April 20, 2025, 9:02 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Acne and blemished skin are issues that affect many women, but not everyone wants or can tolerate heavy creams and ointments. The beauty gurus on the Internet now seem to have found a solution: Wound spray. But can such a spray really help with pimples? We asked the experts.
A wound spray is usually intended to care for minor skin injuries and support natural wound healing. Most of these sprays contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients to relieve inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. Zinc, in particular, is highly valued in skin care: it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and drying effects, which are properties that can also be beneficial for pimples.
Overview
“Zinc ointments? We love them! Zinc sprays? Why not! Especially if you don’t like ointments, it’s a great alternative! But make sure that it only contains water, zinc, and iron and that the spray is not a strong disinfectant!” recommends Leon, who is an expert and product developer for skincare as XSkincare on Instagram, on his account.
Wound Spray for Pimples? The Pros and Cons
The idea of using a wound spray against pimples sounds exciting: the spray could be easily applied to the skin and should be absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy feeling.
However, it is important that wound spray is only used for minor pimples or slight redness. It can help to calm the skin and soothe irritated areas, but is not a substitute for targeted acne treatment. As the skinfluencer said, pay attention to the ingredients and choose a product that doesn’t contain harsh disinfectants. Zinc, iron, and water—that’s enough!
Tips for Use and Skin Care
When using wound spray, you should ensure that the spray is not used too frequently as it can have a drying effect. Apply it to the affected areas as required, ideally after cleansing the face. It is best to combine the wound spray with a moisturizing serum and a nourishing cream to maintain a balanced complexion.
Leon from XSkincare reminds us: “Please don’t forget the serum and cream because it can have a drying effect.” A good moisturizer helps to avoid feelings of tightness and protects the skin from drying out.
Which Wound Spray Products Are Suitable?
Conveniently, drugstores such as DM and Rossmann also offer wound sprays from the same manufacturer. You can, therefore, choose the one that is easier for you to get hold of. These sprays usually have a simple formula without strong disinfectants, are gentle on the skin and contain the necessary minerals to soothe irritation.
What the Dermatologist Says About the Wound Spray Hype
“Wound sprays create a moist environment that promotes skin regeneration,” explains dermatologist and founder of Doctorderma, Dr. Christian Drerup, MD. “The antimicrobial ingredients contained in some wound sprays could help to inhibit bacterial growth and thus reduce inflammation.” While this usually aids in wound healing, it can also provide relief for individual inflammatory pimples.
Some ingredients in wound sprays can be particularly effective when it comes to soothing irritated skin. “Antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory ingredients such as panthenol or zinc are helpful for inflammatory pimples,” says the expert. “Among other things, panthenol has moisturizing and soothing properties that can have a beneficial effect on irritated skin. Zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes regeneration.” However, sprays containing alcohol or strong disinfectants can be problematic as they can dry out the skin.
Caution for Sensitive Skin or Neurodermatitis
However, caution is advised when using wound sprays regularly. “Regular use can dry out the skin. Dry skin can stimulate sebum production, which in turn could make acne worse,” warns the expert. “In addition, too frequent use of disinfectant ingredients can disrupt the natural skin microbiome, which could lead to further skin problems. A wound spray is useful for individual inflamed pimples that need to be cleaned and soothed. For small, open wounds or after squeezing out a pimple, a wound spray could promote healing,” says the expert. “For daily acne care, however, I would recommend products specially tailored to the needs of blemished skin.” These include products with salicylic acid that specifically target the causes of acne.
Some wound sprays are less suitable for sensitive skin types, especially if they contain alcohol or other irritating ingredients. “Wound sprays with alcohol or other irritating ingredients can be problematic for people with dry or sensitive skin,” says the expert. This is especially true for people who are prone to neurodermatitis or allergies.
Difference Between Wound Spray and Acne Products Explained
There is a clear difference between the effect of wound sprays and other acne products. “Wound sprays are primarily aimed at promoting the healing of open wounds and soothing inflamed areas. Acne medications, on the other hand, have a targeted effect against excessive sebum production, bacterial colonization or keratinization of the skin.” Targeted ingredients such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide are used here, which are more effective in preventing new pimples than wound sprays.
If you want to use wound spray against pimples, it should be used sparingly and in a targeted manner. “Only apply to inflamed or open pimples,” advises the dermatologist. “For large areas, I recommend applying additional serum or cream under the wound spray to prevent dehydration.” For severe inflammation, however, a proper acne treatment is often the better choice. “In such cases, antibiotics may be necessary.”
His conclusion: however, wound sprays are less suitable for improving the skin’s appearance in the long term. “Wound sprays are generally intended more for acute situations, such as soothing injured or irritated skin,” says the dermatologist. They are unsuitable for treating the causes of acne; long-term use can lead to acne marks or scars if treatment is delayed or not adapted.
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Wound Spray as a Practical Solution for Irritated Skin
Wound spray can be a good solution for small, inflamed areas of skin or razor bumps. The soothing ingredients help to reduce redness and irritation. They are a gentle alternative to classic creams or ointments. Ensure you select products with a few well-tolerated ingredients and combine the spray with your regular moisturizer for optimal results. Apply only to specific areas and avoid regular application over the entire face.