Some folks are blessed with perfect skin, no matter what they eat or slather on their faces. But for the acne-prone people who keep seeing the return of blemishes, it can be embarrassing and absolutely annoying.
To make matters worse, we’re often tempted to pop them before they’re ready, leaving stubborn scars on our face when the damage is done. Lucky for us, there’s a simple solution to this painful ordeal, which can help heal pimples and prevent us from clawing at our faces.
Meet the small but mighty acne patch.
How do acne patches work?
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You’ve heard of acne creams and acne treatment gels, but have you heard of acne patches? Before you start adding them to your cart, it’s important for you to understand how acne patches work and the types that are available in the market.
Acne patches, also known as pimple patches, are typically made of hydrocolloid, which is an occlusive, waterproof material that is generally used for wounds with low amounts of drainage.
An acne patch that’s made of hydrocolloid is able to draw out pus and sebum from pimples without drying them out. This protects the pimple from bacteria as it absorbs toxins. It’s also ideal for those who can’t stop picking at their skin, preventing possible scarring.
The two types of acne patches
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There are two types of acne patches: medicated and non-medicated. A medicated acne patch is usually filled with active ingredients to help kill the bacteria that cause acne as well as help soothe inflammation, such as tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and centella asiatica. Medicated acne patches help to reduce redness, pain, and bumps.
A non-medicated acne patch, on the other hand, is only made of hydrocolloid sans active ingredients. They speed up the healing process by soaking up fluid from the pimples to prevent infection and acne scars.
How to make an acne patch more effective
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First, you have to make sure your face and hands are clean before applying the patches. After you’ve cleansed your skin, stick one of these patches on the affected area, and make sure your skin is completely dry. Do not stick these patches on after you’ve applied your skincare products, as it can reduce their adhesive properties and effectiveness.
Leave them to sit on your skin for a few hours (a maximum of 24 hours) or until the patches turn cloudy. This means they’ve absorbed the pus and dirt from the pimples.
Ready to try some acne patches? Here are the best acne patch products that can help get rid of blemishes.
Best acne patch products
Innisfree Bija Trouble Focusing Patch
If you have cystic or hormonal acne, the Innisfree Bija Trouble Focusing Patch is one of the best acne patches that can help accelerate the healing process. Each acne patch contains active ingredients, such as bija oil and salicylic acid to fight acne-causing bacteria.
Apart from that, these patches have a Micro Essence Chip that delivers the active ingredients into the skin using microneedles. If you’re squeamish about needles, fret not. These microneedles are extremely tiny needles that can dissolve on the skin and they’re pain-free!
Note: Try not to touch the microneedle side when you apply them. You don’t want bacteria to get on your skin and cause more infection.
Innisfree Bija Trouble Focusing Patch (9 patches) retails for RM19 at Lazada.
OXY Acne Patch 0.03cm
OXY’s Acne Patch helps to retain your skin’s optimal moisture and prevents the formation of blemishes. These pimple patches contain Chlorhexidine Acetate, which has antibacterial properties that can help fight acne.
Besides that, it helps absorb pus as well as oil from pimples, speeding up recovery. Since it’s 0.03cm thin, they’re practically invisible, so you don’t have to worry about using them when you’re out and about!
OXY Acne Patch (26 pieces) retails for RM13.70 at Shopee.
Derma Angel Acne Patch Day 9’s & Night
Dermal Angel Acne Patch comes in nine day patches and nine night patches, which are clear and ultra-thin to fit every pimple well. They work by absorbing pus and acts as a protective layer to prevent any bacterial infection.
It’s also super thin, which makes them look invisible and can be applied under your makeup too. Don’t forget to leave it on for a maximum of 12 hours and replace them frequently.
Dermal Angel Acne Patch Day 9’s & Night retails for RM12.50 at Lazada.
Nexcare Acne Patch
Nexcare Acne Patch is a non-medicated hydrocolloid patch that absorbs pus and sebum from pimples. This helps the wound to heal quickly, speeding up its healing time for clear, blemish-free skin.
Nexcare Acne Patch (36 pcs) retails for RM12.83 at Watsons.
CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
A cult classic, CosRX’s Acne Pimple Master Patch is adored by many because of how effective it is. The pimple patches come in three different sizes, so you can find the right fit for your zits. Among the glowing reviews are those who call this acne patch their “lifesaver”.
CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 patches) retails for RM9.90 at Lazada.
