Move over Hermès handbag, Hollywood's new favourite accessory is... the pimple patch. Yes really. Here's why - and our edit of the best spot stickers around
Not only is having a zit nothing to be embarrassed about these days (thankfully), it's actually a great excuse to showcase the A listers' new favourite (if unexpected) accessory - the pimple patch or spot sticker. Actor Anne Hathaway recently posted a selfie to her Instagram grid wearing two star-shaped spot patches, Starface's Hydro-Stars, £11.99, with the droll caption:"Stars, they're just like us". The Devil wears Prada... but also spot patches, it seems.
And she's not the only one. Model and Rhode founder Hailey Bieber and Little Women star Florence Pugh have also happily snapped their spot patches of late. Gone are the days when celebrities wouldn't dream to be photographed with anything less than perfect skin. Now we're celebrating 'normal' skin - and long may it last.
Until recently, the only spot treatments available were aggressive liquids and lotions that obliterated the spot but at the same time, destroyed the integrity of the skin around it. This left dry, irritated skin that was arguably more noticeable and worse than before. Nowadays, the options for spots are varied and wide - salicylic and azelaic acid being some of the big skin-clearing ingredients to choose from. But there’s one particular type of spot treatment that has become so popular it’s now being used as a fashion accessory. Welcome to the era of the spot patch.
Originating in South Korea, where all the good skincare stuff comes from and complex skincare routines are the norm, spot patches are designed to be a targeted spot treatment to reduce redness and, most importantly, speed up the life cycle of spots so they disappear a lot quicker.
The first iterations looked a little like regular plasters, obvious and bulky and the sort of thing you’d only wear in the privacy of your home or overnight, however, with their popularity have come improvements to their appearance. Now you can choose from those that are almost invisible to the naked eye to statement ones that make are designed to be seen.
What are spot patches made of?
These little miracle workers are thin patches made from hydrocolloid that adhere to the skin, sealing the spot to protect it from bacteria and dirt while maintaining the moisture level inside. Hydrocolloid is traditionally a substance used in surgical dressings, but it's also proven to accelerate spot healing time.
How do spot patches work?
Once the spot is quarantined under the patch, the hydrocolloid material draws out pimple-forming fluids and pus (sorry), blocking outside bacteria entering while working like a scab to retain healing fluids and preventing you from touching your spots (if Covid has taught us anything it's not to touch our faces.)
Are spot patches any good?
They won’t prevent you from getting spots but they are a great way to treat them.
Some are saturated in spot-calming and skin-soothing ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree or witch hazel, which can then get to work in isolation without either being diluted with other skincare or makeup (you can apply makeup over spot patches).
Instagram: @Florence Pugh, Anne Hathaway, Hailey Bieber
As well as treating the spot the other benefit of wearing a spot patch is it reduces the temptation to pop or touch spots so they’re definitely worth having in your skincare arsenal.
Here are some of the best spot patches on the shelves.
7 of the best spot patches
The ones with a timer: Witch Skincare Don’t Stress Spot Patches, £3 for 36 patches
Containing two sizes of patches, you get a lot for your money with this pack. Infused with witch hazel to reduce inflammation and salicylic acid to purify pores, these patches start out completely clear and then turn white when they’re ready to be removed.
The cute ones: Starface Hydro-Stars, £11.99 for 32 (refills are £8.99 for 32)
If you want your patch to be seen and part of your look then you can’t get much better than these, Ms Hathaway's patch of choice. There are different colours to choose from (some contain skincare ingredients) but the yellow are the originals and are 100 per cent hydrocolloidal. They come in a handy pot making them easy to travel with or to use on the go.
The body ones: Hero Mighty Patch Surface, £12.95 for 10
When you’re having a particularly intense spot flare-up these longer and rectangular patches are great. Because they cover a larger surface area they are ideal for foreheads and for using on the body.
The invisible ones: The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches, £9 for 22
If it’s invisibility you’re after then these pretty much are - you will of course see the faintest of outlines because they’re not magic, but they’re pretty close. Infused into the hydrocolloid is pore-unclogging salicylic acid, succinic acid to help reduce redness and ectoin, which adds moisture to the skin.
The hardcore ones: Cosrx Master Patch, £13.99 for 36
Infused with both salicylic acid and tea tree oil, these patches are great for days when spots feel and look angry and inflamed. And they come with the approval of skin guru Caroline Hirons who told ITV's This Morning's audience that they're "great for big zits that just won’t shift". They have a slightly bevelled edge which helps them blend in to your skintone.
The gunk-reducing ones: Mario Badescu Drying Patches, £17 for 60
If your spots get filled with quite a bit of pus and gunk then these are worth a try. Not only is Mario Badescu one of the best spot treatment brands around but these contain niacinamide to help regulate the oil, and therefore the volume of pus. Plus they contain phytosphingosine - which has antimicrobial properties - to sterilise the skin once the spot has cleared.
The chic ones: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Spot SOS Sticker, £28 for 20 stickers
Don't be fooled by these virtually invisible patches, they work hard to decongest and soothe your problem areas with a combination of salicylic acid and Sarah Chapman's P-Refinyl which reduces excess sebum production. Vitamin C is in the mix too to discourage dark marks and grape seed and soy oils to balance moisture levels. And they're housed in a practical yet stylish mirrored carry case.