Which kinds of acne work best with pimple patches?

Heres the thing: most pimple patches typically contain ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil and, most importantly, healing hydrocolloid treatment  all of which are delivered to your zit via a targeted patch treatment.

Pimple patches are best for those red, whitehead type of zits, explains Dr. Miriam Gonzalez Vega, MD, a dermatologist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Because of their anti-inflammatory impact, pimple patches are good for clogged pores that are in the process of getting inflamed, she explains. FYI, the next time you see a super red zit coming in, pop on a patch for the speediest recovery.

And, yep, since pimples patches are literally a hideaway for your zit, theyre good for healing purposes, too. They also serve as a cover so that you dont see the pimple itself. When youre not looking at something, then youre less likely to pick at it, making it go away faster without marks or hyperpigmentation, explains Gonzalez Vega.

That said, heres when to use topical treatment instead

If you have persistent acne, then its time to ditch pimple patches and instead opt for a topical treatment, Gonzalez Vega advises. If you have consistent acne, you need treatment consistently so that it goes away. Its not just oh I have pimples here and there, which is where those patches come into play, she explains.

TL;DR, you cant just put patches all over your darn face. Topicals allow you to spread the treatment all over your  complexion if need be, something thats not possible when using microdose pimple patch treatments.

All that said, no matter what kind of acne you have, Birchbox has a product to help you heal it. (If you want to! Theres nothing inherently wrong with acne, yah know?) Keep scrolling.

For Pimple Patches: Hero Cosmetics Pimple Patches

Whether you need a patch with hydrocolloid (for healing), salicylic acid (for getting under the skins surface), or niacinamide (for smoothing its surface down), Birchbox carries (nearly) the entire line of Hero Cosmetics Pimple Patches that you can order straight from our site. Plus, at 18 dollars max and roughly 36 patches per box, theyre pretty darn affordable, too, and will last for a decent amount of time.

For Topical Treatment (And A Little Bit Of Everything Else): Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clear Essentials Kit

If you want both a pimple patch and a spot treatment at your disposal, this acne essentials kit by Peter Thomas Roth will do just the trick. It has basically everything youd need to tackle your acne: patches, topical treatment, cleanser, moisturizer, correcting pads, and more. And yep, at 35 dollars, its basically a steal.

Okay so, now that youre equipped with all the info from an expert derm on pimple patches and more, its time to add some of these products to your cart and start your acne healing journey, stat. Happy skincare shopping.

If youre curious about pimple patches, spot treatments, and which pimple products you can buy right now, keep reading. 

So you have a huge pimple on your chinit happens! You open your medicine cabinet and youve got two options for speeding up its healing process: [a pimple patch](https://www.birchbox.com/brand/11731/hero-cosmetics) and a [spot treatment](https://www.birchbox.com/product/40385/peter-thomas-roth-acne-clear-essentials-kit-40385). Which do you choose? While both are effective in their own right, theres definitely a time and a place thats best for both. If youre curious about pimple patches, spot treatments, and which pimple products you can [buy right now](https://www.birchbox.com/), keep reading. 

When to Use a Pimple Patch as an Acne Spot Treatment

You asked, we answered! By Birchbox customer request, we're bringing you this goof-proof, five-step routine to help conceal (not cake) your blemishes and bumps so you can show off even, glowy skin in no time.

By Birchbox customer request, were bringing you an easy, five-step routine that will help conceal blemishes and bumps so you achieve even, glowy skin.

Acne is broken up into three main groups:

Comedonal Acne
Occurs when excess oil and dead skin cells get trapped in your pores. There are two types of comedonal acne:
- Closed Comedone (aka whiteheads/clogged pores): Happens when a layer of skin forms over the gunk in your pore to create a flesh-colored bump.
- Open Comedone (aka blackheads): When the gunk in your pore gets exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black.

Inflammatory Acne
Once the gunk in your pore mixes with naturally occurring bacteria, it creates an infection causing visible swelling and inflammation. There are also two types of inflammatory acne:
- Pustules (aka red bumps with white pus): These are simply red bumps with a head on the top (your more traditional-looking zit).
- Papules (aka red bumps): Sometimes your pimple doesn't form a head and just looks like a red bump.

Nodulocystic Acne
This is a much more severe infection that occurs deep down in the layers of the epidermis (your skin). It takes on two forms as well:
- Nodules (aka under the skin bumps): These never form a head and tend to be more painful. Try to leave them to the pros to extract or inject with a cortisone shot.
- Cysts (aka large painful pimples): They look very similar to pustules but are bigger, more painful, and sometimes itchy.

