Do Korean Pimple Patches Work? How To Use Them?

Got a pimple emergency? Tired of applying lots of concealer and makeup to make them less noticeable? We're here to explain why you should get your hands on these magical anti-acne patches ASAP!

What’s a pimple patch?

Pimple patches are small, thin, transparent hydrocolloid bandages (which is a type of dressing) that have long been used for medicinal purposes. These adhesive stickers are designed to relieve redness and inflammation and drive away blemishes. 

The healing patches also act as a barrier, protecting problematic areas from external contamination or unconscious face-picking or scratching the face, preventing secondary infections. 

What’s mircodart/microneedle patch?

Some patches, like those from Zitsticka and Real, also have tiny microneedles or microdarts, which are very fine, teeny-tiny needles on one side of the patch that penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver active ingredients. This makes it more effective in treating early-stage cysts and nodules that have deeper roots. 

What’s a medicated acne patch?

Medicated acne patches are filled with acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide to reduce the bumps, redness, and inflammation.

If your skin is prone to cysts and nodules alongside inflammatory papules and pustules, choose a pre-treated patch.

(Related: 8 Key Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Acne-Prone Skin)

Do pimple patches really work?

The simple answer is yes. Pimple patches work because they pull out pus, gunk, and debris that could cause further infection, and because they create a moist environment that is ideal for the healing process.

They may not always completely eliminate the zit overnight, but they help speed up the acne healing process by eliminating bacteria and soothing redness, leaving the pimple flatter and less inflamed. 

What kind of pimples can you put pimple patches on? 

You need to understand that not all acne is the equal and each type requires a different treatment. Acne is caused by various factors, such as genetics, (unhealthy) diet, hormones and hygiene. 

Unfortunately, there are many zit stickers on the market designed for different types of acne, such as whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts or nodules. The effectiveness of pimple patches may depend on your blemishes.

Hydrocolloid spot patches are most effective at whiteheads and formed pimples - which are caused by clogged pores—as they draw out and absorb the pus, oil, and more.

If you're struggling with pimples that form deeper in the skin, such as nodules and cystic acne, try a microneedle patch with anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients like beta hydroxy acids (BHA, salicylic acid), vitamin E, centella aisiatica, tea tree and green tea.

When can you use pimple patches?

It's best to use these acne-treating dots when a pimple is at or coming to head with white or yellow pus, because they soak up fluid, excess oil and more. You can also use them on a popped pimple to prevent secondary infection while healing.

The patches can be used during the day or at night—whichever suits you best. However, many manufacturers and brands recommend using them before bedtime, as they can work their magic while you sleep.

How to use pimple patches?

The first step is to wash your face and hands. You apply the patch on the freshly cleaned, dry skin. Choose the right size patch that best fits the entire lesion, and carefully stick it on the pimples you want to zap away.

This works best on bare skin, so do not apply any skin care products, such as essence, serum, ampoule or face cream—before applying the patch. 

How long do you leave acne patches on the skin?

You can leave your pimple patches on your skin for about 8-12 hours or overnight, but it's better to replace them with new ones once they've lifted and turned cloudy white - meaning they've absorbed the pimple and other impurities. 

What to do after removing pimple patch?

Clean your face thoroughly after removing the acne patch and continue your normal skin care routine. If necessary, you can apply a spot treatment, ointment or cream. Use a moisturizer to replenish hydration and repair the moisture barrier.

6 Best Anti-Acne Patches for pimple-free complexion

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch 

This is the 'cult classic' acne sticker that makes all those innovate acne-treatment popular. This waterproof spot patch works to counteract acne, pimples and blemishes by fighting bacteria and giving the skin time to regenerate itself while you sleep.

It is a thin, transparent hydrocolloid patch that feels similar in texture to a hydrogel sheet mask. It adheres strongly to the skin and is barely noticeable - you can even wear it under makeup. The Korean acne-care product comes in three different sizes to cover multiple pimples at once.

💘 Check out Cosrx Acne Pimple Patch

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Acne Pimple Patch

Award-winning hydrocolloid patch visibly flattens pimples and pulls gunk out of them in just 6-8 hours — so you can wake up with clearer-looking skin.

This non-drying product is made with plant-based hydrocolloid that shield skin from scabs and scarring caused by popping zits. In clinical testing, 90% of participants agreed that using the patch was a faster way to visibly shrink whiteheads overnight compared to traditional zit cream.

The "Duo" version contains 6 patches Mighty Patch Invisible+ for daytime and 6 patches Mighty Patch Original for nighttime.

Rael Beauty Miracle Patch Invisible Spot Cover

Hydrocolloid technology extracts pus, oil, and bacteria away from your skin while acting as a protective barrier to promote healing and prevent scarring.

These non-irritating hydrocolloid stickers keep spots covered and absorb unwanted exudate to make pimples flattened and less red in 4 hours.

ZitSticka KILLA Kit Deep Zit Microdart Patch

KILLA is a zit patch based on the cosmetic company's signature Microdart technology. These tiny Microdarts dissolve on their own, flooding the epicenter of your early-stage pimple with soothing ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, vitamin E and niacinamide.

It is especially effective on those early, deep, upcoming pimples that are difficult to reach with creams. Each kit also includes CLEANA swabs soaked in exfoliating and relaxing ingredients to prepare the skin before application.

Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots

A pack of the patent-pending stickers that combine healing hydrocolloid polymer technology with salicylic acid to minimize overnight breakouts.

Infused with aloe vera extract to gently soothes and minimizes the appearance of redness, vitamin A to support natural skin turnover, promoting clear-looking skin.

According to the results of the brand's consumer study, 91% of participants reported that their blemishes were less red, less uncomfortable and significantly less bothersome within 6 hours of using the product.

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

Clear, adhesive acne dots with 0.5% salicylic acid effectively help reduce the appearance of blemishes in just 8 hours as they contain acne-affected areas, penetrate pores and eliminate skin problems.

With tea tree oil, a potent botanical that refreshes the skin, and hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant that prevents drying. Acne-Clear Invisible Dots, available in six sheets of 12, are translucent and minimize visibility when worn.