Spot treatment: guide on how to treat pimples
All products that can help reduce inflammation faster
G-Club
June 2nd, 2025
June 2nd, 2025
It always happens like this: you have an important event, you’ve been preparing for days, and suddenly a pimple pops up, as if your skin knows exactly when to choose the worst possible moment to make itself noticed. The truth? It happens to everyone. And even though we know very well that having a few imperfections is completely normal, there are those days when we just wish for a little help to make it go away quickly. Assuming that these are not effective remedies for real acne but only for occasional small pimples, here’s a brief guide to soothe and reduce inflammation and skin stress as much as possible.
Spot treatment: what is it?
Before we start, let’s clarify: spot treatment is a product or remedy applied directly on a single pimple or imperfection. It should not be applied all over the face, as it contains a high concentration of active ingredients and is designed to act intensively and locally on that one problematic spot.
Pimple patches
You’re probably already familiar with spot patches: small transparent stickers designed to target pimples discreetly and effectively. They are applied directly on the imperfection and create a protective barrier that helps prevent contact with bacteria, dirt, and fingers (which often make things worse). Many patches are made from hydrocolloid material, which absorbs pus and impurities, speeding up the healing process. Some also contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, useful for reducing inflammation and purifying the area.
Ichthyol
@wallydrillo Come liberarsi dai brufoli sotto pelle
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Ichthyol, or ammonium bituminosulfonate, is a dermatological remedy used for a long time and still recommended today for treating inflamed pimples or skin lesions. It comes as a dark ointment with a somewhat distinctive smell, but it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it useful for localized imperfections. It helps reduce swelling and promotes the expulsion of impurities, speeding up healing. It’s not the most modern or pleasant treatment to use, but in some situations, it can be a lifesaver. It’s essential not to apply it near the eyes or mucous membranes and to remember to apply sunscreen after use.
Dry lotion
Dry lotions are spot treatments designed to act directly on pimples, especially those inflamed or already on the surface. They come as biphasic products, with a liquid and a solid part, usually containing calamine, sulfur, or salicylic acid, which settles at the bottom. Spoiler: do not shake them! Dip a cotton swab into the bottom layer and dab it on the pimple. Leave it on overnight (or during the day): it will help reduce swelling and calm the inflammation.
Spot gels for last-minute fixes
Spot gels are an incredible invention for those who want to treat pimples without giving up makeup. These transparent gels are enriched with active ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, which help soothe the imperfection. Once applied directly on the pimple, they dry quickly, forming a thin protective film. This invisible layer creates a barrier between the skin and makeup, allowing you to cover the imperfection without risking irritation or worsening it.
Zinc oxide
@volpi_nana Ecco come faccio guarire e sfiammare i brufoli velocemente, spesso bastano pochi giorni, sempre grazie alla pasta fissan, una pomata lenitiva a base di ossido di zinco per le irritazioni da pannolino #pastafissan #brufoli #brufolo #acne #rimedi #rimedio #spottreatment #macchiepostacne #macchiepostbrufolo #ossidodizinco suono originale - Anna Volpi
A great old-fashioned remedy to calm redness after a pimple is zinc oxide, an ingredient known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s not meant to act on “mature” or active pimples, but it’s perfect in the later stage, when the pimple has gone down but the skin is still red or irritated from previous inflammation.
