However, if you are brave enough you surely could go out with these on during the day. Starface also sells a cute bright yellow case to store the pimple patches, making it very travel-friendly. You can find these spot patches at your local Boots, Superdrug or other UK online retailers such as Beautybay. Why we love it: these are spot patches that work, are cute and perfect as an overnight spot treatment. 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. SIG1459 or as we shortened it, IPC, was developed by Princeton University using innovation and a technology platform at the forefront of scientific development. Like us, they realised that some traditional spot-treating ingredients, like Benzoyl Peroxide, can be fairly harsh on some skin types and cause side effects such as dryness, irritation, flakiness, and peeling. It has been clinically proven, and laboratory tested with the results published in a peer-reviewed journal to ensure that there is no bias in the data, and it really is as good as they say!

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. 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! 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. 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…

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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.

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. Another inexpensive and really good spot patch is this particular one from Revolution Beauty. These are 10 rectangular and clear spot patches that are perfect for when you have a close cluster of spots to treat. These are great as an overnight spot treatment and they contain salicylic acid which helps to reduce breakouts and tea tree oil an anti-inflammatory ingredient to soothe and heal pimples.

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.” The Mighty Patch is especially helpful if you’re prone to acne scarring, which can be tough to treat without the help of a dermatologist. “A bonus of this patch is that it helps to reduce acne scarring as well as getting rid of pimples,” says Dr. Engelman. Finally, they also have a matte finish, so they’re barely noticeable if you accidentally (or intentionally) wear them out.