Best pimple patches of 2023, Acne Patches

Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD in Dallas, explains that using an acne patch can offer several benefits. Placing an acne patch on a breakout creates a protective barrier around the affected area, helping to keep it clean and promote healing.

It can also prevent picking, which can further damage the skin and increase the risk of scarring and dark spots. Additionally, using bare hands to pick or pop a zit can increase the risk of infection.

Acne patches can be absorbent, making them useful for reducing puffiness and inflammation associated with swollen breakouts.

However, Dr. Lauren Penzi, a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, recommends using acne patches only on pimples with a visible head and notes that some patches may contain active ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil, but the effectiveness of these ingredients in this form is unclear.