Acne is annoying and can be difficult to treat. While there are many over the counter medications that can be used daily, if they are not helping you as much as you like, consider using spot treatments for your acne. These types of products offer a concentrated dose of medication that can supplement your cleansing habits or they can be used to zap an emerging zit.

How Do They Work?

As the name implies, these acne fighters are applied directed to the pimple or inflamed area of the skin. Depending on the product, the medicine may have to stay on for 30 minutes or longer. Sometimes, it's best to put on immediately before bedtime, to allow it the maximum time to soak into the skin.

Because these products contain a highly concentrated dose of effective acne medication, they should only be used on specific areas and for a limited time. They work quickly, killing the bacteria and healing the surrounding skin. Many times, these products are used for a zit that surfaces on the wrong day, like just before a party. If you need a quick clear up, consider acne spot treatments.

Specific Brands That Work Well

As with any medication, read the label carefully before using. While most people suffer little or no side effects, if the skin becomes increasingly red and irritated, the product may not be right for you.

Acne Dry Spot is a very effective spot treatment that can be applied for overnight penetration. By morning, blemishes and pimples will be significantly smaller. Keep in mind that often spot treatments are not to be used as preventative measures; they are strictly applied to existing pimples and zits to clear them up quickly.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Patch contains 2% salicylic acid that is a potent pimple fighter. This product both dries the blemish and starts the healing process. It provides a very cooling feeling to the skin and by morning, you will notice a reduction in the appearance of pimples.

Another type of patch is called Clean & Clear Overnight Acne Patch. This product is like a band-aid that you place over the pimple. This is done right before bedtime and works all through the night. The blemish will be smaller in the morning. Many people feel this product is highly effective in getting rid of the even the most stubborn zits. The addition of aloe and vitamin E to this product helps to repair the damage the blemish has done to the skin.

The Clear Pores skin cleansing system includes a facial protection cream that not only is a spot treatment, but also protects your pores from oil. The clear pores product is a complete acne fighting system and one of the most highly recommended products available today.

Of course, acne spot treatments should be used in conjunction with your daily cleansing ritual. Since pimples and zits are formed largely because of the bacteria on your skin, a thorough cleansing is the foremost step. But if a zit pops its ugly head out, consider a spot treatment for acne; they work well and get rid of the problem quickly.