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Many companies manufacture acne patches they claim will reduce breakouts and inflammation. The patches come in different sizes, and most of them are suitable for all skin types and tones. A person can also purchase vegan-friendly options and products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
This article talks about acne, acne patches, and some products that are available for purchase online. It also explores other treatment options that may be helpful for people with acne.
Product list
- Best for salicylic acid content: Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
- Best for early pimples: Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover
- Best for hyaluronic acid: Acropass Trouble Cure
- Best microdart patch: ZitSticka KILLA Kit
- Best low-cost patches: Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch
- Best bulk buy: COSRX Acne Pimple Patch
- Best for use while sleeping: Mighty Patch Original
- Best for all skin tones: Avarelle Acne Pimple Patch
- Best for ingredients: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
- Best for clogged pores: Nexcare Acne Cover
Acne is a skin condition that develops when the skin’s pores become clogged. According to the
Numerous internal and external factors may increase a person’s chance of developing acne, including:
Some people buy acne patches to treat their skin. These patches are stickers that typically contain hydrocolloid gel — a wound-healing gel that can draw oil and dirt away from a pimple.
An individual sticks the patches onto their skin and leaves them there for a few hours. Sometimes, a person may apply them before going to bed, and some products are suitable for use during the day, as they are not noticeable.
Acne patches work on dry skin and open wounds. A person may notice after removing the sticker that the affected area is smaller and less inflamed.
Additionally, wearing the patches helps prevent people from touching their acne, which can make it worse. The patches also help prevent UVB light from reaching the skin. According to an
There are many acne patches on the market. Below are some options a person may consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All product information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publishing.
Best for salicylic acid content: Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
These acne patches contain 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps reduce the appearance of blemishes on the skin’s affected area.
Other ingredients include tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid to promote hydration.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Work on the face and body. | Some reviews state the patches do not stick well. |
| May treat cystic acne. | Some individuals may experience a skin rash. |
| May reduce skin sensitivity. | The patches are expensive. |
The Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots are available to purchase online for around $32 for a box of 72.
Best for early pimples: Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover
The main ingredients in these acne patches are tea tree oil, willow bark extract, and hyaluronic acid.
The patches may suit people of all skin types, including those who have cystic acne. They act as a protective barrier, keeping irritants and germs away from the skin.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The product should work on all skin types. | The patches reportedly have adhesion issues. |
| The patches are cruelty-free. | They are noticeable on the skin. |
| They are suitable for sensitive skin and should not cause irritation. |
The Miracle Patch is available to purchase online for around $36.99 for a box of 36.
Best for hyaluronic acid: Acropass Trouble Cure
The main ingredients in the Acropass Trouble Cure are hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and sodium hydroxide.
The product claims to help reduce acne, inflammation, and scarring.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The patches claim to penetrate deep into the skin. | Some reviews mention the patches did not work, other than to prevent touching. |
| They claim to prevent breakouts. | It may take a week or more to notice results. |
| They prevent a person from touching their skin. | More expensive than other options |
The Acropass Trouble Cure patches are available to purchase online for around $25.99 for nine acne patches, nine cleaning pads, and 15 daycare patches.
Best microdart patch: ZitSticka KILLA Kit
The main ingredients in these patches are salicylic acid and niacinamide.
These patches contain microdarts which may help target deeper pimples, and people can use them to soothe swelling and reduce pain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They suit those with hormonal acne. | They do not stick. |
| They work on inflamed acne. | They take a long time to work. |
| They are vegan friendly. | More expensive than other options. |
Individuals can purchase the ZitSticka KILLA Kit online for around $29 for eight patches and eight swabs.
Best low-cost patches: Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch
Rael’s Acne Pimple Healing Patches are hydrocolloid dressings. The patches provide invisible coverage, as they can blend in with all skin tones.
