10 Acne Patches to Try: From Medicated to Micro-Needle
Itโs such an โuh oh!โ moment when the night before a big day, your skin starts to itch, tingle, and, finally, produce a raised bump. A new pimple is born.
As you frantically Google a quick and effective overnight treatment, acne patches might be one of the first things you find.
But wait.
Before you jump on the acne patch wagon, itโs important to understand the different types. Each is targeted to treat different types of acne.
Most of these patches work by absorbing any excess fluid and removing any dirt and oil that may be causing surface-level acne. They can easily be added to a skin care routine โ just apply an acne patch to clean skin when you notice your pimple is showing a white or yellow head. When used correctly, they may help to speed up the recovery process and even prevent scarring.
However, when used incorrectly, youโll simply be flushing your money and time down the drain.
If youโre trying to figure out which acne patches are suitable for your acne, this article is for you.
Types of acne patches
There are a number of benefits to using acne patches, from keeping you from picking your acne and preventing further irritation to providing UV protection and aiding in the healing process.
Just like there areย different types of acne, there are different types of acne patches to treat them. Hereโs a brief breakdown of the types of acne patches and when to use them:
| Types of acne | Which patch to use |
|---|---|
| โข papules โข pustules โข nodular or cystic acne |
medicated |
| โข pimples โข whiteheads |
nonmedicated |
| โข deep nodular or cystic acne | microneedle |
Patches for active acne
Medicated acne patches are filled with active ingredients that help to kill the acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflammation. The patches enhance the absorption of the active ingredients into the skin.
They help to reduce bumps, pain, and redness and can be effective when treating inflamed acne, likeย papules. They may also help to reduce the size of lesions caused byย nodularย orย cysticย acne. The most common active ingredients of these patches are salicylic acid and tea tree oil.
Patches for healing acne
Nonmedicated acne patches are another name for hydrocolloid bandages, which are most commonly used for postsurgical wounds to help speed up the healing process.
Nonmedicated acne patches differ slightly in that theyโve been cut mostly in a circle shape to fit the size of pimples. Theyโre also incredibly thin, which means theyโre less noticeable if you decide to wear them out in public.
These patches work by:
- sucking out the moisture from your pores
- preventing another infection
- serving as a moisture barrier to help speed up recovery and prevent the formation ofย acne scars
Patches for cystic acne
Though the word โneedleโ may cause you some concern, worry not.ย Microneedle acne patchesย arenโt as scary as they sound, and they can be totally pain-free.
These patches contain dissolving microneedles โ very fine, tiny needles โ on one side and should be used to help treat cystic or nodular acne. The patches can help penetrate and deliver active ingredients to a deeper layer of the skin where itโs needed.
While their effectiveness may vary depending on the person and the depth of the acne lesion itself, it doesnโt hurt to give it a try.
How we chose
We chose acne patches based on their active ingredients, affordability, company reputation, and, most importantly, customer reviews.
We did our best to choose products in a budget-friendly price range. The good thing about acne patches is that they are relatively affordable, and often come in value packs that can last a long time.
