A pimple picker’s pick of patches
If you have a spot of bother with adult acne, there’s help to coverup, writes Liam Sharma.
The concept of a pimple patch is simple. You slap one over a blemish and a hydrocolloid elixir will work to help heal and flatten your spot.
I ama patch superfan and just writing the words ‘‘heal and flatten’’ sends shivers down my spine.
I use a patch once a day, and I have found there are many benefits to them if your spotty skin is a source of dismay.
They don’t leave your skin feeling dry or stripped, they’re long-lasting (they’ll stay stuck to your face for 6-8 hours usually), they are soothing, and they help reduce inflammation.
For the pimple pickers among you, myself included, they will ensure you can’t get your grubby mitts into the infected area. The worst thing you can do to your pimples is to pick at them and spread the bacteria.
I find pimple patches can reduce the chances of scarring. If you think about it, how many times have you popped a juicy mountain on your face and been left with a discoloured skin spot for weeks, if not months. I know, I do it all the time.
Pimples are a nuisance, but they are part and parcel of life. If I ever hear someone mutter that pimples are just for teenagers, Iwill politely ask them to explain my ‘‘neckne’’. Adult acne is very real.
I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite tried-and-true pimple patches. Your bumps will thank me later.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
($6 for 24 patches, from hikoco.co.nz)
This pimple patch is thick, which makes it easily recognisable in broad daylight, so it’s one reserved for bedtime use only.
Corsx doesn’t use the word ‘‘master’’ lightly.
This patch absorbed all my impurities overnight and left behind a residue of oil in the morning.
Mecca Max Spot Dots Busting Patches
($9 for 12 patches, from meccabeauty.co.nz)
These are my date patches. They are subtle and transparent. I apply them right before I slap on any of my glow products. I always put my patches on as dry skin as possible for maximum adhesiveness.
These patches instantaneously minimise redness and are perfect if you’re sensitive about your skin before a night out.
Although I wouldn’t say they are as purifying as other brands, they are unbeatable in terms of stickability.
There’s nothing worse than a patch popping off your face in the middle of a dinner conversation with your date.
Some By Mi Clear Spot
($9 for 19 patches, from hikoco.co.nz)
Of all the patches, these are my favourite. I scooped them up from New Zealand’s K-beauty heaven, Hikoco.
The hero ingredient is salicylic acid, which unclogs blocked pores, while eucalyptus and tea tree oil keep the infected area moist, helping to minimise scarring.
I don’t mind wearing these patches at any point of the day. They’re thin and tight, and the feeling of ripping one of these bad boys off after a long day is almost as satisfying as popping a zit.
Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots
($39 for 48 patches, from meccabeauty.co.nz)
The chameleon of the pimple patch industry, Skyn has created a discreet product that is almost invisible. They have a wide selection of blemish dot sizes and I go through these like candy. Always keep a few in your pocket.
Patchology Breakout Box
($35)
At first glance, the price might put off some eager patch users, but it’s actually excellent value for money. The Breakout Box is a patch user’s dream. The 3-in-1 blemish-fighting kit includes 24 salicylic dots 24 anti-blemish dots to keep infection at bay, and three detoxifying charcoal nose strips, because who doesn’t find ripping the blackheads right off your nose every so often satisfying. I love looking at what’s been extracted by the strip when it has been ripped off.
There you have it, who knew there were so many fantastic pimple patch options sitting right under our perfectly-stripped noses.
Next time you go in for the kill on your chin, or pop a spot on your nose, think about your poor skin and try a patch instead. You might just fall in love with them like I have.