5 Acne Patches Worth Trying the Next Time You Break Out

Every once in a while, a beauty product comes out that forever changes the game, leaving you wondering how you ever survived without it. That sums up how we feel about acne patches, small (often translucent) stickers that help to bring your pimples to a head. Most pimple patches use hydrocolloid stickers (a dressing commonly used for addressing wounds) that contain salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients. When placed on top of a pimple, hydrocolloid works to extract impurities while creating a protective barrier to help guard against external irritants — like your own fingers. Protecting the pimple with a patch or sticker can also help to minimize scarring due to the reduced activity around the affected area.

According to Peace Out Skincare founder Enrico Frezza, the brand’s acne patches tend to be most effective once your pimple has come to a head and should be applied to your blemish then. One of the best things about acne patches is that you don’t have to adjust your skin-care routine to use them. According to Frezza, you can use patches wherever you need them, and you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. “Just pop a dot wherever you see a spot,” says Frezza, adding that it should be the last thing you do in your routine.

Now that you’re fully briefed on all things acne patches, we’ve rounded up a few standout options to add to your skin-care routine.

Peace Out Acne Healing Dots

Many acne patches are pure hydrocolloid, but Peace Out Acne Healing Dots takes it one step further by adding post-pimple ingredients like vitamin A and aloe vera to minimize breakouts overnight. They’re great for anyone who needs to see quick, effective results — blemishes can appear less red and irritated in as little as six hours.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch

There’s much to love about the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch — it only has one ingredient (hydrocolloid), and is available in a wide variety of sizes so you can tackle different sized breakouts with ease. One of its most popular offerings is the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+, which is just as effective as the original but has tapered edges and a clear matte finish to help the sticker appear melted into the skin.

CosRX Clear Fit Master Patch

The CosRX Clear Fit Master Patch acts as a protective cover that helps to protect acne from infection while encouraging skin hydration using a hydrocolloid patch. They’re also designed to reduce the appearance of blemishes, making them a great option for anyone who struggles with angry, red blemishes.

Zitsticka Killa Kit

Powered by microdart technology, the ZitSticka is designed for pimples that are on their way rather than ones that have already come to a head. Microneedles self-dissolve and flood your zit with targeted ingredients like salicylic acid, which stops the pimple in its tracks. For best results, try the two-step Killa Kit, which includes a Cleana swab to cleanse the area and a Killa sticker to fight your breakout.

Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clear Invisible Dots

Formulated with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clear Invisible Dots work overnight and throughout the day to target acne and blackheads. They’re also completely clear, allowing you to wear them no matter the time of day or occasion.

Read More

The 5 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Try

5 Pimple Creams Changing the Acne Game

This New Acne-Patch is Effective, Buzzy and Dare We Say, Trendy?