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Pimple patches erupted on the British beauty scene circa 2020, though there are claims hydrocolloid patches existed many decades prior.
The trending skincare product comes in a variety of sizes, colours, and shapes. Some may prefer clear stickers to place on any blemishes, while others may prefer a more playful skincare solution in the form of a smiley face, star or cake-shaped pimple patch, among other artsy designs.
The patches also come in different sizes to cover small pimples, as well as large boils and breakouts.
Pimple patches are infused with reparative ingredients. In most cases pimple patches have been made from hydrocolloid, which turns into a gel-like substance that seals the wound, or blemish, and pulls out the toxins contributing to the flare up. However, some pimple patches are infused with salicylic acid to naturally exfoliate the skin and remove impurities that cause breakouts, for a clearer complexion.
The beauty of pimple patches is they are easy to use, simply stick on the problem area, and leave it for a few hours to treat the blemish. You can wear them at any time of day, on bare skin, as well as under make-up, which is ideal for those who may be conscious of their breakout – though it’s natural and everyone has had a spot in their time.
The pimple patches are ideal for treating breakouts, covering up the redness or pus-filled boils, it also can encourage a spot that is brewing under the skin to come out and be gone quicker. Plus, it prevents people from picking or popping the spot, which only causes bacteria to spread on the breakout, which aggravates the area further.
Shop The Best Pimple Patches
Hero Mighty Pimple Patches Original
Hero Mighty Pimple Patches are a cult-favorite spot treatment designed to speed up the breakout treatment overnight. Each patch is made from medical-grade hydrocolloid, which works to absorb pus, oil, sebum and impurities, while creating a protective barrier against bacteria, and to prevent any temptations to pick at the spot.
The patches are ultra-thin, invisible, and UV sterilised for your safety, plus they have strong adhesive to stay put overnight.Dermatologist-approved, non-drying, free from harsh chemicals, and suitable for sensitive skin.
The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
Infused with hydrocolloid, salicylic and other pimple busting ingredients, these discrete patches promise to absorb excess fluid and grime in the pore, reduce redness and shrink the size of a spot in just four hours.
Each pack contains 22 patches in two different sizes, which helps to target various breakout areas. Designed to be ultra-thin and virtually undetectable, they blend seamlessly under make-up or can be worn overnight for uninterrupted healing. Free from fragrance, alcohol, and harsh ingredients, these dermatologist-tested patches are gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches + Compact
Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches inject a bit of fun on those breakout days with the statement zit covers.
Made with 100% hydrocolloid, these patches are dermatologist-approved, non-drying, and suitable for all skin types. The star-shaped patches are housed in a cute, refillable compact to help you conceal and treat your breakout on the go. Perfect for use overnight or during the day, these patches help you embrace your skin, while keeping pimples at bay.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
A skincare staple for tackling breakouts, the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch provides a fast and effective way to heal blemishes. Each patch is made with 100% hydrocolloid, which works to soak up excess oil, sebum, pus, and other impurities from the target area, treat the area, prevent further irritation and heal the sore spot.
With 24 patches in three different sizes, you can target everything from small whiteheads to larger inflamed spots. These K-beauty favorites are ultra-thin, adhere securely to the skin, and work best overnight to visibly reduce redness and swelling by morning.
Pixi Clarity Blemish Stickers with BHA Salicylic Acid Clarifying Patches
Pixi’s Clarity Blemish Stickers are infused with salicylic acid to help unclog pores, reduce redness, and speed up healing, as well as Cica and Green Tea to cleanse and calm inflamed skin.
Within each pack are 24 patches designed to blend seamlessly with your skin, making them perfect for both daytime and overnight use. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn breakout or want to stop a spot in its tracks, these dermatologist-tested stickers provide targeted treatment while preventing irritation.
P.Louise Bad Bitch Thats The Spot Pimple Patches
The P.Louise Bad Bitch That’s The Spot Pimple Patches bring a fun twist to blemish treatment with their stylish designs, similar to Starface. Infused with spot busting, and soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera extract, these patches promise to treat and calm breakouts, as well as reduce redness.
Shoppers can select from four sweet treat-themed designs, including cake, fizzy drinks and chocolate bars. Whether you’re wearing them overnight or rocking them throughout the day, these patches are a must-have for anyone who loves skincare but wants to show their fun personality too.
Mario Badescu Drying Patches
Take control of breakouts with the Mario Badescu Drying Patches, formulated with hydrocolloid, salicylic acid and niacinamide to fight blemishes by exfoliating and drying out any spots. The patches are also infused with vitamin C, which aims to brighten the skin, combat any redness or pigmentation left following a breakout.
One pack contains 60 ultra-thin patches, which are durable enough for overnight wear, and stay put under make-up.
PURIFIDE by Acnecide 3-in-1 Power Patch Salicylic Acid Spot Patches
Formulated with salicylic acid, Canadian willowherb and centella asiatica to actively fight breakouts. These multi-tasking patches don’t just absorb impurities, they calm inflammation, reduce redness and soothe any sore areas for clearer skin.
I have tried these and they are super easy to use, remain intact throughout the night, and peel off gently after use.Whether you’re dealing with a fresh breakout or a lingering spot, these patches provide a fast-acting solution that’s suitable for daily use on all skin types. They are not drying, or abrasive, which is ideal when treating fresh spots.
e.l.f. SKIN Blemish Breakthrough Stick It To Zits Pimple Patches
e.l.f. SKIN Blemish Breakthrough Stick It To Zits Pimple Patches are vegan, cruelty-free and gentle to use on all skin types. These clear hydrocolloid patches absorb excess oil and treat active breakouts.Not only are the stickers clear, but they are also lightweight on the skin.
ZitSticka Goo Getter Spot Clarifying Dots
Arguably the OG of pimple patches, ZitSticka’s Goo Geter Spot Clarifying Dots utilise hydrocolloid to target those late-blooming blemishes. The inclusion of salicylic acid and niacinamide work to exfoliate and cleanse the area of any impurities contributing to the breakout, while vitamin C brightens the area, and tea tree calms the problem zone.
With its combination of effective ingredients, it is no surprise these pimple patches have stood the test of time.
Dots for Spots Acne Patches
Dots for Spots is another leading brand to shop effective pimple patches.These stickers contain hydrocolloid, which extracts any pus or dirt from the pores that causes spots. The patch is invisible, but will turn more opaque as the gunk is pulled out of the target area.
The patch is super fine, but also features a tapered edge, which makes it easy to fix to the skin, and pull off again.This design also prevents the hydrocolloid centre from being tampered with, and helps the sticker to sit flush against your skin.
Garnier 8H Blemish Patches
Garnier 8H Blemish Patches are hydrocolloid patches designed to reduce the appearance of spots in just 8 hours. These patches form a protective seal over blemishes, absorbing oil and impurities to flatten and reduce their appearance quickly and effectively. They are translucent with ultra-thin edges, making them barely noticeable on all skin tones, and can even be worn under makeup.
Each pack contains patches in two sizes (10mm and 12mm) to tackle different blemishes, providing customized coverage. The patches are dermatologically tested, suitable for all skin types, and are both cruelty-free and vegan. To use them, simply apply the patch to clean, dry skin directly over the blemish and leave it on for 8 hours.
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