I’m Officially Crowning These My Emotional Support Pimple Patches—8 I Reach for in a Panic
At present, I have a large, juicy pimple on my chin practically begging to be squeezed. Rather than succumb to the urge to poke and prod the spot (and likely extend its life cycle), I’ve decided to reach for an acne patch—or what I like to call my emotional support stickers—to cover up the blemish and keep my finicky fingers from making a mess of things.
Now, are acne patches essential must-buys for your skincare routine? Not really, but I’d be lying if I said they weren’t damn miraculous for flattening and shrinking my own spots. Of all the acne-fighting products I’ve tried, these humble stickers are at the top of my list when it comes to treating sudden breakouts. (Technically, most breakouts are unexpected, but zits just love pop up a the most inopportune times, dont they?)
That being said, I’ve tested more than few dots over the years, and I’ve officially crowned these eight my all-time favorites. Keep scrolling to discover the derm-backed, gunk-absorbing acne patches that actually, well… work.
The Best Acne Patches of 2024, Listed
- Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
- Best for Early-Stage Pimples: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
- Best Invisible: Seen Unseen Pimple Patch
- Best for Inflamed Acne: Starface Hydro-Star + Tea Tree Big Pack
- Best Aesthetic: SpaLife Pastries Party Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
- Best for Dark Spots: ZitSticka Hyperfade Acne Patches for Face
- Best With Salicylic Acid: The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
- Best Variety: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
The 8 Best Acne Patches of 2024
Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
Best for Early-Stage Pimples: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
Best Invisible: Seen Unseen Pimple Patch
Best for Inflamed Acne: Starface Hydro-Star + Tea Tree Big Pack
Best Aesthetic: SpaLife Pastries Party Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
Best for Dark Spots: ZitSticka Hyperfade Acne Patches for Face
Best With Salicylic Acid: The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
Best Variety: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
What to Look for in an Acne Patch
“A simple hydrocolloid pimple patch is sufficient, but there are several pimple patch products that contain other ingredients that target acne, like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil,” says Hogan. “Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation with these types of pimple patches. Other pimple patch products contain skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica [aka cica], which may be less irritating.
How to Apply an Acne Patch
Yes, it does take the right technique! As always, make sure your skin (and hands) are clean and dry before applying the patch, as the adhesive won’t work as well on damp areas. It might be tempting to squeeze the zit before applying the patch, but Hogan advises against this method. That fleeting moment of satisfaction isn’t worth the risk of scarring!
“Wearing the same pimple patch for too long is not advised. Six to 12 hours is appropriate, and I never recommend wearing a pimple patch longer than 24 hours,” she adds. “Many of the transparent pimple patches will become opaque when it is time for them to be removed.”
And of course, if you notice any irritation or are sensitive to latex (hydrocolloid dressings can cause reactions in people with this allergy), you might want to steer clear of acne patches altogether. “Irritation can lead to hyperpigmentation in certain skin tones, which can take far longer to resolve than the original pimple,” notes Hogan.
FAQ
Do acne patches actually work?
Yep, pimple patches actually work, assuming you use them correctly (which makes the instructions above all the more important to consider!).
“Pimple patches are made of an absorbent, waterproof material called hydrocolloid, which has been used for decades in medicine as a dressing for wounds. Hydrocolloid absorbs sebum and pus from pimples and provides a protective layer from bacteria and prying fingers,” Hogan explains. “This creates an optimal microenvironment for healing, so when the patch is removed, the pimple is less inflamed.”
They won’t magically zap a pimple overnight (don’t throw away your salicylic acid serums just yet!), but they are a fabulous addition to an acne-treating skincare routine. “They may be a helpful addition as a spot treatment for a large, inflamed pimple,” Hogan adds.
Do dermatologists recommend pimple patches?
Again, they aren’t a substitute for an acne-fighting skincare routine, but Hogan does personally does recommend pimple patches for certain patients. “Specifically patients who struggle to not pick at their acne lesions,” she explains.
See, these hydrocolloid patches don’t just suck up all the gunk from clogged pores; they also provide a physical barrier for poking and prodding fingers. Refraining from popping your zits—tempting as it might be!—will ultimately help the blemish heal faster.
Why do pimple patches turn white?
That’s the pus and oil absorbed from the pimple, turning the transparent patch opaque (a gross image, but also sort of neat, no?). When this happens, you’ll know it’s time to peel off the sticker.
Source: WhoWhatWear
