A spot appears. Which ingredient do you reach for first?

What people grab when a single spot shows up varies wildly. These are the answers that come up most on skincare forums:

Salicylic acid (BHA): the most common first pick, because it targets oil inside pores
Benzoyl peroxide: especially popular on English-language forums
Azelaic acid: chosen by people who also care about the red marks left behind
Soothers like tea tree or centella: for calming things down without much sting
Nothing but a patch: the "don't touch it" camp

Each one suits different people, and stacking them can raise irritation. For acne that keeps coming back, a dermatologist is the quickest route.

Poll

What is your pick? Tell us why in the comments.