Rather than popping your pimples (put those fingers down), get rid of them with these ingredients.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)
- Best For: Inflammatory and Comedonal Acne
- This antiacne and anti-aging ingredient can deeply penetrate pores, get into the sebum, and stay there to treat a blemish, breaking down the dirt and oil.
- Product Pick: Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Tip: Don't mix this product with retinol to avoid irritation. Only use every day if you have severe acne, otherwise 34 times per week for mild acne.

Zinc + Sulfur
- Best For: Nodulocystic Acne
- While nothing can truly penetrate a deep infection like a cyst or nodule, these two ingredients can help reduce the size of them and eliminate oil while soothing the area.
- Product pick: (MALIN+GOETZ) acne treatment nighttime

Prevent pimples from forming in the first place when you incorporate products with these ingredients into your routine.

Glycolic Acid (AHA)
- Best For: Comedonal Acne
- Glycolic acid sloughs off layers of dead skin cells, removes dirt and oil from pores, and also has rejuvenating benefits for a nicer glow. It won't treat inflamed blemishes but it will help dislodge blackheads and whiteheads.
- Product Pick: Cane + Austin 2%/5% Acne Retexture Pads
- Tip: Don't mix with retinol and only use 23 times per week depending on how sensitive your skin is.

Retinol
- Best For: All Types of Acne
- This anti-aging powerhouse increases cell turnover so it keeps dead skin cells from getting caught in your pores in the first place. It also slows down signs of aging and evens out tone and texture.
- Product Pick: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
- Tip: Be sure not to mix with vitamin C as this can cause irritation.

These ingredients promote clearer skin and can be applied frequently (every day in the case of niacinamide) if you have no existing blemishes but are concerned about any returning.

Niacinamide
- Best For: All Types of Acne
- It helps reduce excess sebum and the appearance of blemishes. It's also good for brightening your complexion overall.
- Product Pick: Huxley Secret of Sahara Glow Awakening Cream

Charcoal
- Best For: Mild Comedonal Acne
- Charcoal naturally attracts dirt and oil, so it can draw out grime from pores, eliminating blackheads. 
- Product Pick: ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
- Tip: Use once a week or as often as needed. Wash your face with a salicylic acid cleanser to dislodge comedones before applying.

Gradually Incorporate a New Ingredient
Many of these ingredients are strong and effective, which is great, but they can also cause irritation as you begin to use them. Gradually incorporate a new product into your routine starting a couple times per week to see how your skin reacts. Some can be used together, but not all, so be sure to take note above of which ones should never be mixed.

Wear SPF
While we think you should wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine, it's especially important when you are using acne treatments in your routine. They make your skin more sensitive to the sun and their efficacy decreases when exposed directly to its harmful rays if you're not wearing anything.

Acne is Not a Flaw
Having acne is nothing to be ashamed of and not something you should feel pressured to clear up or cover up. It's much more common than you think and if you decide that you want to treat your acne, that's great, and if you don't, that's really great too. It's your skin and your choice. Whether you get the occasional flareup or have multiple breakouts, it's 100% OK to embrace your face just as it is (which is beautiful, by the way).

Let this easy-to-follow guide help you identify and treat your specific type of acne. 

About 80% of people have acne, so you're not alone. But, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating pimples. That's why we created this helpful guide that gives you the 411 on what ingredients and products you can use based on the kind of acne you have.

Your Guide To The Different Types of Acne

Battling constant breakouts or stubborn spots? You're not alone. Birchbox staffer Rachel has acne-prone skin that she keeps in check with a targeted skincare routine. In this video, she walks you through a simple regimen that's tailored to treat and prevent acne, and shares her tips to help rebalance your skin's oil production (bye bye, breakouts!) and maximize the effectiveness of your spot treatments.

Looking for a ready-made regimen? Try our Acne Fix-It Kit!

Learn how to treat existing breakouts and prevent future ones with an acne-fighting skincare routine, including a gentle cleanser and a purifying mud mask.


Still breaking out frequently? Learn what might be causing those persistent pimples.

Check out the Birchbox Man YouTube Channel for more grooming tips.

Learn the best routine for preventing, treating, and concealing blemishes, while discovering a few skin saviors along the way.

No one is safe from the occasional breakout, and a handful of people have acne-prone skin that plagues them day-in and day-out. In this video, Birchbox Man Editor Adam highlights the best routine for preventing, treating, and concealing blemishes, while recommending his favorite products along the way.

Acne Prevention and Treatment: 7 Essential Products

The cleaner your skin is, the easier it is for spot treatments to penetrate pores and the faster it can dry out your pimple, says Miles. But using a product thats too harsh can aggravate existing blemishes. Opt for a gentle formula like derma es Very Clear Acne Cleanser made with natural ingredients like salicylic acid (a gentle exfoliator) and willow bark (an anti-irritant that helps calm breakouts) to keep skin balanced and receptive to treatment.