They also claim to be hypoallergenic, nondrying, and vegan friendly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They are cruelty-free. | They may increase redness. |
| They are easy to remove. | They may cause swelling. |
| They suit sensitive skin. |
The box contains 24 patches that come in two sizes: 10 millimeters (mm) and 12 mm. Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patches are available to purchase online for around $5.98.
Best bulk buy: COSRX Acne Pimple Patch
COSRX Acne Pimple Patches are hydrocolloid dressings. They are for oily, combination, sensitive, and dry skin types.
As the main ingredient is a hydrocolloid, the patch creates a moist environment to help the recovery process when a person sticks it to their skin.
The patches do not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, and they are cruelty-free.
Some advantages and disadvantages of the patches are:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They come in different sizes. | They can be visible if a person applies them underneath their makeup. |
| They may prevent scarring. | They may not adhere well to oily skin. |
| They work on cystic acne. |
A package of 4 boxes containing 24 COSRX Acne Pimple Patches each, totalling 96 patches, is available to purchase online for around $13.50.
Best for use while sleeping: Mighty Patch Original
The Mighty Patch Originals are hydrocolloid dressings that adhere to the skin. Individuals can put them in place before going to sleep.
They come with strong adhesion, so they are less likely to detach if an individual tosses and turns while they sleep.
Some advantages and disadvantages of the Mighty Patch Original are:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A person can use them while sleeping. | The patches may increase breakouts. |
| They are cruelty-free and vegan friendly. | They may leave a red mark on the skin. |
| They work on all skin types. | They may take more than 24 hours to work. |
The Mighty Patch Original is available to purchase online for around $12.99, and each box contains 36 dots that are 12 mm in size.
Best for all skin tones: Avarelle Acne Pimple Patch
The Avarelle Acne Pimple Patches are hydrocolloid dressings that also include tea tree oil, calendula oil, and cica.
Avarelle’s patches are vegan, cruelty-free, and unscented.
They have an easy-peel design, so a person can remove the tear-off strips without causing any wrinkling.
The patches also come in resealable packaging, so individuals can carry the patches with them wherever they go.
Some advantages and disadvantages include:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They work on pregnancy acne. | They may not reduce swelling. |
| They have an on-the-go design. | They may not adhere well to the skin. |
| They are not noticeable on the skin. | They may worsen already-irritated skin. |
A box of 40 Avarelle Acne Pimple Patches are available to purchase online for around $8.49.
Best for ingredients: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
The main ingredients in Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts are salicylic acid, tea tree oil, niacinamide, willow bark extract, and hyaluronic acid.
These Peach Slice patches are suitable for oily, combination, dry, and normal skin types.
In addition, the manufacturer claims the patches are cruelty-free and do not contain alcohol or harmful chemicals.
Some advantages and disadvantages of these patches are:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They contain no harmful chemicals. | They do not stick well. |
| They clear up deep pimples. | They may leave a scar on sensitive skin. |
| They can reduce redness. | They are visible if a person wears makeup. |
Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts are available to purchase online for around $8.99 and come in packs of nine.
Best for clogged pores: Nexcare Acne Cover
Nexcare Acne Covers are hydrocolloid dressings.
The patches come in two sizes, and they work by absorbing the oil present in clogged pores.
The company recommends a person avoid using this product if they are currently taking medication.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The patches stick well to the skin. | A person cannot use the patches with medicated products. |
| They are not visible. | Both sides of the patches are sticky. |
| They reduce the urge to touch pimples. |
A box of 36 Nexcare Acne Cover patches is available for purchase online for around $7.99.