Some By Mi Clear Spot Patch
Also made of hydrocolloid, the Some By Mi Clear Spot Patch helps to absorb excess fluid and helps your skin to breathe. Plus, it’s also waterproof!
These acne patches are loved for how quick they’re able to remove pus from blemishes. Reviewers also say that they adhere to the skin without being too difficult to remove after.
Some By Mi Clear Spot Patch (18 pcs) retails for RM15 at Threebs.
Peaches Acne Patch Day & Night
If you prefer acne patches that come in adorable designs, try these ones for size. The Peaches Acne Patch Day & Night sport cute peach patterns that turn your pimples into cute spots.
Of course, it does a good job at absorbing pus to flatten out your pimples. They come in six day and six night patches.
Peaches Acne Patch Day & Night (12 pcs) retails for RM6.50 at Shopee.
Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success Minimizing Patches
These are called Overnight Success Minimizing Patches for a good reason. You can get your beauty sleep and leave it to these patches to work their magic.
Infused with tea tree extract and soothing grapeseed, you’ll wake up with smaller blemishes that are less inflamed. All you need to do is apply them on before you sleep and leave them on overnight. Gently peel them off in the morning.
Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success Minimizing Patches (84’s) retails for RM29.90 at Shopee.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
The Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots are infused with salicylic acid, which works day and night to gently exfoliate and reduce inflammation. These patches will prevent and protect your skin from acne as they hydrate your skin, and they come in two different sizes.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots retails for RM159 at Sephora.
Sephora Collection Anti-Blemish Patches
Sephora Collection’s Anti-Blemish Patches are infused with salicylic acid and green tea extract to combat acne-causing bacteria and soothe the skin. These stickers come in clear or decorative, so you can decide when you want to be a little flashier. You’ll want to wear them even when you’re not breaking out.
Sephora Collection Anti-Blemish (12 patches) retails for RM16 at Sephora.
ZitSticka Killa Acne Spot & Blemish Clarifying Patch
ZitSticka’s Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit contains eight spot patches and eight cleansing wipes to keep blemishes at bay. Each pimple patch has tiny micro-darts that deliver salicylic acid and tea tree oil deep within the zit, so it works faster and more effectively. These patches also contain sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide to hydrate and calm the skin.
ZitSticka Killa Acne Spot & Blemish Clarifying Patch (8 patches, 8 swabs) retails for RM180 at Lazada.
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
These pimple patches from Peace Out contain salicylic acid to reduce inflammation in blemishes. Vitamin A helps to promote clear skin while aloe vera soothes and reduces redness. These patches are great for all skin types – even for those with sensitive skin.
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots (20/40 dots) retails for RM135-RM195 at Shopee.
Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots with Salicylic Acid
Wake up with clear skin in the morning with Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots. These acne patches contain salicylic acid and other active ingredients that effectively clear up blemishes within hours. They work together to rapidly shrink blemishes, reduce inflammation, as well as soothe irritation.
One of the best acne patches on the market, these patches also contain antibacterial properties like tea tree extract to curb the spread of bacteria. They are clear too., which makes them look invisible.
Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots with Salicylic Acid retails for RM100 at Sephora.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
An acne patch that works magically overnight, these pimple patches from Hero Cosmetics do wonders for the skin. They extract pimples and sop up pus without you having to pop them. Plus, they’re suitable for all skin types!
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original (36 patches) retails at RM123.26 at Perfumestore.my.
Olive Young Care Plus Scar Cover Spot Patch
Made in South Korea, these pimple patches shrink pimples and are effective in healing pimples fast. They offer strong adhesion, which protects your pimples from the external environment.
Besides that, these hydrocolloid patches extract pus and fluid from blemishes to speed up your skin’s healing process. They’re suitable for all skin types.
Olive Young Care Plus Scar Cover Spot Patch (102 pcs) retails for RM26.97 at Shopee.
Dr.Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement Spot Patch Kit
This Spot Patch Kit from Dr.Jart+ has a two step process that takes care of stubborn acne, no matter which stage they’re at. The kit contains 36 cover patches and 30 soothing patches.
First, use the cover patch that contains tea tree oil and ceramide to soothe irritated skin and inflamed spots. Once your blemishes have flattened, reach for the soothing patch, which contains centella asiatica extract to protect wounds and promote healing.
Dr.Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement Spot Patch Kit (66 pcs) retails for RM44 at Hermo.
