When a pimple erupts, we usually reach for zit cream. While there are lots of effective acne treatments, there’s a more targeted treatment option. We’re talking about pimple patches.
Pimple patches may look like small bandages, but they do so much more than cover up a whitehead. These adhesive stickers are hydrocolloid dressings, similar to those used to treat wounds. They are ideal for draining all the gunk out of a pimple without irritating or drying skin. Many are also coated with acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. As no two pimples are the same, brands have started to offer pimple patches in different sizes to treat everything from tiny eruptions to full-blown zits.
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Pimple patches are usually applied after cleansing and before bed so they can work their magic while you sleep. But some are invisible enough to be worn during the day. No matter when the acne sticker is applied, it will help improve blemishes because it keeps acne-fighting ingredients pressed into skin. Medical esthetician Jordana Mattioli says this increases the efficacy of the treatment so we see results faster.
Unlike some drippy acne creams that can stain and discolor clothes, pimple patches keep the medication under the protective sticker. And since the treatment is applied only where needed, it’s less likely to cause irritation. You’re also less inclined to pick at your pimple when it’s covered up by a patch.
Intrigued? Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the best pimple patches that help heal zits STAT.
Pimple Patches That Will Help Heal Zits Overnight
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Acropass
Trouble Cure, $18 at Soko Glam
Tackle hormonal and cystic acne with this two-step treatment. Start by using the salicylic acid and tea tree leaf oil-soaked pad. Then follow up with a pimple patch. The aforementioned patch uses innovative microneedle technology to infuse skin with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and oligopeptide-76. Wear overnight for clear results in the morning.
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COSRX
Master Patch Intensive, $11.95 at Amazon
What makes these pimple patches different? Their oval shape and ultra-thin tapered edges. Their formula features 100 percent A.D.F hydrocolloid and tea tree oil to soothe and relieve redness. You’ll notice a difference after six hours.
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Peace Out Skincare
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, $19 at Peace Out Skincare
Say "peace out" to annoying pimples with these acne-healing stickers. The treatment combines hydrocolloid technology with active anti-acne ingredients to reduce zits overnight. Stick a patch on whiteheads, inflamed pimples and even hormonal acne.
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Peter Thomas Roth
Acne-Clear Invisible Dots Blemish Treatment, $32 at Nordstrom
Got a spot? Put a patch on it. The clear patches are meant to be applied over zits to minimize the spread of bacteria and to heal that inflamed blemish thanks to a clarifying combination of tea tree oil and salicylic acid. Plus, they stop grubby fingers from picking.
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ZitSticka
KILLA Kit 8 Pack, $29 at Ulta Beauty
Boasting microdart technology, these tiny dots self-dissolve flooding the epicenter of your early-stage zit with targeted ingredients. The key is to prime the pimple with the included CLEANA cleansing swabs. After prepping, simply apply a patch to the problem area and the patch will dissolve in two hours.
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Missha
Speedy Solution Anti Trouble Patch Set, $4.90 at Missha
When a zit pops up, we want the speediest treatment possible. These fast-acting patches help treat breakouts quickly thanks to salicylic acid and tea tree oil. They come in multiple sizes to fit whiteheads and those honking pimples that pop up around our periods. Try applying a sticker during the day instead of regular zit cream. The invisible design can be applied before makeup.
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Skyn Iceland
Blemish Dots With Salicylic Acid, $22 at Ulta Beauty
Simply peel a patch off the sheet and apply the gel side to the spot. The salicylic acid formula treats active blemishes as well as ones that we can feel starting to sprout beneath skin's surface. The multitasking patches also absorb excess oil and soothe irritation. Apply a see-through sticker before bed and wake up to clearer skin.
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Peach Slices
Acne Spot Dots, $4.49 at Peach & Lily
Acne Spot Dots may be a cute name, but know that these pimple dots mean serious business when it comes to clearing skin. Choose the appropriate size patch from the three different sizes, then apply it over the breakout. The hydrocolloid sticker reduces inflammation and helps make zits look visibly smaller in less than one day. The versatile patches can be worn day or night with or without makeup.
