The 411 on Spot Treating Acne
Many people experience a pop-up blemish (usually at the most inopportune time) when the rest of their skin is perfectly clear. Those isolated zits can be the most frustrating of all. When it comes to treating one pimple at a time, rather than applying acne medication to the entire face, the best action to take is with spot treating. Spot treating is when you apply a higher concentration acne medication to a single pimple. Usually the medication is left on overnight. Here, what you need to know about spot treating your acne blemishes:
- For overnight spot treating, start off using a product containing benzoyl peroxide in a 5 percent concentration. If you find that your skin can handle it, up the percentage to 10 percent. If the 5 percent is too drying or irritating, downgrade to 2.5 percent, which is the lowest percentage.
- For spot treating during the day, apply a clear gel solution of either salicylic acid or tea tree oil. Apply it after you wash you face and before your makeup.
- If you need to get rid of the offensive zit pronto, book an appointment for a cortisone injection. A shot of cortisone will flatten out the pimple in about 24 hours.
