Zits often come unexpected and quite quickly. The image of a woman looking into a mirror to find a big red dot staring back at her isn’t a commercial scenario, it’s real life. Same thing goes for the woman in the bathrobe walking around with acne solution spots on her face.

We played that role one too many times in the hope to find the spot treatments, how they exactly work, and what they can do. Here’s to hoping this list helps you cut down the time you have to be that girl in those instances.

Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel

Active Ingredient: Tea Tree Leaf Essence

Based on my experience, this gel can’t take on big pimples overnight. Combined with the other products under the Human Nature Anti-Acne line, it helps gradually decrease the appearance of pimples. But it immediately stops the itching and dehydrates the spot without intense peeling. Available at select Beauty Bar branches.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid

For small spots, it can eliminate it overnight. Bigger spots are dried up immediately but can also be a bit itchy because it makes that area extremely dry and in some cases, peel. So use this with caution. Also, I wouldn’t advise to use this to be used every single time you have a pimple because of the dryness. Available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4.

Dermologica Special Clearing Booster

Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide

It took this product two days to calm down a rather stubborn zit on my cheek. Upon contact, you can immediately feel a tingling sensation. I’m not sure about claims that it helps you avoid future pimples as you don’t really use it after a pimple has been solved. Available online.

Celeteque Acne Spot Corrector Gel

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid & Hydroxy Axids BHA and PHA

I prefer using this when I can already feel a spot itching before a pimple erupts. Sometimes, I find the pimple no longer pursues its plan or at least comes out smaller than what it felt like it was going to be. With continued use on the spot, it goes away in around three days. Since it’s a clear gel, you can use this throughout the day without it leaving spots on your face. Available at select Watson’s branches.

Snoe Beauty Shoo-zit! Don’t Bother Me! Dip & Dry Acne Drying Lotion

Active Ingredient: Purefix DC

This is gentler as far as drying lotions go. It leaves a little white cast as it dries up so only use it at night so people won’t mistake you for having a weird disease. I noticed the signature Purefix DC component the product has doesn’t lessen the probability of having a dark spot after the pimple dies down. Available at The Landmark, Trinoma.

Art by Anna Cayco

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