Of all the spot patches listed here, this is the most expensive. However, this is one of the spot patches that work. This is because it has niacinamide, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid – the best acne-fighting ingredients. You only need to have it on for 2 hours and it makes a difference to the size of your pimple. We all get spots (and yes, usually right before that big date or interview) and here at Revolution, we know that whilst having a few spots isn’t the end of the world, sometimes you just want to feel your best and not feel sore or uncomfortable. Never fear and put that tube of toothpaste down - we have just the thing! 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.”

The Beauty Pie Emergency Pimple patches have microdarts to help penetrate its acne-fighting ingredients into your skin for faster and more effective treatment. Out of all the spot patches listed here, this one is the most underrated. These patches contain salicylic acid which will help eliminate the bacteria that cause acne and unclog your pores.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. 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. In a clinical study over 8 weeks, 1% IPC (the same level used in our treatment) was tested against a plain vehicle cream (containing no actives) and a 3% Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) cream. IPC outperformed BPO in reducing the appearance and number of blemishes, with a really significant difference over BPO at 8 weeks. This shows that it continues to work with continued usage, and the skin will only see more and more improvement! These particular acne patches can be found in Boots, Beautybay and Cultbeauty. This is a more pricey option. However, these are clear spot patches that work because they contain salicylic acid, aloe vera and retinol, which you cannot go wrong with.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the top spot patches available in the UK, suitable for various budgets and lifestyles. The Best Spot Patches in the UK: This blemish treatment is an easy product to be slotted into your routine. It can be used every day straightaway and used morning and/or night. We advise using it in the evening after cleansing- apply a thin layer over the affected area (it doesn’t need to be used all over the face). Wait for it to absorb, and then apply moisturisers or serums on top.

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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.

This is a more optimal choice of acne patches for daytime wear. It is clear and thin and it has the right ingredients to treat your spots. These Mario Badescu spot patches have salicylic acid to clear out the acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts. In fact, they can replace the work (and risk) of popping a pimple that has come to a head. “One of the benefits of pimple patches is that they work by absorbing moisture, oil, and bacteria from deep within the pimple, while keeping the area clean and preventing bacteria from entering the blemish with a protective layer,” she explains. That’s a better alternative to using your fingers and possibly introducing bacteria to the mix. Also contributing to the gentle nature of these dots: The salicylic acid is encapsulated, which offers twofold benefits. For one, the salicylic acid is better able to sink into skin and work its magic; at the same time, the encapsulation protects the skin barrier to minimize dryness. Last but not least, you'll also get the benefits of retinol, which helps speed up skin cell turnover to keep skin clear in the long term. 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. 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.”Meanwhile, “some patches also contain salicylic acid which can be beneficial in exfoliating and keeping pores clean,” says Dr. Engelman. While there aren’t any ingredients that are off-limits, she adds, “just be mindful of not keeping any patch on for more than 12 hours, as doing so can over-dry and irritate the skin.”