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11 best pimple patches to banish spots and heal inflammation
They're small, but mighty
Before the good ol' pimple patch, fighting a bout of spots involved a lot of picking, prodding and – I hate to say it – squeezing. But now, it's as simple as applying a treated sticker and getting on with your day.
Pimple patches work in a similar way to applying a plaster onto a cut. They provide a protective barrier over the spot to keep out bacteria – and to stop wandering fingers from touching – but will also treat the area with ingredients used to fight acne.
Originally rising to fame as a K-beauty trend, pimple patches now dominate our shelves with many brands to pick from. So, to help you find which sticker is best for you, Daniel Kaplan, co-founder and director of Zitsticka, explains how these game-changing patches work and how to use them.
Best pimple patches to tackle breakouts
How do pimple patches work?
‘Pimple patches adhere to the zit’s surface and either infiltrate the area with active ingredients or absorb the pimple itself,’ says Daniel.
If there is one thing to know about pimple patches, it’s that not all are created equal. The type of blemish you’re dealing with will determine what kind of patch you use.
‘Microneedle patches should be used on underground zits that haven’t come to the surface yet,’ says Daniel. These patches penetrate the brewing spot with acne-fighting ingredients to prevent it from fully forming.
According to Daniel, various ingredients can help with pimple resolution. ‘Salicylic acid is the best to help pore exfoliation, tea tree is a great antibacterial ingredient and niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties’, he says.
These high-potency actives – most of which will be found in your favourite acne cleanser – are injected directly into the heart of an early developer to attack and conquer.
‘If you’re working with a pimple that has a head and is ready to come out, use a hydrocolloid patch,’ advises Daniel. Designed for those later-date spots, this type of spot sticker will draw out the pus, oil and impurities trapped inside your pimple while helping to speed up the healing time.
So, now you’ve been suitably educated on the wonder that is the pimple patch, see below the best your money can buy to help banish those blemishes into oblivion.
The best pimple patches to try now…
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
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