The Best Pimple-Zapping Products We Swear By

No one can avoid pimples completely, no matter how hard you try! Whatever the cause; hormonal changes, diet, changes in your skincare regime, inevitably (and normally at the worst time) your skin will break out. Although try not to stress as this will only make things worse, instead use of our fave tried and tested pimple-zapping products.

But before we tackle how to get rid of your pimple STAT, it’s helpful to understand what causes pimples. Pimples occur when your hair follicle becomes blocked with dead skin cells and sebum (the natural oil your skin creates) resulting in the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. If your pimple is severe, it may be a cyst, which means the infection has gone deeper into your skin causing a small, red bump to rise on the surface of your skin (check out our guide to tackling severe acne here). Okay, so now you know the cause, here are our go-to pimple-busting products:

1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Source: Mario Badescu

This drying lotion tackles pimples overnight, which is why it’s a firm fave at HB HQ and a cult classic. The formula contains salicylic acid, which will help unclog dead skin cells that are blocking your pores while also reducing oil production. Plus, it features a calamine lotion that’ll reduce inflammation and redness. Just resist the urge to shake the solution, instead place a cotton bud in the bottle until you reach the pink sediment, and then dab it onto your pimple.

Shop it here, $17.

2. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Source: Cosrx

If you slap one of these patches on your zit, within hours, you’ll soothe and reduce redness. The dressing is airtight, which means it traps any puss or sebum and the bacteria doesn’t spread or get worse. We advise placing a sticker on your pimple as soon you can feel it emerging, this way the bacteria will be contained and won’t spread.

Shop it here, $11.

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Source: La Roche Posay

What makes this spot cream so effective is its 5.5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, a medication that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide will help kill any acne bacteria while drying out your pimple.

Shop it here, $37.

4. Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment

Source: Kiehl’s

This potent spot cream packs a punch as the formula contains 10% Sulphur. Sulfur will help reduce the size of a pimple and boost skin cell regeneration to heal and reduce scarring. It also contains vitamin B3 to brighten the skin (and reduce any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and help balance oil production.

Shop it here, $28.

5. E.L.F. Acne Fighting Spot Gel With Aloe

Source: e.l.f

We literally could not believe that this spot gel was only $2! It contains all of our fave acne-fighting ingredients; salicylic acid, witch hazel, camphor, tea tree, green tea, and aloe vera, so it’ll reduce swelling and get rid of any lingering bacteria in the skin. If you have dry skin, this is perfect, as the aloe will help moisturize and hydrate the skin.

Shop it here, $2.

6. Rice Force Acpoless Series Acne Spots Clear

Source: Rice Force

We’re obsessed with this clear pimple-busting treatment as you can apply it under or on top of makeup, so you can combat your pimple throughout the day, even when it’s concealed. The formula is super potent too as it contains salicylic acid and rice enzymes to boost cell turnover and promote healing.

Shop it here, $5

Our fave pimple zapping DIY’s

Banana peels: Whenever we have a blemish, we use the peel of a ripe banana and rub it directly onto a pimple – leave it on for 30 minutes, wash your face, and repeat twice daily. Banana peels are packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients as well as enzymes that will help fade post-inflammatory pigmentation. We know it’s kind of weird, but take a quick read of these reviews on acne.org here, and you’ll be totally won over.

Aspirin: Another DIY that’s super effective is crushed aspirin – we’re serious! Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which will help unclog your pores and reduce oil production. So the next time you break out, crush up an aspirin and add a couple of drops of water. Mix it up till it gets a little foamy, then dab the mix onto your pimple and leave overnight.

Steam & oil: For a quick and easy DIY, lightly press a hot (not too hot) flannel onto your skin to open your pores, then dab tea tree oil or a piece of fresh ginger onto the blemish as both have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Let us know your fave pimple-zapping product in the comments below.