How To Choose An Acne Patch ?
The most important thing to consider when deciding which acne patch to use is to look at the ingredients. Some of these patches contain ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and even vitamin A (retinol), so if your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation, you may want to stick to a straight-up hydrocolloid patch. Then start with this dermatologist-recommended list.
Check out the 14 best acne patches for men to get rid of any pimple problem, according to experts.
Mighty Patch Original Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch Spot Treatment
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This classic hydrocolloid patch “does a great job absorbing all of that moisture, decreasing some of the inflammation, and promotes good healing,” says Dr. Dhingra. The patches are thick and come in a variety of sizes, some big enough to “cover a wider surface so you can get a couple breakouts all under one dressing,” he also notes. There’s an even a larger version that’s ideal for clustered breakouts on your body.
BEST KOREAN ACNE PATCH
CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch 4-Pack
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Dr. Weiss recommends CosRX pimple patches, which come in a variety of sizes in one pack, for smaller, superficial zits. “They keep you from picking and if you leave them on overnight, these little hydrocolloid dressings do bring down a little of the inflammation in the skin,” he says. These patches are gentle and don’t contain any extra active ingredients, which makes them ideal of those with sensitive skin.
BEST ACNE STICKERS
Starface Hydro-Stars
STARFACE.WORLD
Most pimple patches are made to look as invisible as possible, but these kitchy star-shaped patches are meant to stand out. The yellow stars are fun 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,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology, at Mount Sinai Hospital.
KILLA Kit by ZitSticka, Pimple Patch, 8 Patches and 8 Priming Swabs
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If you’re not prone to irritation and want something a little more than just a hydrocolloid patch, these techy dots “use microdart technology to help deliver salicylic acid into the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It helps remove excess oil to dry out the pores.” The microdarts dissolve once they’re pushed into skin and deliver the drying ingredient as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid below the surface.
Welly Bandages Face Savers Hydrocolloid Clear Spot Bandages
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Welly might best known for modern adhesive bandages, but acne patches aren’t that different. These hydrocolloid patches help suck out gunk from your pores and pimples to gently clear them out, but like other acne patches, the real draw is that the protective layer prevents you from picking or scratching your pimple, which would only make it worse.
Patchology Breakout Box Blemish Treatment
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Not all pimples are the same, so why should you use the same acne patches for all of them? This innovative set is like a Swiss army knife for your face. There are blemish-shrinking dots with salicylic acid to unclog pores, whitehead-absorbing hydrocolloid dots that suck out gunk without popping, and even nose strips to help remove blackheads. It’s a go-to, no matter what your acne needs are.
Peace Out Microneedling Dark Spot Brightening Dots
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Even after zits are long gone, dark spots, which is called hyperpigmentation, can stick around for a long time…like, a really long time. These patches won’t help with the pimple itself, but they will help get rid of those dark spots, thanks to the combination of niacinamide and tranexamic acid, both of which help fade those spots for good.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots Blemish Treatment
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The best thing about these patches is that they’re super thin and sort of clear, says Dr. Rabach, which makes them ideal if you’re going to wear them during the day but don’t want to advertise you’re wearing a pimple patch. They also contain salicylic acid, “so it’s sort of a double treatment,” she says.
Nexcare Acne Cover, Invisible, Drug Free, 36 Count
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There are no added ingredients in these budget-friendly patches, just straight up hydrocolloid. They’re a perfect option for anyone with super sensitive skin or wants to just remove built-up oil and moisture, without adding anything to skin that has the potential to irritate.
Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches, 40 Count
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“These patches are great for people looking for natural ingredients,” says Dr. Zeichner. “They combine tea tree oil and witch hazel to calm inflammation and dry out the pimple itself.” While these natural ingredients are still “active” and could potentially cause irritation, these are good for someone who wants a bit more than just hydrocolloid but doesn’t want to get into harsher salicylic acids quite yet.
Acropass Trouble Cure Instant Acne Pimple Patch
These two-step patches are the complete package and are ideal for stubborn acne and even cysts. “They have salicylic acid and tea tree oil that you wipe on first,” says Dr. Weiss, before applying the patches that also use dissolving microdot technology to delivery ingredients below the skin. They’re multiple acne-fighting treatments in one and work incredibly well.