| Price | Quantity | Main ingredients | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots | $32 | 72 | salicylic acid tea tree oil hyaluronic acid |
| Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover | $36.99 | 36 | tea tree oil willow bark extract hyaluronic acid |
| Acropass Trouble Cure | $25.99 | 9 | hyaluronic acid niacinamide sodium hydroxide |
| ZitSticka KILLA Kit | $29.00 | 8 | salicylic acid niacinamide |
| Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch | $5.98 | 24 | hydrocolloid |
| COSRX Acne Pimple Patch | $13.50 | 96 | hydrocolloid |
| Mighty Patch Original | $12.99 | 36 | hydrocolloid |
| Avarelle Acne Pimple Patch | $8.49 | 40 | tea tree oil calendula oil cica |
| Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts | $8.99 | 9 | salicylic acid tea tree oil hyaluronic acid willow bark extract niacinamide |
| Nexcare Acne Cover | $7.99 | 36 | hydrocolloid |
Before committing to a purchase, a person looking for acne patches should consider some features, such as:
- Skin tone: A person should check whether the patches are suitable for their skin tone. Some products can easily blend in with any skin tone, so they are unnoticeable when applied.
- Size and price: Some brands offer packages that contain patches of different sizes. A person should check how much the patches cost to ensure they align with their budget.
- Ingredients: It may benefit a person to choose an acne patch that contains hyaluronic acid, as according to a
2014 study , it can increase skin hydration.An older study also notes that tea tree oil can treat mild to moderate acne. Someingredients that can help decrease acne include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid, although some individuals may have an intolerance to these ingredients. - Adhesion: Individuals should buy patches that stick well to the skin, especially if they plan on applying them before going to sleep.
If a person is unsure whether they have acne, a doctor can help with the diagnosis. Some conditions, such as perioral dermatitis, which occurs around the nose, mouth, and chin, can resemble acne but would require different treatment. Certain acne treatments may make this condition worse.
People who have acne that does not improve with treatment or is causing scarring should also seek medical advice.
Those interested in using acne patches should also consult their doctor to determine which product suits their skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, doctors may prescribe some drugs to treat acne, such as:
- topical erythromycin and clindamycin combined with benzoyl peroxide
- retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene
- oral antibiotics, including minocycline, tetracycline, or doxycycline
- washes or lotions including sulfur or sulfacetamide
- salicylic acid
- topical azelaic acid
For more severe cases of acne, a doctor may prescribe Accutane, and for females with hormonal acne, they may also recommend hormonal medications.
A person may also opt for dermatological procedures such as:
- Steroid injection: This is a common treatment a doctor provides in their office. They will inject the steroid directly into an inflamed acne lesion to reduce the inflammation.
Phototherapy : This treatment is sometimes helpful when combined with prescription medications. It uses a variety of ultraviolet rays to reduce the number of bacteria that cause acne. Individuals who undergo this procedure experience minimal side effects, such as dry skin.- Dermal filler injections: A doctor typically uses this procedure in severe cases. A dermatologist injects dermal fillers beneath the skin to replace the natural collagen that the body has lost. Some people also decide to undergo this procedure to treat wrinkles and facial lines.
- Chemical peels: This is another approach a doctor will use for severe acne cases. Chemical peels remove the skin’s top layer to treat sun damage and improve skin texture.
The following are common questions and answers about acne patches:
Do dermatologists recommend pimple patches?
Though pimple patches are widely considered safe to use and potentially beneficial, a person should speak to a dermatologist to decide whether acne patches will help them.
Do pimple patches work on deep pimples?
Pimple patches may not benefit deep or ‘blind’ pimples that do not have a head. This is because the pimples are under the surface of the skin, while patches work on a surface levels. They work best for pimples with a head on the surface of the skin, such as blackheads or whiteheads.
However, people who want to avoid touching deep pimples may prefer to use patches as a deterent.
People with large, painful, or deep pimples may wish to see a dermatologist for treatment. For example, they may offer a steroid injection or other in-office procedures for severe deep pimples.
Acne patches are stickers that a person applies to their skin to reduce acne breakouts and inflammation and protect the skin from irritants.
Individuals can choose a product that is suitable for their skin type. However, it is best to consult a doctor before committing to a purchase, as some patches may cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin.