Spot, Begone: The Best Pimple Patches in Australia
Do pimple patches actually work? We asked an expert for advice on how best to rid our faces of the pesky pimples that always seem to pop up at the worst possible time.
Picture this: you're counting down to a big event, only to wake with an enormous new pimple that has decided to take up residence smack bang in the middle of your forehead.
Cue the panic. Do you pop it? Do you leave it be? Or, do you try a pimple patch?
Pimple patches are certainly having a moment - but do pimple patches even work?
We spoke to Dr. Ginny Mansburg, GP and co-founder of Evidence Skincare E.S.K about pimple patches — from whether or not they work, what pimple patches are made from and if they're worth your precious coin or not.
Plus, a round-up of the best pimple patch brands in Australia to help get rid of an unwanted face friend.
What are Pimple Patches?
"They are small adhesive (stick-on) patches that can be placed directly on top of pimples or blemishes in an effort to eradicate them ASAP," Dr. Ginni Mansfield explains.
"Most pimple patches are designed to help reduce and hopefully clear specific early-stage pimples but they don’t treat the underlying cause of acne. Which, if left untreated, will come back.
"Some pimple patches are made with hydrocolloid, a gel-like material that can absorb liquids, and also protect the skin to allow some time for healing there is some suggestion that they are effective only on 'open' pimples (ie. blackheads and picked or popped pimples).
"The other type of acne patch is made of dissolving microneedles. These patches will have lots of tiny needles, usually made from hyaluronic acid) which occurs naturally in the skin). The needles penetrate the outer layer of the skin and then begin to dissolve. These needles will usually contain some acne-fighting ingredients in their tips and when the needle starts to dissolve, the active ingredients are released below the outer layer of the skin and help clear up the pimple."
Do Pimple Patches Work?
"The short answer here is we are pretty sure — but more studies would be nice!" Dr. Mansfield admits.
"There is emerging evidence for both types of patches. But they certainly don’t make pimples disappear for everyone and particularly large and often red and painful cystic acne can be resistant to patches, even those with microneedles."
"Pimple patches can be a good solution to get rid of superficial pimples quickly and reduce the redness and shininess of these pimples so they’re much less obvious."
When Should I Pop My Pimple?
To pop or not to pop, that is the question. Dr. Mansfield says you can sometimes squeeze a pimple to help heal it, but there are rules to follow.
"If your blackhead, whitehead, or pustule (pimple filled with puss) is not hurting or inflamed, and you don’t have a microneedle patch to hand, you can squeeze them," she says.
"But be careful. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands and use a blackhead extractor, gently. If it doesn’t work straight away, abandon ship."
What Are The Best Pimple Patches in Australia?
We've scoured the market for the best pimple patches in Australia to buy right now.
Read on for our picks of the best pimple patches to kiss unwanted spots goodbye, stat.
E.S.K. Spotless: Microneedle Patches, $44
E.S.K's Spotless: Microneedle Patches banish and fade early-stage pimples with 300 dissolving Hyaluronic Acid microneedles tipped with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin B3, Tea Tree Oil and Green Tea.
tbh. Patch it Up - Everyday Pimple Patches, $19.95
These pimple patches - in multiple sizes - are a secret weapon when it comes to fighting unwanted pimples. The thin, transparent patches are infused with powerful ingredients like tea tree oil, niacinamide and salicylic acid, which work together to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process.
Skin Control Pimple Patch Party Pack, $9
Who says pimple patches can't be fun? Swap a slumber party face mask for a few pimple patches in cheeky and colourful designs, like hearts, flowers, stars, kisses and rainbows. The Skin Control Pimple Patch Party Pack takes skincare and makes it cute.
Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots, $53
These Acne Healing Dots are the only patented acne patch that combines clean hydrocolloid polymer technology and actives to minimise the look of pimples overnight. Loaded with salicylic acid, retinol and soothing aloe vera, spots will look and feel significantly less annoying...so you can truly peace out.
MECCA MAX SPOT DOTS Blemish Busting Patches, $26
Clear, individual blemish stickers from MECCA MAX, these pimple patches are infused with skin-protecting ingredients to keep pimples at bay. Protecting skin and absorbing excess moisture with minimal fuss (and scarring), these patches are the secret to party-perfect skin.
Patchology Breakout Box, $30
Arguably the beauty patch experts (it's all in the name, really), this Breakout Box is a three-in-one acne-fighting kit. With two different types of pimple patches and three effective pore-clearing strips, the kit will leave you with refined, breakout-free skin.
Liked our picks of the best pimple patches in Australia and want to keep the skin inspo going? Have a read of our best sunscreens in Australia to keep your skin protected and youthful. Then have a look at our round-up of the best collagen powders in Australia for a radiant glow.
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