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Stop picking, speed up healing, and keep breakouts at bay.
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Acne patches are one of the most effective treatment solutions for getting rid of pesky breakouts.
They work as aspot treatmentthat zaps acne without drying or irritating the rest of the skin.
According to board-certified dermatologistDr.
PHOTO: Amazon
Sheilagh Maguiness, M.D., acne patches typically contain hydrocolloid gel, which is often used inwound care.
Hydrocolloid patches keep the spot moist to accelerate healing and protect it from external irritants.
In addition, board-certified dermatologistDr.
Less trauma to the skin equals less chance of acne scarring or discoloration, she adds.
It uses only one ingredientmedical grade, clinically tested hydrocolloidand it works like a dream.
Our tester applied the patches to her hormonal acne before bed, and they completely cleared out herwhiteheadsby morning.
PHOTO: Amazon
They are my new go-to whenever I have monthly hormonal acne.
Made from hydrocolloids to absorb gunk and facilitate speedy healing, they noticeably calm pimples overnight.
After using the patches for two nights, her breakout cleared without leaving any scarring.
Starface is known for instigating a pimple-positivity movement and making acne treatment fun and playful.
Amanda Rosenthal, writer:I found this to be great for any body acne I had.
I recently switched body washes, and my sensitive skin did not agree with it.
PHOTO: Solawave
I applied a patch to a breakout on my chest and found that it was gone within a day.
Instead, apply one of Good Molecules Pimple Patches to the area.
Made from hydrocolloids, they protect the skin, absorb fluid, and create the perfect conditions for healing.
Our tester says the patches helped flatten her whitehead, removing gunk and improving the appearance of her breakouts.
The downside is that many patches have a shiny, raised appearance thats hard to mask.
Jessica, tester:I loved that it was invisible.
PHOTO: Walgreens
I could wear it during the day, and I barely noticed it.
I wore this pimple patch under my makeup, and it worked well.
Infused with exfoliating salicylic acid and antimicrobialsuccinic acid, it unclogs pores, kills bacteria, and soothes inflammation.
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However, it wasnt quite as effective on her whiteheads, requiring several applications to completely remove the gunk.
Bianca, tester:It took the redness and pain out of my pimple and shrunk the size too.
This product was great for pimples still under the surface of the skin.
PHOTO: Amazon
It contains a total of 42 hydrocolloid patches divided into two sizes (10 millimeters and 14 millimeters).
EnJanaem, tester:Using the patches reduced the size of my breakouts.
Most of the time it would just take one night for the blemish to go away using the patches.
It never took more than two days/nights.
Our tester says the patches delivered on their promise of tackling cystic acne.
I didnt see gunk on the patch after each use but the pimple underneath was less inflamed.
PHOTO: Amazon
After analyzing their insights, we landed on our list of the best acne patches.
They typically contain hydrocolloid, which, as Dr. Wolinsky explains, speeds up healing.
“The added bonus is that they keep fingers off and prevent picking,” notes Dr. Maguiness.
Starting with freshly washed hands and clean, dry skin, carefully peel the patch off the sheet.
Leave it on for 12 to 24 hours or until it turns opaque.
Generally speaking, you’re free to use acne patches as often as needed.
PHOTO: Sephora
Shes contributed to Byrdie since 2023 and knows a thing or two about the acne-fighting ingredients to prioritize.
She sometimes deals with hormonal breakouts and turns to Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch to help soothe and heal them.
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PHOTO: Sephora
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