Best Spot Treatments

Acne spot treatments pack a targeted punch

For acne-prone skin, experts recommend applying acne treatments daily to keep blemishes at bay. Effective acne treatments fight blemishes before they ever make it to the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, even after our best efforts to keep acne away, unsightly pimples still emerge. Acne spot treatments are designed to target existing blemishes for fast results. They contain the same active ingredients that are in other topical formulas -- namely benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur -- but generally have higher concentrations.

When it comes to spot treatments, dryness is a major complaint, users and experts say. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment (*Est. $7.50 for 0.75 oz.) is criticized for leaving skin dry and flaky. Although the Acne Spot Treatment was drying, it gets results. It contains 2 percent salicylic acid, which effectively and quickly clears up blemishes.

Most say that it's quite drying and leaves skin flaky; this is likely due to the alcohol contained in the product. Paula Begoun gives the formula a poor rating because of the alcohol base and other irritating ingredients like cinnamon and cedar bark extracts that can be especially drying. Angela Palmer, About.com's acne guide, says the formula dries clear, but it doesn't work well under makeup. Furthermore, she says, it stings a bit when first applied.

If you need something stronger, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 (*Est. $6 for 1 oz.) is recommended. It contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, the strongest dosage available in an over-the-counter treatment. Since the Persa-Gel can cause mild irritation, it's only recommended as a spot treatment. Users at MakeupAlley.com and Acne.org concur, but most say that the dryness is a minor annoyance compared with the benefits of the Persa-Gel. Many say the gel clears up blemishes in as little as two to three days. Some even notice results overnight.

Paula Begoun recommends Persa-Gel for stubborn cases of acne. She also suggests users begin a treatment containing benzoyl peroxide with a smaller dosage before moving up to something as strong as Persa-Gel 10. Some users say they experience less irritation when using the treatment every other night. Others say Persa-Gel 10 is a good spot treatment, best suited for those with occasional blemishes, unlike regular flare-ups that require consistent all-over treatment. Persa-Gel is the Best Reviewed choice because it is reviewed much more often by users than the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment.