Anyone who has had to deal with pesky breakouts will know how hard it is to shift spots. And while dealing with surface level skin issues might not sound like an overly dramatic problem in the grand scheme, it can play with how you feel about yourself, big time. As Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible tells WH: 'I regularly treat acne sufferers in my clinic, and for many women it can be a confidence-sapping condition.'
This is backed up by data. A recent survey carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists found that 54% of British adults who have experienced acne say it has had a negative impact on their self-esteem, while 22% feel it’s had a negative impact on their social interactions.
With so many acne-busting products available, it can be difficult to know where to start. And yet, a fresh slew of pimple patches, designed to target blemishes and clear them up, within 24 hours, are rapidly gaining skin saviour status. Sound too good to be true? We called upon Dr Mahto to find out whether acne patches are a helpful treatment or just beauty hype.
What are pimple patches?
'Acne-healing patches consist of small translucent stickers similar to plasters, which can be applied to a spot that's either forming under the skin or has formed a yellow or white head on the skin’s surface. The patches are a form of 'targeted' spot therapy, as treatment is confined to the affected area only,' explains Dr Mahto.
How do pimple patches work?
'They come in two varieties – those with and without active ingredients. Many of the patches available on the market simply consist of a hydrocolloid dressing which doesn’t contain any active ingredients but is able to draw fluid out from the spot once it has popped and dry it out quickly,' she adds.
'The second group of patches are also a hydrocollid dressing (a substance borrowed from surgical dressing that absorbs the bacteria and fluid in a spot) but additionally contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide and bakuchiol, which act to reduce redness and inflammation. Because of these ingredients, it is this group of patches that are more likely to be effective for treating the occasional acne spot,' clarifies Dr Mahto.
Do pimple patches really work?
'Pimple patches aren’t a cure for severe acne. However, they can be a useful quick fix for the occasional isolated spot,' adds Dr Mahto. And for anyone prone to maske along your jawline, these patches are brilliant first port of call.
'Pimple patches also have the added benefit of blocking you from picking or touching the active spot. This is really important as trying to squeeze the spot or constantly touching it increases the chance of infection, which slows down the healing process and can result in long-term scarring,' explains Dr Mahto.
'As well as this, they also offer effective obstruction to prevent the product or active ingredient accidentally being rubbed away from the skin surface. Therefore, a well-designed product with evidenced-based ingredients can have a number of benefits to the skin,' she adds.
Do acne patches work on cystic acne?
'Clearly, if acne is occurring frequently or there are a large number of active spots, then pimple patches are unlikely to be practical, and you’re better off seeking out cleansers or treatment serums that can be used on the entire face,' says Dr Mahto.
Her final thoughts? 'If spots or acne are an ongoing issue causing scarring or affecting your self-esteem, do not delay seeking professional help from your GP or a consultant dermatologist.'
What are the best pimple patches?
Below, are the WH-approved pimple patches for zapping spots
1. ZITSTICKA KILLA patch
Watch video A self-dissolving microdart patch for the early-stage zit
Formulated with salicylic acid and niacinamide, these patches are best for inflamed spots without much fluid within them. Your pimple should have shrunk within around six hours.
2. COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch
This patch is hydrocolloid based so is best for those who have a spot that has already popped as it will dry it out.
3. Sarah Chapman Skinesis Spot SOS Sticker
Infused with salicylic acid and backuchiol as well as nutrient-rich grape seed and soy oils to unclog pores and sooth the surrounding skin.
4. Star Face Hydro-Stars
Hydro-Stars pimple patches contain only hydrocolloid so help to flatten pimples by absorbing bacteria and fluid in the zit you're trying to get rid of. Plus they look cool AF.
5. Patchology Breakout Box
If your skin just isn't playing ball then this SOS box is for you. It contains 24 pimple-shrinking salicylic acid dots, 24 whitehead-absorbing hydrocolloid dots and 3 blackhead-eliminating nose strips.
6. Squish Flower Power Acne Patches
Created by model body positive activist and former WH cover star Charli Howard, Squish acne patches help to soothe and heal spots in the prettiest way we've seen yet.
Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER.
Perdita Nouril
Beauty Editor
Perdita Nouril is the Beauty Editor for Women’s Health UK. She has worked in the beauty industry for 15 years since graduating from the University of Nottingham. Adept at exploring the colossal world of beauty, she loves to scratch beneath the surface to debunk the myths, decode the science and challenge traditional notions of beauty. You can always find her preaching sermons on the power of a red lip, extolling the virtues of a decent serum and championing the very best female beauty founders.
You can find Perdita on Instagram on @perditanouril
