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Over-the-counter solutions that really work.

A collage of acne spot treatments from Caudalie, The Ordinary and Dr. Barbara Sturm

Byrdie / David Hattan

Youre greeted by an unwelcome visitor on your face.

Breakouts happen to all of us, whether you get the occasional zit or you haveacne-prone skin.

From painfulcystic acnetopesky blackheads, acne can be a bummer.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

PHOTO: Ulta

But theres no need to give up hopein fact, many options can help stop pimples in their tracks.

Just to beextracertain we found the best recs possible, we consulted board-certified dermatologistDr.

Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D.,to share her expert insights.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

PHOTO: Sephora

Without further ado, find the best acne spot treatments to heal your breakouts fast.

It actually works (and fast!)

to dry up whiteheads and reduce the appearance of pesky breakouts overnight.

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

PHOTO: Amazon

Dr. Levin cites thesulfurin this product as an ingredient with both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The sulfur and salicylic acid is a great combination, she says.

When you wake up, rinse off the lotion and the spot should be significantly improved.

Tula Go Away Acne Spot Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

It’s that easy.

It can be drying, so double-check you only use a tiny bit and follow up with a moisturizer.

The protective covering reduces bacteria transfer while healing the skin.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+

PHOTO: Amazon

Associate editorCaitlyn Martynalways keeps these on hand in the event of a breakout.

We wish this came in a larger size so we could always have this blemish-fighting formula on hand.

Unlike a lot of spot treatments, we love that this one isn’t overly drying on the skin.

Renee Rouleau Night Time Spot Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

We love that this formula can help anyone dealing with unwelcome blemishes, from teens to adults.

Its simple and effectivenow we just need it in a bigger tube.

Instead of waiting for the inevitable, we now have a way to stop acne in its tracks.

Solawave Bye Acne 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment

PHOTO: Ulta

These tiny but powerful pimple patches are made with self-dissolving microneedles, hydrocolloid polymer technology, and salicylic acid.

Drying lotions can also get rid of zits overnight by drying out the blocked pore.

Get rid of acne and spots fast with acne spot treatments.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment

PHOTO: Sephora

Patches, drying lotions, and medicated treatments with salicylic acid or tea tree oil work well.

Be sure not to pick or pop your acne spots since this can lead to more breakouts and scarring.

She is determined never to let a breakout ruin her day.

Murad Deep Relief Acne Treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid

PHOTO: Sephora

2020;3(3):CD011154.

Published 2020 Mar 16. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011154.pub2

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

Sephora Caudalie Vinopure Color Correcting Spot Solution

PHOTO: Sephora

Avene Cleanance ACNE Medicated Clearing Treatment

PHOTO: Avene

Ulta Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief

PHOTO: Ulta

Sephora Peace Out 2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot

PHOTO: Sephora