A-listers love spot patches to treat pimples – here are 10 of the best
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
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Not only is having a zit nothing to be embarrassed about these days (thankfully), it’s actually a great excuse to showcase A-listers’ favourite (if unexpected) accessory – the pimple patch or spot sticker. Actor Anne Hathaway posted an Instagram selfie wearing two star-shaped stickers by cult brand Starface, with the droll caption: “Stars, they’re just like us”. The Devil Wears Prada… but also spot patches, it seems.
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And she’s not the only one. Model and Rhode founder Hailey Bieber and actor Florence Pugh have also happily snapped their spot patches. Gone are the days when celebrities wouldn’t dream of being photographed with anything less than perfect skin. Now we’re celebrating ‘normal’ skin – and long may it last.
Until fairly recently, the only spot treatments available were aggressive liquids and lotions that obliterated the zit, but at the same time destroyed the integrity of the skin around it. This left dry, irritated skin that arguably looked worse than before. Nowadays, the options for spots are varied and wide – salicylic and azelaic acid being two of the big skin-clearing ingredients to try. But now we’re truly in the era of the spot patch.
Originating in South Korea, where all the good skincare stuff comes from, spot patches are designed to be a targeted 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, 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.
Instagram: @Florence Pugh, Anne Hathaway, Hailey Bieber
What are spot patches made of?
These little miracle workers are made from hydrocolloid that adheres 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.
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.
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.
10 of the best spot patches
The skincare infused one:
Cerave Blemish Barrier Patches, £7.20 for 22
Not only are these made of hydrocolloid, which speeds up healing, but they are also infused with Cerave’s blend of ceramides, which help strengthen the skin, as well as niacinamide to reduce inflammation. The brand says these reduce blemishes in three hours, and I can confirm they are exceptionally speedy and effective. There are two sizes in the packet.
Buy NowThe ones for oily skin:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Blemish Patch, £7.43 for 22 patches
If you have oily skin and find that patches lift off the skin fairly quickly, give these a whirl as they adhere well to the skin. There are two sizes of patch in the box, small and medium. They will also absorb impurities from the skin around the spot as well as the spot itself, which is never a bad thing for those more prone to shine.
Buy NowThe ones with a timer:
Witch Skincare Don’t Stress Spot Patches, £3.30 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 start out completely clear and then turn white when they’re ready to be removed.
Buy NowThe cute ones:
Starface Hydro-Stars, £8.99 for 32 (refills are £8.99 for 32)
If you want your patch to be seen 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 good for travel.
Buy NowThe 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.
Buy NowThe 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.
Buy NowThe hardcore ones:
Cosrx Master Patch, £14.99 for 36
Infused with both salicylic acid and tea tree oil, these patches are great for days when spots feel and look angry. And they come with the approval of skin guru Caroline Hirons, who says they’re “great for big zits that just won’t shift”. They have a slightly bevelled edge which helps them blend in with your skin.
Buy NowThe gunk-reducing ones:
Mario Badescu Drying Patches, £11 for 36
If your spots get filled with lots of gunk (nice) 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.
Buy NowThe chic ones:
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Spot SOS Sticker, £21 for 20 stickers
These, from top facialist Sarah Chapman, work hard to decongest and soothe your problem areas with a combination of salicylic acid and 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
Buy NowThe liquid one:
Bioré Invisible Liquid Spot Patch, £11.99
This is very clever. It’s a gel filled with spot-calming salicylic acid that forms a patch over the skin. Great for areas where a ‘standard’ pimple patch wouldn’t fit or be suitable, for example, around the nostrils or if you have a cluster of spots that one patch wouldn’t cover. It is described as invisible, which is a bit of a stretch as you can see it on the skin, so it’s great for using at night or during the day, but with the knowledge that you can see around the edges and the texture on the top.
Buy Now
