Press

Now that everyone and their grandmother is obsessed with sheet masks, another K-beauty innovation is popping up everywhere: acne patches. Instead of popping and picking your blemishes, slap a pimple patch on top of it. Unlike spot treatments, the sticker won't leave your skin dry and flaky. Most are small, circular hydrocolloid bandages, meaning they absorb fluid from the pimple, explains Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Have you ever wished—when afflicted with a monster zit—that you could just cover that annoying blemish with a Band-Aid and call it a day? Say what you will about concealers, but TBH, even the most heavy-duty ones can’t really hide a bump or a whitehead that’s ready to burst. So, allow me to introduce you to your skin’s new BFF: pimple patches.

Summertime, and getting zits is easy. That’s why it’s so great when you get permission from your dermatologist to do something you’re not supposed to do—like popping a pimple. My latest discovery is the Mighty Patch. They’re fab for your face, and also especially handy for “workout pimples” that can plague chest, thighs and buttocks if you hang out in gym clothes too long.

The latest accessory that’s all the rage has nothing to do with jewelry, handbags or shoes. It’s acne stickers from Hero Cosmetics. The rising brand’s Mighty Patch zit remedy entered Anthropologie in January, and is set to premiere at American Eagle and Riley Rose by July.

Pimples have a way of popping up when you don’t want them the most. No matter how tempted you are to pick, squeeze, or do minor surgery, keep your hands to yourself. You don’t want to be scarred for life, do you? If you only have one nasty blemish, there’s no need to break out the heavy, acne-fighting artillery for your whole face.

It can be hard to travel with your full skincare routine (ugh, TSA regulations), which means your skin might totally freak out within 24 hours of leaving home. If you're trying to travel light, but not totally ready to part with your beloved products, pack these zit busters in case of a skin emergency. Just stick them on a blemish and watch it fade within six hours.