When your skins exfoliation cycle slows down, pores get cloggedthat buildup prevents your treatment from penetrating your skin. The obvious fix: Use an exfoliator 1-2 times every week to turn over cells and deep clean pores. The pro-grade crystals in derma es Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub whisk away dead cells while vitamin A helps renew skin, allowing your acne-fighting product easy access to attack and heal your blemish.

Some people err on the side of less when applying potent acne products, afraid of irritation, but you need a generous amount to see results. So go ahead, pile on that spot treatmentyou might look ridiculous but theres no such thing as too much, according to Miles. Use your fingertips to apply it to your problem areas as often as neededyou can even reapply derma es Very Clear Acne Spot Treatment over your makeup throughout the day. Just make sure your fingers are clean so you dont add more bacteria to those blemish-prone areas.

Its a common misconception that moisturizer can make skin more oily. Its actually essential to restore your skins natural oil production, which will help prevent breakouts in the first place. Apply a lightweight formula like derma es Very Clear Moisturizer evenly over skin (especially those spots youve been drying with treatment) after cleansing and before applying makeup to simultaneously create a protective barrier against acne-causing toxins and bacteria.

No matter how potent your treatment is, if your stress level is a 13 out of 10 or youre not eating the nutrient-rich foods your body needs, it wont be as effective because the balance of your skin is out of whack. Eating right, exercising, and drinking lots of water helps keep your complexion healthy and allows your acne product to do its job.

Find out how you could be sabotaging your blemish-fighting products, and what you can do to fix it.

Nothing is more frustrating than applying heavy-duty zit cream before bed, then waking up to the same huge honker you said goodnight (and you thought goodbye) to. To figure out why your acne treatments dont calm, dry, and shrink your blemishes the way they promise to, we consulted Dr. Linda Miles, co-founder and formulator for natural skincare brand [derma e](/shop/brands/derma-e). She explains what to do before *and* after you pile on your blemish-fighting product to make sure that it works.

5 Reasons Why Your Acne Treatments Arent Working

Are your breakouts bringing you down? Learn the best acne prevention and treatment methods, and you'll be well on your way to optimal complexion.

Here's a guide to understanding your breakouts and then combatting them. 

Men's Skincare: How to Identify the Cause of Persistent Pimples

Whether its a blushed face of embarrassment or an irritating everyday occurrence, red skin is a problem a lot of us will have to deal with at some point or another. Ive personally had problems with mild acne and redness , especially on my cheeks and chin.  This is my favorite skincare and makeup routine for when Im feeling a little flushed. I use products from several different brands that work together to conceal any uneven areas and can help to prevent future redness.

Learn how to even out your complexion with Whitneys personal anti-redness skincare and makeup routine.

How To: Even Out Skintone and Reduce Redness

Top Face Wash: PETER THOMAS ROTH Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash


How It Works: This gentle, oil-free wash uses salicylic acid to eliminate excess oil and grime without drying out your skin.

What Our Customers Say: Ever since I was a teen, I have always had a bit of trouble with my skin, but this cleared me up within a few days. It's really powerful stuff, so I suggest you pair it with a great face lotion. I've tried everything else out there, and can confidently say this is the best.

Top Spot Treatment: (MALIN + GOETZ) acne treatment nighttime


How It Works: Armed with 10% sulfur, this potent treatment diminishes and dries out blemishes overnight.

What Our Customers Say: "I have back acne and bought this to try and battle it. I have seen pimples diminish and vanish in a day or two after applying this. You only need a tiny bit so it lasts forever."

Top Face Mask: DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask (Sulfur 10% Acne Treatment)


How It Works: Loaded with natural sulfur, one of acnes worst enemies, this deep-cleansing mask soaks up oil and unclogs pores in just 10 minutes.

What Our Customers Say: This product has literally changed my life. I've been using it once a week as suggested for about five weeks now, and my skin has never been clearer!

Top Skincare System: Evologie Skin Perfecting Set


How It Works: This three-step system relies on a patent-pending YS3 COMPLEX to banish breakouts, fade acne scars, and keep skin hydrated. The cleanser, cream, and serum are all free of drying irritants like benzoyl peroxide and preservatives.

What Our Customers Say: I've had skin issues my entire life. Acne, cystic acne, blackheads, you name it. I have now been using the Evologie cleanser, serum, and moisturizer, and in three weeks the entire texture of my skin has changed. Its very smooth and soft, and the best thing is, it's acne-free."

Dont take it from usour customers review (and rave about!) the products that really will clear up your skin. 

For people who struggle with acne (and who doesnt?!) theres nothing more frustrating than combing through endless products in the drugstore and wondering which ones will *really* work (or, heaven forbid, make the problem worse). To help you on your quest for clear skin, weve rounded up some of the top-rated acne treatments in our Shop. See how they work, and why our customers cant stop raving about them. 

The Best Acne Treatments, As Decided By You