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These acne spot treatments will make your zits disappear immediately

The best acne spot treatments, according to dermatologists.

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The first thing you should avoid is trying to pop that sucker yourself, because this can make the pimple even worse than it looks now.

Instead, treat it with medicines that get at the heart of why it’s there in the first place, advises Joshua Zeichner, MD, the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

He recommends a one-two-three punch where you use three products: one with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, another 2 percent salicylic acid, and a third 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. “Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, salicylic acid helps remove dead cells from the surface of the skin along with excess oil, and the hydrocortisone cream reduces inflammation,” he explains. Layer all three products on top of each other or mix into the palm of your hand and dab on the pimple twice per day.

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This is your best at-home treatment to clear up the sucker, Zeichner says. Expect redness and discomfort to decrease, along with a shrinking, drying pimple. This remedy should cut healing time in half. If that doesn’t help in the next one to two days, Dr. Zeichner recommends visiting a board certified dermatologist who can give you a cortisone injection in the pimple, which will clear it up within 24 hours.

Next time you’re lamenting your zit fate, try these six products to chase it off your face for good.

NEUTROGENA ON-THE-SPOT ACNE TREATMENT

With 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, this product contains just the right amount to reduce the bacteria present in pores that causes pimple eruptions—all without being too harsh and triggering irritation. Dr. Zeichner cautions that benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics, so protect your pillowcases if you go to bed after applying it.

REPLENIX ACNE GEL BENZOYL PEROXIDE

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You guessed it: 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide stops P. acnesbacteria to address everything from larger pimples to a whitehead or two. With very few ingredients for a skincare product (there’s only five, one of which is water) and fragrance-free, you can feel confident using it even if you have sensitive skin.

CLEAN AND CLEAR ADVANTAGE ACNE SPOT TREATMENT

This product is a classic for a reason—and if you stopped using it when you were a teen, it’s time to bring it back in your arsenal. It’s expertly formulated with 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate and sop up pore-plugging excess oil. You’ll love this one because the tipped applicator makes it super simple to target the pimple and apply it precisely to the spot.

MURAD RAPID RELIEF ACNE SPOT TREATMENT

Just what you’re looking for: 2 percent salicylic acid to clear out those pores, along with oat extract to ease redness and soothe. Witch hazel has also been added for more oil-busting benefits. The gel dries clear and won’t peel off, so it’s ideal to dab a thin amount under makeup and go about your day.

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CORTAID MAXIMUM STRENGTH CREAM

We admit, it’s certainly not fancy, but sometimes the simple things are the best. This topical corticosteroid cream with 1 percent hydrocortisone helps quickly soothe the enraged spot and reduce redness. Petrolatum, glycerin, and mineral oil offer an infusion of hydration to combat the dryness that commonly happens with spot treatments.

HYDROCORTISONE 1% ANTI-ITCH CREAM

Along with the right amount of inflammation-reducing hydrocortisone, this adds chamomile, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E, so it can also help calm, moisturize, and generally help your skin feel more comfortable throughout the treatment. And, since hydrocortisone is an expert multitasking ingredient, you can keep what’s leftover to treat irritation or itchiness in the future.

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