Not one to let a spot ruin a perfectly good day, we put the latest zit-zapping treatments to the test and get the all-clear on perfect skin
1 Omnilux, from $90 for individual light treatments, 1800 808 993
What is it? Pure light penetrates the deepest layers of the skin to address specific problems. The red light targets uneven skin tone and fine lines; the blue light helps clear acne-causing bacteria and reduces excess sebum.
Treatments: One blue light and one red light session (on separate days) per week for four weeks, 30-45 minutes at a time, and then monthly maintenance appointments.
Our tester says: “Following the initial eight treatments, the outbreaks that consistently plagued my chin were drastically reduced. My face looked radiant and clear. There was no discomfort, irritation or redness after sessions, either.”
2 Advantage Pimple Control Kit, $27.99, by Clean & Clear, 1800 029 979
What is it? This four-step regimen – which includes a cleanser, toner, oil-free moisturiser and spot gel – promises to help break the acne cycle for clearer skin in one day.
Treatments: Morning and night.
Our tester says: “Like it claims on the packaging, I did see a visible difference after just 24 hours. It helped remove lumps and bumps and didn’t irritate my skin.”
3 Spot-Clear Gel, $19.95, by Dr Lewinn’s Medic, 1800 033 122
What is it? Benzoyl peroxide and kaolin clay work to dry breakouts quickly, while witch-hazel and willowherb help to soothe irritation.
Treatments: Apply as needed. Can be worn under make-up.
Our tester says: “Pimples dried out and retreated overnight, and after a couple of days, except for a little flaky skin, they were almost non-existent.”
4 Thalgodermyl Purifying Extracts, $71, by Thalgo, 02 9477 6900
What is it? A mixture of plant extracts and essential oils, this helps prevent the spread of bacteria and calms irritation.
Treatments: Apply as needed. The formula is oily at first but dries clear.
Our tester says: “I used this as soon as I felt a spot coming on and within 24 hours it was gone. But the eye-dropper applicator made things a bit tricky; I often had liquid dripping down my face.”
5 Drying Lotion, $48.95, by Mario Badescu at Kit Cosmetics, 1800 705 800
What is it? A combination of calamine and salicylic acid works to clear whiteheads rapidly.
Treatment: At night.
Our tester says: “There’s a reason this is a cult product – it really works. Other creams dry the shell of the pimple and not the stuff inside, but this purified the entire blemish. After the first night, any soreness disappeared and after three days, the spot was gone.”
6 Clearskin Professional Acne Treatment System, $40, by Avon, 1800 646 000.
What is it? The scrub, toner pads and lotion contain a range of ingredients, including glycolic and salicylic acid, to fight all stages of the acne cycle.
Treatment: Morning and night.
Our tester says: “This has helped reduce the severity of my occasional breakouts. I really like the scrub, which stings a little upon application but leaves my skin feeling clean without the tightness. I’ve cut back on the toner pads to three times a week – concentrating mainly on my T-zone – to avoid drying out my skin.”
7 Rapid Clear Spot Eliminating Gel, $13.99, by Neutrogena, 1800 678 380.
What is it? The highly-potent formula features MicroClear technology to help deliver key ingredients directly to the breakout source.
Treatment: As needed. Goes on clear and can be worn under make-up.
Our tester says: “I applied this once a day for one week and didn’t notice a significant reduction in spots. For the second week, I applied it twice per day and did see a reduction in pimples without my skin turning into a flaky mess.”