Acne is annoying and can be difficult to treat. While there are many over the counter medications that can be used daily, if they are not helping you as much as you like, consider using spot treatments for your acne. These types of products offer a concentrated dose of medication that can supplement your cleansing habits or they can be used to zap an emerging zit.

How Do They Work?

As the name implies, these acne fighters are applied directed to the pimple or inflamed area of the skin. Depending on the product, the medicine may have to stay on for 30 minutes or longer. Sometimes, it's best to put on immediately before bedtime, to allow it the maximum time to soak into the skin.

Because these products contain a highly concentrated dose of effective acne medication, they should only be used on specific areas and for a limited time. They work quickly, killing the bacteria and healing the surrounding skin. Many times, these products are used for a zit that surfaces on the wrong day, like just before a party. If you need a quick clear up, consider acne spot treatments.

Specific Brands That Work Well

As with any medication, read the label carefully before using. While most people suffer little or no side effects, if the skin becomes increasingly red and irritated, the product may not be right for you.

Acne Dry Spot is a very effective spot treatment that can be applied for overnight penetration. By morning, blemishes and pimples will be significantly smaller. Keep in mind that often spot treatments are not to be used as preventative measures; they are strictly applied to existing pimples and zits to clear them up quickly.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Patch contains 2% salicylic acid that is a potent pimple fighter. This product both dries the blemish and starts the healing process. It provides a very cooling feeling to the skin and by morning, you will notice a reduction in the appearance of pimples.

Another type of patch is called Clean & Clear Overnight Acne Patch. This product is like a band-aid that you place over the pimple. This is done right before bedtime and works all through the night. The blemish will be smaller in the morning. Many people feel this product is highly effective in getting rid of the even the most stubborn zits. The addition of aloe and vitamin E to this product helps to repair the damage the blemish has done to the skin.

The Clear Pores skin cleansing system includes a facial protection cream that not only is a spot treatment, but also protects your pores from oil. The clear pores product is a complete acne fighting system and one of the most highly recommended products available today.

Of course, acne spot treatments should be used in conjunction with your daily cleansing ritual. Since pimples and zits are formed largely because of the bacteria on your skin, a thorough cleansing is the foremost step. But if a zit pops its ugly head out, consider a spot treatment for acne; they work well and get rid of the problem quickly.

The cause of zits isn't always clear cut. Sometimes dermatologists are baffled as to the exact cause of pimple and zit formation, but the common denominator seems to be bacteria inside a pore.

Below the Surface

Sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles, both of which are below the surface of the skin. These glands secrete a substance called sebum that travels up the hair follicle and onto the skin's surface. This is the body's own moisturizer and most of the times, this process works quite well.

However, during adolescence, the hormones are often more erratic, causing the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum. This spills onto the skin causing an oily appearance. In addition, the glands themselves become enlarged. Bacterium is always present on the skin and this doesn't usually cause major problems. But when there is an accumulation of sebum on the skin, pimples develop. This is because the bacteria use the sebum as their source of nutrition. When the bacteria enter the enlarged openings of the sebaceous glands, the white blood cells attack and the battlefield is the resulting pimple and zits.

Zap the Zits

Bacteria is definitely the main cause of zits, but there are other contributing factors that could zap the zits. Once you understand the cause of zits, it will be easier to banish them forever.

Certain food choices may lead to zits. Although there is some disagreement as to whether fried foods or chocolate cause zits, a good rule to follow is to always have a balanced diet, complete with fruits and vegetables. Fried and fatty foods aren't good choices for a steady diet anyway, so eat the most nutritious food available. Your skin is the largest organ in the body and the way it looks is dependent upon what you eat.

Your lifestyle habits may also be a cause of zits. While the raging hormones of adolescence can't be controlled, the amount of sleep you receive can be. Since the teen years are turbulent enough already, it's a good idea to get plenty of rest. Zits are primarily caused by bacterium with the battlefield being your skin. Your body needs a chance to rest so the immune system is ready for another round with the skin invaders.

Makeup can be irritating and while this isn't a cause of zits, it can certainly contribute to the inflammation on your face. If you must wear makeup, choose only a hypoallergenic kind.

Keep your skin clean by regular washing with an anti-bacterial soap with foaming action. The foam actually penetrates the layers of skin and gets to the bacteria that may have settled below the surface.

Medication for Zits

There are many over-the-counter medication that claim to cure zits. If you find the right product you could be able to clear up your acne, while avoiding the expense and frustration of constantly visiting a dermatologist. When deciding which product to go with you want one that has proven itself as a quality product, because while there are many acne products out there that do an amazing job, there are just as many out there trying to scam you.