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.

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! Acne pimple patches do work, but “they all function a little bit differently based on their active ingredients,” says Dr. Robinson. “Overall, they contain a combination of inflammation-reducing properties, such as hydrocolloid and niacinamide, alongside bacteria-reducing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil.” She’s also a fan of exfoliating actives, like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which can dissolve the gunk clogging pores. 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: 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.”

Keep in mind that unlike pimples, hyperpigmentation can take much longer to fade — think weeks, not days (and definitely not overnight). So this might not be the ideal long-term solution if you're hoping for a daily treatment — in which case a dark-spot correcting serum might be a better choice. 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. 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. Some of the best patches are infused with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or a blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid. 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.

We know that finding the right fit for your skin, a product that helps to zap away blemishes without making them red or dry, can be a bit of a task. We wanted to offer an all-new treatment that helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes whilst caring for the skin underneath. We searched far and wide for the perfect ingredient and discovered the very catchy SIG1459 or Disodium Tetramethylhexadecenylcysteine Formylprolinate. It is a proprietary isoprenylcysteine (IPC) molecule, which is nowhere near as scary as it sounds. Let us explain… This acne patch brand is very popular for a very good reason. Its cult following is due to it being a staple in a lot of people’s skincare routine, it simply works. This particular acne patch isn’t that different from the previous COSRX patches listed here. 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. Salicylic acid is an effective acne-treatment ingredient, aloe vera will soothe the pimple and retinol is great for pimples because it kills acne-causing bacteria. For make-up wearers, this spot patch is for you due to how thin and clear it is. This is where those active ingredients count. For starters, “hydrocolloid is commonly used in wound healing to promote healing,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It works by absorbing excess fluid in open acne lesions.” She’s also a fan of those that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, which can promote healing.

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.