The Best Liquid Pimple Patches For Under Makeup
Liquid Pimple Patches Make Concealing Breakouts a Breeze
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Acne patches have made their way into the skin-care routines of beauty fanatics everywhere, and it's not hard to see why. Whether you experience an occasional zit or routine breakouts, the fun-shaped stickers in various colours call back to childhood, when grade-school teachers would hand out stars to mark achievements. Now, the adult version helps diminish the appearance of pesky acne, while also allowing you to wear them as a badge of honour in the interim.
If you're not sure what a pimple patch is, allow us to explain. It's a special bandage made of a medical-grade, gel-like material called hydrocolloid, which creates a protective seal over the skin, helping pimples heal faster. While these patches provide an easy fix, if you don't want noticeable stickers on your face, they can be difficult to wear during the day, especially under makeup. The perfect solution? Liquid pimple patches. This up-and-coming category is the perfect solution to healing your pimples while wearing makeup — no sticker necessary.
Keep reading to learn what liquid pimple patches are, how to use them, and even shop for some product recommendations.
What Are Liquid Pimple Patches, and How Do You Use Them?
Pimple patches help heal pimples fast while also keeping you from picking at them. "Now, there are liquid pimple patches that are medicated liquid bandages, which act similarly to the sticker patches but are easier to wear under makeup," dermatologist Emily Wood, MD, from Westlake Dermatology, tells POPSUGAR. When using a liquid pimple patch, you can apply it to the affected area in the morning or evening and leave it on for six to eight hours. After cleansing your skin, place the liquid pimple patch on the blemish and allow it to dry before applying your makeup or the rest of your skin care. At the end of the day (or when you wake up), your breakout should be noticeably smaller.
Liquid Pimple Patch Benefits
As mentioned before, liquid pimple patches act as a discrete treatment option for pimples, as they dry clear on the skin rather than sit on the surface as the stickers do.
Liquid pimple patches and traditional acne stickers are similar in that they both contain some type of anti-inflammatory ingredient to treat the skin, such as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid. "Patches containing salicylic acid can help penetrate your pores to heal a painful red pimple," says Dr. Wood. In some products, you may notice niacinamide, which can help soothe red and irritated skin, while others are made with tea tree oil and are considered anti-microbial, or witch hazel to help calm irritation.
Ahead, shop some of the best liquid pimple patches on the market to add to your skin-care collection.
Best Liquid Pimple Patch For Reducing Dark Spots
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid ($30)
Dr. Wood says this acne-clearing pimple patch "contains a nice blend of salicylic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to help the pimple go away faster while also preventing hyperpigmentation." The breathable pimple patch will layer seamlessly under makeup for on-the-go treatment.
Best Liquid Pimple Patch For Stubborn Pimples
Paula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment ($46)
This BHA 9 Treatment from Paula's Choice contains a high percentage of salicylic acid, which helps dry up even the most stubborn pimples. "It also contains glycerin, which is moisturising, to alleviate the drying effects of salicylic acid," Dr. Wood says. The gel works to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores while diminishing the appearance of those hard-to-treat white bumps.
Best Liquid Pimple Patch For Oily Skin
Fenty Skin Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel ($22)
Dr. Wood recommends this liquid pimple patch because it comes in a cute compact stick that can easily be applied on the go. It's made with salicylic acid as well as a calming blend of ginger and licorice root. It will improve the look of blemishes while reducing surface oil. Read our full Fenty Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel review.
Best Liquid Pimple Patch For Under Makeup
Violette FR Invisible Bandage ($28)
With protective benefits, healing actives, and makeup-priming properties, this invisible bandage soothes blemishes and acts as a protective barrier. The formula dries clear and matte, giving skin a smooth surface for makeup application.
Best Liquid Pimple Patch For Cystic Acne
Dermalogica Deep Acne Invisible Liquid Patch ($34)
For those with cystic and painful acne, Dermalogica's liquid-to-patch spot treatment will instantly soothe your skin, treating even the deepest acne. The best part? It helps prevent future breakouts, too.
