When a pimple arrives unannounced, especially right before an important event, it is natural to reach out for just about anything that promises to heal it quickly. Some of the most common methods of tackling pimples are spot treatment, acne patch and a bunch of DIY treatments. However, before putting anything on your delicate facial skin, it is necessary to understand how these acne-fighting products work, if at all they do.

DIY treatments rarely work, in fact, many of them will either aggravate the acne or end up burning/drying out your skin. Many girls swear by spot treatment and acne patches, so let’s take a look at what’s the difference between the two and how they work.

 

Acne patch

Acne patch

For those who don’t know, acne patch is a small sticker in the shape of a circle infused with potent ingredients and clings to the skin. It pulls out oil, dirt and other fluids from the pimple, thereby accelerating the healing process. It can be worn on the skin for a long duration. A major advantage of using an acne patch is that it prevents you from picking or popping the pimple. If your pimple is close to the skin’s surface, using an acne patch will work better. However, it is recommended to wait until the pimple forms a head before applying an acne patch. And since they are milder than spot treatments, they don’t dry out the skin, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

 

Spot treatment

Spot treatment

Spot treatments come in gel, liquid and cream formulations. They usually contain ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, etc. that target the pimple and dry it out. When it comes to spot treatments, we trust the Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix because of its ability to kill breakout-causing bacteria deep within the pores. With spot treatments you don’t have to wait until the pimple forms a head, you can apply the formula as soon as you feel acne popping up. It may prevent acne from growing further.