The Mighty Patch is especially helpful if you’re prone to acne scarring, which can be tough to treat without the help of a dermatologist. “A bonus of this patch is that it helps to reduce acne scarring as well as getting rid of pimples,” says Dr. Engelman. Finally, they also have a matte finish, so they’re barely noticeable if you accidentally (or intentionally) wear them out. Yes, dermatologists are big fans of pimple patches. “These are one of my favorite additions to skincare over the past few years,” says Dr. Robinson. “I love them because they are therapeutic and have real impact on speeding up the healing of pimples.” We know that finding the right fit for your skin, a product that helps to zap away blemishes without making them red or dry, can be a bit of a task. We wanted to offer an all-new treatment that helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes whilst caring for the skin underneath. We searched far and wide for the perfect ingredient and discovered the very catchy SIG1459 or Disodium Tetramethylhexadecenylcysteine Formylprolinate. It is a proprietary isoprenylcysteine (IPC) molecule, which is nowhere near as scary as it sounds. Let us explain…

Remember that most if not all spot patches work best on freshly squeezed pimples, and sometimes on spots that have formed a whitehead. It is always best to apply them after your cleansing routine. You can apply the spot patch after or before moisturising, this all comes down to personal preference. IPC has been shown to have anti-bacterial activity against C. acnes, performing much better than other acne actives. C. acnes is a bacteria that is naturally part of the microbiome on the skin, and excessive levels are thought to contribute to the formation of blemishes and redness. In the lab, it was also shown to prevent the release of a certain receptor that causes inflammation in acne-prone skin that leads to redness, pore congestion, lipid oxidation and more spots. Now, which spot patches have piqued your interest? The ones listed here are all spot patches that work. However, your skin type, lifestyle and personal preference will largely impact which spot patches you like best. For example, if you are a daily make-up wearer with normal skin you may enjoy the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch. If you have sensitive skin, the Dots for Spots acne patches might suit your skin best.

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There’s a reason these acne dots are loved by dermatologists. For starters, “these patches contain salicylic acid, a well known ingredient to treat acne,” says Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a dermatologist in Miami. “In a study, users reported their acne was less red in six hours.” This brand has a cult following and for a good reason. This is the first skincare brand available at places such as Superdrug and Boots that sold skincare products with active ingredients at an affordable price. This spot patch is another NIP+FAB product that is inexpensive and has acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, which helps prevent future acne breakouts. This acne patch brand is very popular for a very good reason. Its cult following is due to it being a staple in a lot of people’s skincare routine, it simply works. This particular acne patch isn’t that different from the previous COSRX patches listed here.

Another classic with a cult following is these particular COSRX pimple patches. It is well-loved because this is one of those clear spot patches that is guaranteed to remove all the gunk from your spot and flatten it completely. These are also clear spot patches making them perfect to wear during the day. You can find these spot patches in most UK online retailers such as LOOKFANTASTIC or Beautybay. For in-store options, you’ll find these acne patches at Superdrug. This is where those active ingredients count. For starters, “hydrocolloid is commonly used in wound healing to promote healing,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It works by absorbing excess fluid in open acne lesions.” She’s also a fan of those that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, which can promote healing.Contrary to popular belief, the white stuff you find on a used pimple patch isn’t necessarily pus. Instead, “it’s hydrated hydrocolloid, which absorbs moisture surrounding the pimple to form this gel that creates an optimal healing environment,” says Dr. Robinson. “It’s smothering the lesion with ingredients that target the inflammation and bacteria — helping it to ‘dry out’ and heal faster.” Applying a spot patch after gently squeezing a pimple can be more effective and sanitary than leaving it exposed. It draws out impurities and protects the skin, reducing the risk of scarring. Some of the best patches are infused with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or a blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid.