Is it just me, or have the so-called pimple patches exploded on the Swedish market? Something that originally became very popular in K-beauty.
I am always skeptical of things that could just be a trend, mainly because most of these patches are marketed on porcelain-like skin where you can’t even detect a single blemish. It is said that you can apply a patch, and it will help heal pimples faster. You should also be able to wear them under makeup.
I enjoy being proven wrong, so I felt I had to test them. The big question is, do they work?
In this first part, I will talk about three different types from the brand COSRX. Specifically, these three:
- Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 patches)
- AC Collection Acne Patch (26 patches)
- Clear Fit Master Patch (18 Patches)
The first question I asked myself when I saw these three was, ‘What is the difference?’
The common denominator is that they do exactly the same thing. You apply the patch on clean skin over the pimple(s). This means you lock in the pimple and also keep out dirt and bacteria. Most of us know, for example, how much of a bacteria bomb pillowcases can be (so change them often) and how we tend to touch our faces too often.
All three variants are applied the same way right after cleansing. I would also recommend letting them sit for a couple of minutes before proceeding with the next steps, as too much moisture directly afterward can increase the risk of the edges loosening a bit.
Clear Fit Master Patch (18 Patches)
This pack contains 18 patches of one size. They are slightly raised in the middle with lower edges. These are also supposed to be somewhat more transparent than the other two, but I find these and the oval ones quite similar in transparency.
AC Collection Acne Patch (26 patches)
This pack consists of 26 patches and, unlike the other two, is oval in shape. It has three different sizes and is slightly raised in the middle with a somewhat lower edge.
Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 patches)
The pack contains 24 patches and has three different sizes. These are even in height across the surface and have the highest edges of the three types.
Are they visible on the skin? I would say that the oval and round ones with lower edges are the least noticeable. The round ones with an even surface are the most visible, although it’s not much more. In certain lighting, it becomes apparent, especially with the edges. Therefore, I would say that the round ones with high edges are perfect for nighttime, while those with lower edges are suitable for daytime use.
Does the white gunk come out of the pimple? The answer is yes. Miraculously. Even if the white isn’t visible when applying, it will come out if it’s there. Additionally, surrounding pores that fall within the patch are emptied as well.
It might be a somewhat unclear image, but enough to see that it comes out. Pimples that have also been under the patch heal faster, and some have either completely or nearly disappeared overnight for me. A few larger ones required two or three patches, but I noticed a difference after the first application.
I have mainly used the patches at night and occasionally during the day. It’s said that you can put makeup over these, which I have tested—with both regular foundation and BB stick. I’m sorry, but the patch shows up even more with makeup on. If you want to use patches during the day, go without base makeup.
If I could only choose one of these three packs, it would be the oval one. This is because they have a low edge and are less noticeable than those with high edges and come in three different sizes. The transparency difference between these oval ones and the round ones with a low edge is so minimal that I prioritize different sizes instead.
Have you tried pimple patches? What is your experience?
All the best!
Ida, @hudvardshyllan