As an acne sufferer myself, I know how self-conscious one can feel when a bad zit (or twelve) makes an appearance. Although I am diligent with my skincare routine, I still break out whenever I’m stressed, traveling, or when that time of the month makes an appearance.

After trying countless products to control my acne over the last few years, I have found a select few that I swear by.

Below are my go-to products to zap a zit asap.

1. Origins Super Spot Remover

Origins Super Spot Remover
📷Origins

This Salicylic Acid gel is the holy grail of spot treatments. A tiny drop of the Origins Super Spot Remover will instantly relieve redness, and when left overnight, it will drastically improve the appearance of blemishes.

It’s a small bottle, but a little goes a long way.

2. Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash Mask

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash Mask
📷Neutrogena

This product is great for banishing existing breakouts and preventing new ones. You can use it as either a face wash or a mask. It’s pretty strong stuff, so if you have dry skin, make sure to follow up with a moisturizer.

3. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
📷Mario Badescu

This super popular spot treatment certainly lives up to the hype. Its ingredients include calamine and salicylic acid, which help to dry out zits.

For maximum effectiveness, dab a small amount of product on blemishes and leave overnight.

4. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + 1%
📷The Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc serum is a gentle and effective treatment to zap a pimple. When used every day, it can drastically improve your skin tone and banish breakouts.

5. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy
📷Neutrogena

This tiny UV light is a spot treatment wand that helps to kill bacteria deep beneath the surface of your skin. Typically, light therapy treatments for acne are pretty expensive, but Neutrogena has created a product that works and has a budget-friendly price tag.