The Best Acne Spot Treatments to Shrink Pimples — Fast
Dr. Pimple Popper shares her go-to acne-targeting ingredients (and when to use them).
Published:
3 minute read
Woke up with an angry red pimple? While consistent skincare is the key to managing acne long-term, sometimes you just need a fast-acting solution — something to shrink that breakout before it gets worse.
That’s where acne spot treatments come in. These targeted formulas are designed to treat individual blemishes using concentrated ingredients. But not all pimples — and not all spot treatments — are the same.
We asked dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) to explain when to use them, what to look for, and how to choose the right one for your skin.
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When to use a spot treatment
“Spot treatments are designed for treating one pimple at a time — not your whole face,” explains Dr. Lee. That’s because they contain high concentrations of active ingredients that can irritate surrounding skin if overused.
Reach for a spot treatment when:
- You feel a breakout forming (especially hormonal or cystic pimples)
- You wake up with an inflamed, red bump
- You want to prevent a dark spot (aka PIH) from forming
- You’re trying a new ingredient and want to patch test first
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: "The earlier you use a spot treatment, the better it works. As soon as you feel a pimple forming, treat it."
If you’ve got a chronic case of acne, opt for a complete routine like Dr. Lee’s SLMD Acne System.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Top Spot Treatments
Best spot treatment for inflamed pimples
Ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is Dr. Lee’s go-to for red, swollen pimples. It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation quickly — making it ideal for pustules and papules.
Use it when:
- Your pimple is painful, red, or swollen
- You need to dry out an active breakout fast
Avoid if:
- You have very dry or reactive skin — it can be drying or irritating
SLMD Skincare to try:
Best spot treatment for clogged pores
Ingredient: Salicylic acid
This oil-soluble BHA gets deep into pores to break down buildup and exfoliate. Dr. Lee recommends it for blackheads, whiteheads, and sebaceous filaments.
Use it when:
- You’re dealing with clogged pores, blackheads, or recurring small pimples
- You want to exfoliate without irritating surrounding skin
- You want to prevent a pimple from becoming inflamed
Avoid if:
- You’re already using a high-strength AHA or benzoyl peroxide — this could overdo it
SLMD Skincare to try:
Best spot treatment for sensitive skin
Ingredient: Sulfur
Sulfur is a naturally antibacterial mineral that helps absorb oil and calm inflammation — without the irritation that stronger actives can cause.
Use it when:
- Your skin reacts to benzoyl peroxide or acids
- You’re targeting oily areas with smaller breakouts
Avoid if:
- You dislike the natural sulfur scent (some formulas mask it better than others)
Best for breakout emergencies
Product: Pimple patches
Acne patches are ideal for on-the-go, and can be used alone or over spot treatments to protect pimples from bacteria, picking, and friction. “They're especially helpful if you’re tempted to pop,” says Dr. Lee.
Use it when:
- You’re prone to touching or picking
- You need to hide a breakout during the day or overnight
Avoid if:
- You’re working out, swimming, or using heavy creams — it may not stick
- The pimple is deep under the skin — treat first before patching
SLMD Skincare to try:
How to apply spot treatments safely
Applying too much — or at the wrong time — can slow your progress. Here’s what Dr. Lee recommends:
✅ Cleanse and pat skin dry before applying
✅ Apply a thin layer directly to the blemish — not surrounding skin
✅ Use as directed to avoid irritation
❌ Don’t layer multiple ingredients on the same pimple
❌ Don’t pick before applying — this can drive bacteria deeper
Dr. Pimple Popper answers spot treatment FAQs
Q: Can I use spot treatment every day?
A: Yes — as long as you use it only where needed. If your skin gets dry or irritated, take a break.
Q: Can I use more than one spot treatment at a time?
A: It's best to stick to one active ingredient per blemish to avoid irritation.
Q:Should I pop a pimple before using spot treatment?
A: Better to leave it alone, but if you must, then use proper technique. Otherwise, let the treatment do the work.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
We all wish pimples could disappear overnight — and while that’s not always possible, the right spot treatment can speed things up. Knowing what works for your skin helps you treat breakouts quickly and confidently when they show up.