A comparison of the best acne patches
| Patch | Main active ingredients | Type | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch | cellulose gum, styrene isoprene styrene block copolymer, polyisobutylene | hydrocolloid bandages | $ | stays on throughout a shower, fragrance-free, three patch sizes in each pack |
can get expensive, not individually wrapped |
| Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots | salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil | medicated | $$$ | moisturizing, comes with 72 acne patches, reports of visible improvement in 8 hours |
pricier than other comparable patches, some complaints that the dots donโt stay on very well, smaller than average |
| Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover | tea tree leaf oil, salicylic acid | medicated | $$$ | can cut large patches into smaller sizes depending on need, designed for sensitive skin, strong adhesive |
some complaints that it leaves behind sticky tape residue, some reviews that the patches are too thin, not the best patch for painful, cystic acne |
| Mighty Patch Original | hydrocolloid | hydrocolloid bandages | $ | UV sterilized, easy-peel perforated sheets, stays on throughout the night |
not recommended for cystic pimples or blackheads |
| Nexcare Acne Blemish Cover | hydrocolloid and ethylene oxide | hydrocolloid bandages | $ | latex-free, heavy-duty, transparent |
does not work for cystic acne, some complaints that the patches fall off, may be too small for some users |
| Acropass Trouble Cure | hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, tea tree leaf oil, niacinamide | microneedle | $$ | two-step treatment with potent ingredients, painless, faster than other standard pimple patches |
expensive, patches may be to be too small, may require multiple applications to see results |
| ZitSticka KILLA Kit | salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | microneedle | $$ | covers a large surface area, reports of drastic reduction in acne spots, waterproof |
some notes of too much packaging and plastic, slightly uncomfortable for some users, only part of the patch is medicated |
| Peace Out Acne Healing Dots | hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, aloe, retinol | hydrocolloid bandages | $$$ | time-released, soothes redness, reduces inflammation | only one size, pricey |
| Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch | hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, polypeptide | microneedle | $$ | hydrating, works for deep zits, helps prevent scarring | may be too small for some users, can get expensive |
| Starface Hydro-Stars | hydrocolloid | hydrocolloid bandages | $ | budget-friendly, fun to wear, helps prevent scarring | not the best patch for painful, cystic acne, may require multiple applications to see results |
Ingredients are everything when it comes to selecting an acne patch. We recommend looking out for hyaluronic acid or niacinamide for hydration and acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
Not all pimples are created equal so it depends on what you are trying to tackle as well. Medicated patches are great for active acne, whereas nonmedicated patches work to help speed up the healing process. If you have cystic acne, you may want to look for a microneedle patch, which is pain-free and helps get deeper into the skin.
If you have really sensitive skin, you may want to skip the medicated patch and opt for a basic hydrocolloid patch.
Tips for how to use an acne patch
- Make sure to clean your face and hands before you apply them.
- Pick the size that best fits the whole lesion in the center of the patch.
- Gently stick them on dry skin as the first step of your routine, especially for hydrocolloid patches.
- Let them sit for at most 24 hours or until the patches turn into an opaque color. When theyโve turned opaque, you know theyโve sucked out the debris from the pores.
Tips for how to use patches for active acne
- For this type of acne patch, youโre not restricted to put it on as the first step of your routine. You can put it on over other products, but just keep in mind that you want the active ingredients to absorb into the skin. So, put them on before an occlusive moisturizer, which helps prevents water loss.
- Look for words or phrases like โactive ingredients,โ โsalicylic acid,โ or โtea tree oil.โ
Tips for how to use patches for healing acne
- Itโs best to use these patches when your pimple is showing a white or yellow head.
- Look for the words โnonmedicatedโ or โhydrocolloid patchesโ on the packaging.
- Donโt apply the patches after toner, essences, or serum. This will reduce their effectiveness, and youโll waste your products.
Tips for how to use patches for cystic acne
- Just like nonmedicated acne patches, make sure to use these patches as the first step in your routine.
- Make sure not to touch the microneedle side while applying the patches. You donโt want more bacteria to get inside your skin.
When not to use acne patches
Although it sounds like a promising and potentially no-pain, risk-free acne treatment, acne patches may not work on all different types of acne. For example, acne patches may not work as effectively onย blackheads.
Hydrocolloid patches arenโt comparable to regular pore strips and may not be strong enough to remove the blackheads.
Acne patches also wonโt help solve the root cause of the acne itself.
If you donโt notice a difference after a few weeks of using acne patches, book a visit with a primary care doctor or dermatologist. They can help shed light on your particular skin condition or acne, as well as help you treat stubborn to severe acne.
Itโs also a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional if you develop nodules or cysts, or if your acne is deep, inflamed, and painful.
Frequently asked questions
Do dermatologists recommend pimple patches?
While pimple patches arenโt harmful, some dermatologists recommend trying out other things before using pimple patches because they donโt always work for all acne types. Moderate to severe acne likely needs other treatment.
What is the white stuff in pimple patches?
The white stuff is simply the hydrocolloid mixing with your skinโs moisture, as well as any pus and oils.
Can you put a pimple patch on a popped pimple?
Yes, but make sure to cleanse the spot before application. Most pimple patches only work on open pimples.
Takeaway
While acne patches can come in handy, itโs important to use them on the appropriate type of acne. One great method is to use acne patches when you need to quickly reduce the appearance on a special event or big day.
