Dips and surges in our hormones are completely inevitable and out of our control, and so too are the breakouts that often accompany these fluctuations.
Blackheads, whiteheads or about-to-burst pustules, no matter the type of pimple, there’s a quick-working formula just waiting to accelerate the shrinking and healing process.
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And when there’s only a matter of hours between your big event and getting rid of that unwanted pimple, you don’t have any time to waste on a treatment that won’t deliver hard-hitting results.
So to avoid pimple creams that won’t effectively banish spots and fast, we’ve rounded up the best of the best non-drying and fast-acting formulas.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne Moisturiser
Don’t be fooled by the name, La Roche-Posay’s ‘moisturiser’ works effectively as a targeted spot treatment rather than just an all-over cream. Give the acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, zinc and salicylic acid 12 hours to reduce the size and redness of imperfections.
“I have now used this product for some time and have noticed that my acne has cleared up really well. The acne scars and blemishes have also reduced. It also reduces pores and clears the skin.” – Shali_Nialler
Read more La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne Moisturiser reviews…
Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel
This gel works to rapidly reduce the swelling of active blemishes. Plus the addition of antibacterial ingredients like tea tree help to limit the spread of future breakouts and fight the cause of infection at the root.
“This is one of the blemish control products I have ever used – and I think I have tried most of them! It is a clear gel that is absorbed into the skin almost immediately and does not leave your skin feeling dry or sticky.” – Kerri347
Want to know more? Read Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel reviews…
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment
Kiehl’s potent glycolic acid formula penetrates the skin to clear blackheads, whiteheads and other persistent blemishes. Plus, the transparent formula means you can get away with wearing it alone or underneath makeup during the day.
“It is fantastic for shrinking any bump that has appeared on my face – which happen a lot on my chin but also my forehead and even my cheek areas too.” – crystalclearwater
Read more Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment reviews here…
Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
For an overnight blast that won’t leave a path of dry, flakey skin in its wake, the Paula’s Choice anti-acne treatment is an effective pimple-reducing cream that’s suited for all skin types.
“The product is smooth and thick, easy to spread and doesn’t leave your skin feeling thick. After a few minutes, the products completely absorbs into the skin. I have noticed that my skin is smoother and clearer since using this product” – Erin837
Read more Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide reviews here…
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance EXPERT
Using a trio of complementary and innovative skin-healing ingredients, Avene’s light emulsion helps to reduce sebum, smooth texture and reduce the redness of blemishes. Plus, the gentle formula will keep the skin underneath and surrounding the pimple hydrated and smooth.
“This product is extremely gentle and well worth it. Although it is a little pricey if you use all over your face twice a day. I think its well worth it.” – ahlmyers
Want to know more? Read Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance EXPERT reviews here…
tbh Skincare acne hack cream
Using their unique XBIO™ technology, tbh’s topical acne-fighting cream destroys the extracellular matrix that is responsible for protecting acne-causing bacteria. By leaving this bacteria exposed, the congestion site can be effectively and quickly eradicated.
“The acne hack cream is perhaps the star of the tbh range. the cream does work on active acne to dry out and reduce inflammation. You can see results within days.” – jupiter
Want to know more? Read tbh Skincare acne hack cream reviews here…
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I have some La Roche-Posay Effaclar moisturiser for use during skin congestion from hormones or stress. I don't need this stronger more acne targeted one.
I've always had great results from Clearasil 4-hour, but it's not made in Australia, so I want to try Sukin next.
Great article very useful info.
I haven't tried any of these as I don't believe anything really clears them up on the spot. I've tried other products in the past and they haven't worked.
I've used Blemish Bomb before and find that helpful.
I need to find a really strong one because my acne never seems to go away
Really want to try these !
Much needed
I haven't tried any of these products. Thankfully I don't get too many spots these days
My daughter has acne prone skin, so I'll recommend these to her.
I get spots from time to time. Not much and they go away quickly. Have alphaH gel but still did not open it.
I’ve never tried any of these products. Thankfully I don’t have too many issues with spots. To treat the very occasional one I do get, I put a Mecca brand dot spot on it, and it clears it up really quickly.
I've never used any of these, but most of the spot treatments I've used have been effective.
yep love la roche posay, the best non prescription thing out there
Even at my age I still get the occasional pimple such great natural products available, at the moment I am using a Sukin Blemish Control Cream.
Ive no need for such products thankfully
I use that too. Getting the odd pimple at the moment, wearing a face mask doesn't help.
I have never been prone to many pimples but the odd one I found tea tree oil very effective
The only treatments I have found that work are pimples patches and a combination of AHA/BHA acids. I have tried some of the recommended products and they do not work.
I have only used Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Pimple Cream but I can only dab it on with a cotton bud otherwise my skin around the sounding area goes really red. It's good to see I do have some alternatives.
If only these were around when I was a teenager!
I've run out of that Kiehl's one!
I haven’t tried any of these creams yet.
Haven't tried any of these – have used Sukin Spot Banishing Gel and had success!
I wish I had these options as a teenager!
Teens these days have so many great options. My daughter has started a skincare regime and is concerned with spots and blemishes. I remember the good old clearisol. It burned the skin and was ghastly looking possibly worse looking than the blemish itself.
I haven't used any of these, but I do use Sukin's Spot Clearing Gel (if I want to pop something on for day-time) & Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion (at night & if I want to get rid of zits fast).
Luckily spots haven’t been a major issue for me and the odd one I get I try to let heal itself.
It’s gone! That was quick!
I remember those! It would burn the skin around the pimple.
Do these products work for older skin too?
Post pregnancy, I’ve gotten lots of little bumps!
When I get the odd spot I use the pimple sticker or just leave it, I've tried a few spot treatments but they don't seem to make a difference.
Not used any of these, luckily I get breakouts rarely so when I do I don't usually use any product for them. In the past I did found that using spot clearing products helped to get rid of them a lot faster and help to reduce redness though.
I get some hormonal break out and acne time to time. I already tried La Roche-Posay Effaclar serum. Really happy with result. I am keen to try it's moisturiser.
I don't get pimples so I don't need these products.
No pimples but my rosacea is beginning to flare again
I still get the odd spot from time to time but not on my face. I remember the days when I would be due to do something important or special and sure enough a zit would pop up. Makeup sort of helped but they were still noticeable.
Good to know…
Botani make a nice product too
I haven't tried any of these products. My local Priceline is closing down & has 70% off store-wide so I might go see if any of these products are still on the shelves.
LRP has amazing products.
Thanks for the info
I haven't tried any of these products. I still get the odd pimple and use Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel – a fab product that clears the skin almost overnight.
I trust anything from LRP, Avène and PC!
I get a single pimple around my time of month!
I have the alpha-h clear skin blemish control gel on standby, like tonight.
I currently use Alpha-h clear skin blemish control gel but wouldn’t mind trying La Roche-posay.