Gone are the days when applying an acne spot treatment would turn that bit of skin into a parched desert that's even more vulnerable to new zits. Times have changed and so have skincare formulas. Here are the 10 best acne spot treatments that don't suck out moisture from the skin but nourishes it while gently clearing away the acne.
#1 BeKind Clear Skin Elixir
Photo from BeKind
A GirlStyle Beauty Award winner, this highly raved product has is formulated with a powerful combination of seven core ingredients that tackle acne on all fronts. That includes salicylic acid which clears acne and niacinamide that reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. Meanwhile, oligopeptide works to calm inflammation, and Melaleuca Alternifolia extract acts as a natural antiseptic and reduces scarring.
The serum works by bringing the pimple to the surface instead of leaving it trapped beneath the skin as a visible bump and scar. Once it bursts, the skin is soothed and healed to became back to its original smoothness.
Check out our full review of the BeKind Clear Skin Elixir here.
Get it at My Cozy Room or online on mycozyroom.com.sg for $38 (3ml).
#2 d program Acne Care Spot Essence
Photo from d program
Sensitive skin girlies will find this acne treatment gentle enough for their delicate zits. It's a high-performance formula with succinic acid to target acne-causing bacteria. At the same time, he skin barrier isn't compromised as yeast extract complex works to support a healthy microbiome. It's also enriched with allantoin and Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf extract to reduce excess sebum production, and Thymus Serpyllum extract and Saxifraga Sarmentosa extract to improve skin tone and prevent acne scars.
Unlike most acne treatments that sit on the surface of the skin, this essence absorbs into the skin and so works particularly well under makeup.
Get it at selected Watsons stores, watsons.com.sg, Welcia-BHG, and on Shopee Mall and LazMall for $33.50 (15ml).
#3 Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta On The Spot Gel
Photo from Dr. Dennis Gross
A little goes a long way with this potent gel that combines 2% salicylic acid with glycolic and azelaic acids to exfoliate, unclog pores and balance oil production. It feels light on the skin, with a mind tingling sensation.
Any redness is also soothed thanks to ingredients like green tea, bisabolol, mushroom extract and Centella asiatica. The texture is thick and luxurious, but not sticky.
Get it at Sephora stores and sephora.sg for $65 (30ml).
#4 ISDIN Acniben ON THE SPOT
Photo from ISDIN
This gel spot treatment is formulated with the basic but golden trio to fight acne. Salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores, niacinamide reduces inflammation, and mandelic acid smoothens the skin and prevents scarring. It does have a slight drying effect, but it's minimal when just a thin layer is applied.
Get it at Guardian stores and guardian.com.sg for $30.20 (15ml).
#5 Derma Lab SebumClar Acne Treatment Gel
Photo from Derma Lab
This high-performance gel respects the skin barrier while treating different types of acne. Salicylic acid exfoliates and refines the skin, while Cantella asiatica extract reduces inflammation and boosts the skin repair process. Whiteheads are suppressed in one day with no scarring, and inflamed acne is calmed in three days.
Finally, vitamin C works to brighten the skin and erase dark spots.
Get it at Watsons stores and online on watsons.com.sg, Shopee Mall and LazMall for $40.50.
#6 Etat Pur Zinc Gluconate 3%
Photo from Etat Pur
If your skin is not just acne-prone but also sensitive, this powerful sebum-regulator is the one for you. Like the rest of the brand's Pure Actives line, this serum delivers the active ingredient deeply and exactly where it's needed without impairing the skin barrier.
Alongside its anti-oxidant properties, zinc gluconate soothes sensitive areas and normalises sebum quality of oily skin. Over time, the skin is regenerated and rebalanced, and the skin barrier is strengthened against external aggressors.
Get it at Watsons stores and watsons.com.sg for $26.90.
#7 innisfree Retinol Cica Ampoule Focusing Patch
Photo from innisfree
Don't be fooled by it's cuteness, these overnight acne patches are the real deal when it comes to getting rid of acne. It's made with patented micro-needle tips that melt upon skin contact and penetrates deeply to effectively deliver active ingredients to problem areas.
First, retinol provides relief in the first phrase of acne. After that, Centella 3X, Jeju green soybean and hyaluronic acid work to hydrate and soothe the irritated zit. Finally, allantoin, salicylic acid and adenosine encourages exfoliation which reduces pimple size and scars.
Get it at innisfree stores and online on sg.innisfree.com, Shopee Mall and LazMall for $40.50.
#8 Kiehl's Truly Targeted Blemish-Clearing Solution
Photo from Kiehl's
You've seen pimple patches, but have you seen invisible ones yet? Well, Kiehl's has created one and it's a clear liquid solution that dries into a breathable seal that acts like a barrier against bacteria. But unlike a traditional patch, this seal is almost undetectable on the skin, and sunscreen and makeup applies seamlessly on top of it.
Zits are tackled head-on with maximum strength 2% salicylic acid. Coupled with 4% niacinamide for balancing oil production and 0.2% licorice root to soothe redness, this solution works to clear acne rapidly and face post-acne marks.
Get it at Kiehl's boutiques and on sephora.sg for $50 (15ml).
#9 The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Photo from The Ordinary
Looking to go back to basics with a simple, no-frills formula? Go for this water-based serum that contains an optimum concentration of 2% salicylic acid to smoothen the skin and remove dead skin cells, reducing clogged pores and acne formation. Moisture-binding saccharide isomerate prevents the skin from drying out.
Get it at Sephora stores and sephora.sg for $14 (30ml).
#10 Caudalie Vinopure Salicylic Spot Solution
Photo from Caudalie
This targeted spot treatment has a cream texture and a subtle green tint that neutralises any redness. Besides the quintessential salicylic acid, it also contains tea tree oil which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be reapplied throughout the day to purify pores and shrink acne.
