Breakouts are always a bummer.
Seriously, with the rise of high-tech laser facials and extremely natural-looking beard plugs, shouldn’t there be an easy fix to acne at this point? Well, while we can’t say that there’s a one-hundred percent true way to keep your skin blemish-free forever, there is a quick hack to keep petulant pimples at bay: acne patches.
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First came the beloved sheet mask for hydration, and now the Korean beauty market has #blessed us yet again with a helping hand to patch up all of our acne woes. These tiny acne stickers work to get deep to the root of the source, and go overtime throughout the night to help absorb oil and impurities so you can wake up with significantly clearer skin. While some have microneedling technology for cysts, others are made from hydrocolloid dressings, which are great at slurping excess pus.
From playful patterns to minimalist clear patches, there’s surely an acne patch that will fit into your skincare routine. Below, take a look at some of the best acne patches for guys that will keep your breakout woes to a bare minimum.
For The Minimalist: Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots, $32
Don’t need the extra bells and whistles? Then meet this tried-and-true hero. These clear acne patches may be tiny, but their mighty formula is packed with 0.5% salicylic acid to tackle oils and impurities lurking in your pores. It’s tag-teamed with acne-fighting tea tree oil, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and oil-absorbing volcanic ash to ward off any blemish-forming bacteria, sans irritation or dryness.
For The Maximalist: Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patches, $22
If you want a more eccentric style to your skincare routine, then allow us to introduce you to your new skincare essential. These pore-perfecting stickers not only add a little more happiness to your regimen through its fun star-shaped style and smile-plastered packaging, but they work overtime via blemish-blasting hydrocolloid to absorb fluid, shield pores from harsh bacteria and prevent you from picking or popping (which is a major no in skincare 101). The result: happier, clearer skin.
For The Daylight Treatment: Cosrx Clear Fit Master Patch, $6
Do you have one stubborn pimple that decides to pop up at the worst moment? Yeah, we’ve all been there. So, get straight to the source while you’re living your day-to-day with this ultra-clear acne patch. It has the same formula you know and trust from Cosrx’s beloved original patches, all packed into a thin and unnoticeable sticker — so you can live your life, without any pesky pimples bringing you down.
For Major Breakouts: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface, $17.99
So, you’ve got more than one pimple that’s crying out for an SOS. Instead of wasting all of your precious patches in one sitting, try out these large and in-charge patches. They’re big enough to cover major breakouts on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and body, and use hydrocolloid (an acne patch favorite) to absorb any blemish-causing oils and impurities. Plus, these patches are ultra-thin, so you can wear these while you’re out and about — or just binging Netflix, the choice is yours.
For A True Feel: ZitSticka Killa Kit, $29
Sometimes, we want our skincare to have some pain and pleasure. That’s when we reach for these patches, which are spiked with a microdart technology to mimic the feel of microneedling. It seems intimidating at first, but these gentle darts dissolve and absorb quickly into the skin, so its powerful formula of niacinamide, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil goes swiftly to the root. This kit also has alcohol swabs to quickly clean off any oils and dirt lingering on top of your skin for a clean, fresh slate.
For The CBD Obsessed: Truly CBD Acne Patches, $13
In case you don’t know, CBD has been having a moment in the skincare landscape. So, it’s no surprise that they’re popping up in our pimple patches. But, don’t be fooled, as these patches are way more than just another gimmick. They combine the powers of acne-fighting salicylic acid with calming CBD to give your pores the extra TLC they’ve been craving.
For The K-Beauty Lover: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6
The patch to start them all: this fan-favorite is a must-have for your skincare routine. This OG works overnight to extract and absorb excess oils, while adding an extra boost of much-needed hydration to your parched pores. And if you’ve got the case of night sweats, no need to sweat it: these patches are waterproof, so they’ll stick on and work their magic without any sliding or budging. Plus, they’re under $10, so it’s perfect for any skincare connoisseur’s budget.
