of our skin and finding ways that can help us fight it is truly a blessing!

If a pimple appears and you attack the pimple right away with the most powerful spot treatment you can locate, you'll wind up with a peely, dried-out, irritated mess that'll be difficult to hide. The active ingredients in most spot treatments are Salicylic acid or Benzoyl peroxide in various ratios. Some spot treatments need to be left on overnight, while others dry quickly and can be worn during the day. You can even get tinted spot treatments to hide breakouts while you're using it..

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when the pores in the skin get clogged with oil, dead skin, or impurities. The oil glands present in the skin produce sebum, which travels up the hair shaft, out of the pore and onto the skin. Sebum keeps your skin moisturised and prevents any water loss. This moisturisation process can sometimes have some errors which can lead to acne formation on the skin.

At times, too much oil, dead skin cells and gunk lodge into your pores, causing bacteria build up. This leads to the formation of acne. Pimples form when bacteria grow in a clogged pore and the oil can't escape due to the pore being blocked by impurities, dirt, grime or excess oil.

What Are Spot Treatments and How Do They Work?

Spot treatments deliver acne-fighting chemicals directly to the troublesome blemish or spot. A spot treatment not just combats acne but it also fights redness, swelling, and soreness. It aids in loosening or dissolving the pore obstruction that caused the blemish in the first place.

Firstly, spot treatments are only effective for tiny pustules on the skin's surface.

Secondly, they won't address blemishes that are deeper or more serious, such as acne nodules or cysts. These blemishes develop much deeper within the skin, beyond the reach of spot treatments.

Spot treatments are very useful if you only have a few zits every now and again and they are not the most recommended treatment if you have more frequent breakouts or your skin breaking out on a regular basis. Treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, micro-needling, punch excision are quite popular among skincare lovers!

Here are eight spot treatment solutions and bestselling products that will help you get rid of acne rapidly without stripping your skin.

1. Dot & Key Acne Busting Zinc + Salicylic Face Serum - Anti-pimple serum to fade acne scars and avoid breakouts

If pimples and zits cause you a lot of trouble, don't be concerned. Zit Zapping Skin Clarifying Anti Acne Serum by Dot & Key is the perfect cure for greasy, acne-prone skin. This anti acne serum battles acne germs, suppresses breakouts, and fades post-acne blemishes with a strong blend of Salicylic acid and purifying botanicals including Tea Tree and Clary Sage oils. It is a 100% must-have for decongested, clear skin. It balances sebum levels and unclogs pores to improve skin clarity. It's a fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic acne-busting pimple treatment which fights zits and painful pimples, and is suitable even for highly greasy skin. This oil-free anti-acne serum reduces dark spots and helps to remove acne scars, resulting in clear, healthy skin. Bonus? It is free of all nasties!

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2. The Pink Foundry Overnight Acne Spot Corrector - A fast-acting acne treatment

Overnight Acne Spot Corrector by The Pink Foundry is a quick-acting treatment that cleanses and detoxifies skin while shrinking and clearing existing breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. The Overnight Acne Spot Corrector, crafted with a powerful yet gentle blend of sulphur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide and glycerin helps you on your way to achieve clear, smooth and better skin! While you sleep, this special solution works overnight to clear and correct your acne without irritating the surrounding skin.

Know more: The Pink Foundry Overnight Acne Spot Corrector

3. Dr. Sheth's Pigmentation Combo - A powerful multitasking combo to clarify and reveal smooth, even-toned skin

A collection of powerful two-step treatments created specifically for Indian skin that work together to give you visibly brighter, spot-free skin. The set includes Dr. Sheth's Ashwagandha & Alpha Arbutin Serum which removes dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, leaving you with even-toned, bright skin. This formulation works well, even for sensitive skin, because the active component of Arbutin is released slowly. Ashwagandha helps to minimise stress-related inflammation and breakouts while also increasing collagen production for a youthful glow. The other star of the set is the Basic Brightening Extra Gentle Daily Peel by Dr.Sheth's, a lotion peel that addresses important concerns such as discoloration and uneven skin for Indian skin tones.

Know more: Dr. Sheth's Pigmentation Combo

4. Aminu The Perfectionist Skin Perfecting Serum - A phenomenal pore minimizing, wound healing & skin re-texturising serum

This lightweight serum uses therapeutic elements to restore damaged and weakened skin, boosts the release of growth factors and aids post-acne scar healing. This groundbreaking brightening and resurfacing serum strengthens the skin barrier, resulting in a healthier, more even skin surface. It has Glycine which leaves a hydrating and elasticizing impact on the skin. ThIs skin perfecting serum aids in skin repair and wound healing while improving the health of weakened skin and reducing irritation. It also unclogs pores and regulates sebum If you have damaged skin, it will feel strengthened with this oil-free, fast-absorbing spot treatment.

Know more: Aminu The Perfectionist Skin Perfecting Serum

5. Lisen Pure Genius Multi-Action Peel Stick- One step solution to purify, cleanse and refine your skin texture

A quick treatment to purify, detoxify, and refine the texture of your skin. Skip the lengthy skincare routine! All you have got to do is take this cotton swab which is pre-soaked in a heavy-duty combination of several acids - Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Salicylic Acid - and looks like a regular Q-tip. These acids penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin, unclogging pores and scraping away dead skin cells to smooth out rough and bumpy areas in a gentle but effective method. This product is particularly good for the T-zone because it removes excess oil and dirt while also removing blackheads and whiteheads without causing any discomfort. Packed with Bamboo extract, it leaves your skin feeling soothed and calm.

Know more: Lisen Pure Genius Multi-Action Peel Stick, Pack of 3

6. WishCare Collagen Boosting Advance Repair Night Cream- An anti-ageing cream that corrects spots and restores glow

A luxurious night cream that combines the superpowers of Retinol and Niacinamide, and resets your skin to its most healthy state. It not just treats wrinkles, fine lines, and stubborn pigmentation but also promotes a beautiful, flawless complexion. It enhances smoother-looking skin, minimises pore size and combats acne breakouts. Making this retinol night cream a part of your nightly beauty routine will come as a blessing in disguise! It will revitalise your skin and bring back its youthful radiance, all while combating acne on the side.

Know more:WishCare Collagen Boosting Advance Repair Night Cream

7. Fixderma SKARFIX -TX Cream- Reducing hyperpigmentation and scars made easy!

Fixderma Skarfix-TX cream is a new and innovative solution to fight uneven skin tone and melasma. Melasma, PIE, PIH, and hyperpigmentation can all be successfully reduced with this wonderful lotion. It packs the strength of Tranexamic Acid which effectively prevents melanin transfer and works in tandem with the powerful and efficient blend of Kojic acid, Alpha arbutin, and Vitamin E.

Know more: Fixderma SKARFIX -TX Cream

Things to keep in mind

If you're already taking a prescribed acne medication, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about adding a spot treatment to the mix.

Takeaway

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin problems, yet finding a treatment that works can be difficult. Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, Sulphur, Azelaic acid, and other OTC skin care components may be used to correct spots and achieve spotless skin. Products such as chemical peels and techniques such as micro-needling, fillers, dermabrasion, lasers and punch excision have become popular and have got you covered if you are struggling with acne. If you have mild acne, these bestsellers will definitely work their magic on your acne and aid in giving you spot-free skin. We’d recommend you speak to our Skin Concierge or your dermatologist before you use any acne spot treatment.

-Ashi Bansal