Best Pimple Patches That Actually Work: 5 Best Bets

The golden rule for treating acne is “Don’t pick,” but occasionally, common sense is rendered useless when dealing with a whitehead that seems to have its zip code. If you’ve broken the rule (and disregarded dermatologists’ advice) by handling the situation on your own, the result could be a bloody open wound oozing pus, oil, and even blood.

Enter pimple patches, also referred to as zit stickers, which might be able to help get rid of pimple. Dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD, explains what these over-the-counter spot treatments can and cannot do for your skin issues.

How do pimple patches work?

Pimple patches are tiny stickers created from hydrocolloid, a slightly gooey wound-healing material. They all work to speed up skin healing, even the larger varieties promoted as “blister bandages.”

According to Dr. Kassouf, “pimple patches operate by soaking up any drainage from the pimple and covering the wound to stop further damage to the spot, such as picking.” They function best on pustules, papules, and cysts that are open, draining, and mending.

You know that picking at your skin or pop zits is improper. An acne patch can be a helpful healer if you’ve already committed this skincare offense.

How to use Pimple patches

You might wish to apply your pimple patch before bed because most of them need to be worn for a few hours to work. Additionally, certain variations are made to blend in well enough to be worn during the day.

Make sure your skin is fully dry before putting on your pimple patch because moist skin will make the patches less adherent. Make sure to clean the area first before using any acne treatment if your just plucked pimple is bleeding or leaking.

Remember that pimple patches only function on open sores; apply one over your zit and leave it on for the specified time (which varies by-product). Your blemish might be smaller and less irritating when you pull it off.

Can pimple patches make acne worse?

Most people find that pimple patches are, at most, just ineffective. In other words, they won’t worsen your acne, but they won’t help. However, you might want to avoid using pimple patches if you have sensitive skin.

They utilize some glue to adhere to your skin, so if you have an allergy to adhesive or are sensitive to it, this could irritate the area around the lesion, according to Dr. Kassouf.

Additionally, some products use substances to dry out zits, like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which can dry or irritate delicate skin.

What pimple patches can’t do

Even though pimple patches work wonders on already present lesions, they have many drawbacks.

Dr. Kassouf adds that comedones, also known as blackheads and whiteheads, are not treated with pimple patches in any way. They cannot prevent acne from occurring or repair clogged pores or other factors that cause acne flare-ups; they are spot treatments for visible blemishes.

To put it another way, pimple patches won’t work if you have cystic acne, widespread breakouts, or other skin issues.

How To Choose An Acne Patch

Examining the ingredients is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing an acne patch. Suppose your skin is delicate or easily irritated. In that case, you may want to stay with a hydrocolloid patch as some of these patches contain chemicals like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and even vitamin A (retinol). then begin with this list that dermatologists suggest.

Check out the top 14 men’s acne patches specialists recommend to get rid of any zit issue.

Mighty Patch Original Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch Spot Treatment

According to Dr. Dhingra, this traditional hydrocolloid patch “does an excellent job of collecting all of the moisture, lessening some of the inflammation, and promoting healthy healing.” He further points out that the patches are thick and come in various sizes, some of which are large enough to “cover a bigger region so you can have a couple of breakouts all under one dressing.” For concentrated outbreaks on your body, there is an even bigger version.

CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch 4-Pack

For tiny, superficial zits, Dr. Weiss advises CosRX pimple patches, which come in various sizes in a single box. “These small hydrocolloid dressings do bring down a little of the inflammation in the skin if you leave them on overnight,” he claims. They also prevent you from picking. These delicate patches don’t include any additional active ingredients, making them perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Starface Hydro-Stars

These quirky star-shaped patches stand out in contrast to other pimple patches, designed to look as unnoticeable as possible. According to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, the yellow stars are amusing if you’re feeling cool with some face flair, and “they’re an effective way of keeping your hands off your face and allowing the skin underneath to heal optimally.”

KILLA Kit by ZitSticka, Pimple Patch, 8 Patches, and 8 Priming Swabs

These technological dots “employ microdart technology to assist transport salicylic acid into the skin,” according to Dr. Zeichner, if you’re not prone to irritation and want something a little more than just a hydrocolloid patch. It aids in drying out the pores by removing extra oil. In addition to delivering the moisturizing hyaluronic acid and the drying component below the skin’s surface, the microdarts disintegrate once they are pushed into the skin.

Welly Bandages Face Savers Hydrocolloid Clear Spot Bandages

However, acne patches aren’t all that different from Welly’s current adhesive bandages. Like other acne patches, these hydrocolloid patches help gently remove dirt and oil from your pores and pimples. However, like other acne patches, the true benefit is that the barrier keeps you from picking or scratching your pimple, which would only aggravate it.