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These Pimple Patches Improve the Look of Breakouts Fast
Think of them as “Band-Aids with superpowers,” say dermatologists.
If you have acne-prone skin, then your skincare routine likely consists of some gold-standard acne fighters: salicylic acid serums, benzoyl peroxide cleansers, possibly a retinol treatment. Another worthy addition? Pimple patches. "They're like Band-Aids with superpowers," says Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cofounder of Skintensive. "The patches are typically made from a hydrocolloid dressing, which is a very soft and spongy material that forms a water-resistant protective layer over the skin. This prevents you from rubbing, picking, or scratching a pimple, causing irritation that can slow healing time and possibly lead to scarring," he says. It also stops you from introducing grime or germs.
Often pimple patches contain acne-fighting ingredients to help heal pimples faster. "They work by absorbing fluid or pus from the pimple, shrinking it in size, and decreasing inflammation," says Kiran Mian, DO, a medical and aesthetic dermatologist. For instance, some patches contain salicylic acid, which helps clear out the acne-causing debris stuck inside pores, explains Mian. Others contain niacinamide to help regulate sebum secretion and reduce swelling and redness, adds Mikailov. You can even find some patches with tiny micro darts that help drive ingredients deeper into the skin.
Bottom line: Pimple patches are a great way to help a breakout heal, but they don't treat the underlying condition."It's important to see your dermatologist if the breakouts are persistent," says Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Here, our favorite and dermatologist-recommended options.
Peace Out Skincare Acne Dots Hydrocolloid Anti-Acne Pimple Patches
Peace Out Skincare Acne Dots Hydrocolloid Anti-Acne Pimple Patches
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid and vitamin A
- Soothes inflammation
Cons
- Contains only one size
Made of hydrocolloid and infused with salicylic acid and vitamin A, these pimple patches work overtime to reduce inflammation and gently exfoliate the skin so your breakout is significantly reduced in appearance after six hours.
ZitSticka Killa Kit
ZitSticka Killa Kit
Pros
- Micro-dart technology delivers ingredients to skin
Cons
- It's a splurge
These patches are made for underground pimples that haven't come to a head yet. Each contains tiny micro darts to gently puncture the skin (it doesn't hurt, promise) and deposit hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide into the pimple, preventing it from fully forming.
Mario Badescu Drying Patch Blemish Covering
Mario Badescu Drying Patch Blemish Covering
Pros
- Brightening vitamin helps with scarring
- Thin material
Cons
- Contains only one size
If you're a fan of the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, you'll love the brand's acne patches. They contain exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and brightening vitamin C. They're also thin and barely noticeable.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid
- Not drying
Cons
- It's more expensive compared to other options
"For medicated patches, I like these because they have a good blend of salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid," says Mian. Each pack offers two sizes.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Pros
- Absorbs oil
Cons
- Contains only one size
Place one of these hydrocolloid patches on top of those ready-to-pop pimples, suggests Mikailov. It will absorb all the pus and oil, leaving you with a noticeably smaller-looking breakout.
Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Pimple Patches
Pros
- Affordable
- Soothing
Cons
- Contains only one size
Bhanusali recommends these non-medicated drugstore patches because they soothe and reduce the size of red, inflamed, and swollen pimples.
Starface World Hydro-Stars Big Yellow Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
Starface World Hydro-Stars Big Yellow Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
Pros
- Made to fit contours of face
Cons
- Bright and visible patch
These cute star-shaped hydrocolloid patches aren't just for looks. The unique shape is designed to better stay in place on the contours of your face, like near the lips.
Rael Miracle Pimple Patches
Pros
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's very sticky
Available in two sizes per pack, these pimple patches offer a quick and easy way to target blemishes. The patch has ultra-thin edges, so it stays secure and blends into the skin.
COSRX Acne Pimple Patch
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- Doesn't contain acne-fighting ingredients
"Hydrocolloid patches like this one will help to draw out moisture and speed healing, as well as prevent picking," says Mian. She likes these because they "stay on well, come in different sizes, and absorb moisture."
The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch
Pros
- Not drying
Cons
- Doesn't contain acne-fighting ingredients
These patches are another of Mikailov's recommendations because they protect your pimple and absorb excess oils without drying or irritating skin.
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok
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