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 pimple patches, small (often translucent) stickers that help flatten pimples in very little time. If you’ve ever seen them at the store and wondered “Do pimple patches work?” the answer is yes—depending on the type of blemish you’re dealing with. Typically, pimple patches are made out of hydrocolloid, a type of gel-forming material that helps absorb liquid. When you have a pimple that’s filled with fluid—like a whitehead or a pustule—placing a pimple patch on top of it can help suck out the gunk inside, in turn, shrinking the spot. They can also help prevent you from picking at your pimples, a bad habit that can lead to dark spots and scarring. Below, we’re sharing a look at some of our favorite patches that we’ve tried, from invisible options perfect for daytime wear to cute pimple patches that shrink spots and make a playful statement. Shop our must-haves ahead and learn how to use pimple patches in your skincare routine. When To Use a Pimple Patch Since hydrocolloid pimple patches are designed to help improve the look of blemishes by absorbing what’s inside them, they tend to work best on fluid-filled pimples, like papules, pustules, and cysts. Pimple patches containing ingredients other than hydrocolloid (hang tight for a look at some of our faves) may also be useful for managing blackheads or other skin concerns. All pimple patches, however, can be helpful for preventing picking. So if you’re someone who has trouble keeping their hands off when a breakout crops up, it may be a good idea to keep some stickers on hand. How Long Do You Leave a Pimple Patch On? Knowing how long to leave a pimple patch on is as important as choosing the right one for your needs. Generally speaking, you’ll want to wear a pimple patch for at least a few hours so it has time to absorb the fluid inside your pimple. However, the exact amount of time may vary depending on the type of patch you’re using. As such, it’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the packaging of any pimple patches you use to get the most out of them. Once your blemish clears, be sure to adopt a targeted skincare routine to help keep further breakouts at bay. If you need help on that front, here’s A Simple Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin Types. 11 Pimple Patches Our Editors Love Now that you’re caught up on how and when to use pimple patches, keep scrolling for a look at some of our favorites.
