For many people suffering from milder forms of acne, where the occasional pimple pops up, spot treatment is a go-to method. But is spot treatment really effective? And what are the alternatives? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Spot Treatment?
Spot treatment means targeting an individual pimple to get rid of it faster than it would naturally go away. Common spot treatment techniques include:
1. Popping: Many people try to squeeze the pimple to express its contents. This can lead to a cycle of popping multiple pimples, especially for those prone to it.
2. Disinfecting: Some use hot water, soap, or alcohol wipes to disinfect the area, hoping to eliminate bacteria involved in forming the pimple.
3. Topical Medications: Others may use creams or leave-on treatments prescribed by a dermatologist in hopes of speeding up the healing process.
Despite these methods, there’s a little-known secret: they really don’t work. An acne pimple takes weeks to form under the skin, and once it’s there, it typically goes away on its own usually within a few days to a couple of weeks. Applying abrasive or irritating substances can aggravate the pimple further, leading to longer healing times and potential scarring or discoloration, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones.
What Should You Do Instead?
Your best approach is to avoid spot treatments as much as possible. If you’re thinking, “That pimple is really bothering me,” consider this:
1. Let It Be: Allow the pimple to resolve on its own. Some people can be patient, while others may struggle with this.
2. Moisturizing: Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly or a gentle moisturizer can help soothe irritation and restore the skin barrier, which may be compromised during the inflammatory process.
3. Dermatologist Consultation: If you experience recurring acne, get evaluated by a dermatologist. They can formulate a treatment plan to prevent future breakouts.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is to leave that pimple alone to the best of your ability. Avoid squeezing, cleansing too aggressively, or applying antibiotics. Instead, consider moisturizing to help mitigate inflammation. If acne is a chronic issue, seek professional help for effective management.
If you found this helpful, subscribe to Dr. Bibi's Newsletter for cutting edge skincare and share this article. For further insights into skincare scams and simplification of your approach, check out my book "Sick Skin - Skin Care Made Simple" on Amazon, now available in audio.
Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
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