
Ideally, you’d apply your spot treatments (whether they’re for zits, scars, or dark spots) at night because that’s when your body’s working hardest to repair itself. But if you’ve already used an acne-fighting toner and/or you’re planning to layer on a retinol, try spot-treating in the morning instead so you don’t irritate your skin all at once.
Full Answer
When is the best time of day to apply spot treatments?
This also means more stress is being put on the the skin tissue, resulting in post-acne scarring. If you suffer from blemishes that seem to last forever and intense acne scarring, this may be the reason. How to Use Spot Treatments Correctly. Acne spot treatments can be very useful in clearing up a breakout when used at the right stage of healing.
How do you use a spot treatment?
How to apply an acne spot treatment?
Should I spot treat first or apply moisturizer?

When should I put on spot treatment?
“Spot treatments are usually used at bedtime, so after you cleanse, tone and apply moisturiser, then use the treatment on your spot and leave it overnight.” Even if you're using an acne patch and choose to do so in the day, follow your regular morning routine and then use the patch over it.May 5, 2021
Should you use spot treatment before or after moisturizer?
If you're using an acne spot treatment, you may want to skip those areas when applying your moisturizer to make sure the ingredients in it won't interfere with the active ingredients in your spot treatment.
What goes first moisturizer or acne spot treatment?
Regardless of which you choose, the application is the same: Dab a thin layer (seriously—more isn't merrier here) over your spot or zit, then wait at least a full minute for it to dry. Then, to prevent the treatment from getting wiped around your face, apply your moisturizer around the spots first.Feb 8, 2022
Should you put spot treatment on a pimple?
“Any manipulation of a pimple can lead to more inflammation, which can increase the risk of scarring,” she explains. “And your hands are dirty, so you're going to introduce more bacteria and potentially make it worse.” Your best bet is to spot treat the pimple with benzoyl peroxide and then leave it alone.Oct 14, 2019
When should I use acne spot treatment in routine?
According to Ciraldo, you should spot-treat after you've applied your moisturizer, not before. This helps make sure the product stays on top of the pimple, and doesn't go on the rest of your face.May 1, 2020
Does spot treatment go before serum?
The general rule of thumb is to apply spot treatments at night after cleansing and toning, but before applying serums and creams. “The active ingredients in the spot treatment will generally be most effective when applied to clean skin,” says Dr.Nov 25, 2020
What is the correct order of skin care?
Daily skincare routine: What is the correct order?Step 1: Cleanser (A.M. and P.M.) ... Step 2: Toner (A.M. and/or P.M.) ... Step 3: Serums (A.M. and/or P.M.) ... Step 4: Eye Cream (A.M. and P.M.) ... Step 5: Spot Treatment (A.M. and P.M.) ... Step 6: Moisturiser (A.M. and P.M.) ... Step 7: Retinol (P.M.) ... Step 8: Face Oil (A.M. and/or P.M.)More items...•Jan 3, 2022
Can I use spot treatment everyday?
If pesky pimples are frequently the bane of your existence, then acne spot treatments are probably your go-to—and the good news is that you can use them as often as you wish. The top two acne-fighting ingredients in a spot treatment are benzoyl peroxide, which kills p.Jul 6, 2020
When should I start using an eye cream?
As for when to apply your eye cream: All of the derms Bustle spoke with agree that eye cream should be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. That's because moisturizers are designed to do just what their name suggests: moisturize.Feb 7, 2022
Is spot treatment necessary?
Spot treatments can be a helpful addition to your acne treatment routine. But you may be using them incorrectly and not even know it. Using them too often: Using any spot treatment product too often (and if you're using it more than twice a day, you're using it too often) will dry out the skin and can cause irritation.Sep 17, 2020
Do pimple patches work on unpopped pimples?
Bottom line: Acne patches really work. No, they won't get rid of your un-popped pimple overnight, and no, they also won't completely undo all the damage you inflicted during your skin-picking session.Sep 16, 2021
Is sudocrem good for spots?
Sudocrem is thought by many to be effective in the treatment of acne spots because of the zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol it contains. Zinc is an important nutrient your body needs to fight infection and inflammation.Apr 29, 2021
How to Use Spot Treatments Correctly
Acne spot treatments can be very useful in clearing up a breakout when used at the right stage of healing. When used too early, these treatments can actually impede the healing process by keeping the infection from breaking through the skin's barrier.
What to Look for in a Spot Treatment
Not all spot treatments work the same. It is common for spot treatments to contain drying ingredients meant to tighten and dry up the surface of the skin. Some of these ingredients include alcohol, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide.
How to prevent a spot from getting wiped?
Then, to prevent the treatment from getting wiped around your face, apply your moisturizer around the spots first. When your face is covered, tap a layer of moisturizer directly over the spot treatment to seal it in without sliding it around.
How long should I wait to use retinol after cleansing?
After cleansing, tap it over clean, dry skin every other night (or every other morning, if you plan to use a retinol at night), then wait a full five minutes —or, at the very least, until it dries—before applying anything else or you’ll accidentally neutralize the acids before the toner works its magic.
What should night moisturizer be filled with?
Gohara. “So your night moisturizer should be filled with all the things your body naturally produces and can use more of, like hyaluronic acid, lipids, and proteins .”.
How often should I use hydroquinone?
Niacinamide can be used daily—most formulas won’t cause irritation—but hydroquinone should be used every other day (or every three days) until you know how your skin responds to it.
Is toner a good first step in skincare?
Basically, think of toners like a sip of beer and serums like a straight shot of tequila. Although, once again, serums are totally optional, they’re often a good first step in leveling up your skincare routine. In the morning….
Can you use a toner on your face?
You can opt for a hydrating toner, which helps replenish any water your skin barrier lost when you washed and dried your face. After cleansing, tap one over your clean, dry skin every morning, every night, or both: “ There’s no such thing as too much moisture, regardless of your skin type ,” says Dr. Gohara.
Is eye cream necessary?
Still, even though eye creams seem like the be-all and end-all of skincare (and anti-aging), they’re honestly not necessary for most people. “As long as you’re using moisturizer and sunscreen, your eye area is already getting the TLC it needs,” says Dr. Gohara. But if you wanna try one out, here’s how to choose:
