Skin Issue? There’s a Patch for That

If you’re like me, you’re tired of complicated skincare routines that cost a fortune and take what can feel like hours to get through — who has the time or money to waste? Thanks to new technology in skincare, we can say goodbye to endless hours applying expensive creams and serums, and hello to the targeted power of skincare patches! From pimple healers to skin hydrators and itch relievers, they’re easy to use, don’t cost a ton and if you so choose, can be worn as you sleep. All you have to do is peel, place, and wait for the magic to happen! 

_{Prices are accurate as of March 1, 2025. Subject to change.}

Knemo Right Away Thincognito Spot Patch

We’ve all been there: a pesky pimple pops up right before a big event or an important meeting. Rather than cake on foundation and concealer — which tends to make it worse in the long run — pop one of these invisible pimple patches on. The transparent circle covers the pimple and creates a barrier against any makeup or picking (it’s so tempting!) while the hydrocolloid formula absorbs impurities and protects your blemish from further irritation. Plus, you get 42 patches for only $10!

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Fine Lines

When it comes to reducing fine lines with topical ingredients, retinol, a derivative of skin-renewing Vitamin A, is the gold standard. But so many of us have sensitive skin that can’t tolerate rubbing the potent ingredient all over our faces. That’s what I love about these patches, each featuring 1,390 dissolving micropoints infused with retinol to target just the fine lines that are making you feel self-conscious. Their curved design makes them easy to place over crow’s feet or laugh lines.

ONYX Professional Hard as Hoof S.O.S. Nail Patches

Dealing with damage from gel, acrylics, press-ons, or just everyday wear and tear? These patches are infused with keratin, hydrolyzed protein, Vitamin E, and retinol to help moisturize, strengthen, brighten, and restore shine to nails. You don’t even have to remove your nail polish before use! 

Grace & Stella Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

When I was a teen in the ’80s, you did everything and anything you could to hide a pimple so no one knew you were flawed. As a mom of three teenagers, it’s refreshing to see that this generation wears their zits — and zit patches — with pride, which explains why these blemish-concealing pastel hearts, flowers, and clouds are popular in my house. They’re not only cute, they also contain acne-fighting tea tree oil and salicylic acid. I even had the confidence to sport one on a recent ShopRite run. 

Bliss Clear Genius Blemish Patches

This box comes with two sets of hydrocolloid pimple patches so you can cover the different stages of a pimple. One uses salicylic acid and tea tree oil to help draw gunk out of and shrink the blemish and the other is infused with antibacterial zinc and skin-soothing aloe for when you feel a new one coming on.

Nat Pat Itch Relief Patches

I applied one of these patches after being bitten by a mosquito on a recent trip to the Bahamas. If you’ve ever had a bite on the tip of your winter-dry elbow, you know how irritating and painful it can be to scratch. To my surprise, the patch stopped the itching in seconds. Even more astonishing is that there are no chemicals or oils involved. The way the brand explains it, “the patch’s Grid-Relief Technology mechanically lifts the skin to drain the lymphatic system which has been injected by the mosquito’s saliva that causes the itch.” All I know is that I’m stock-piling them for summer.

Fazit Ingrown Hair Bikini Patch

Prone to ingrowns along the bikini line after shaving or waxing? You’re not alone. The good news is that these hydrocolloid bikini patches contain azelaic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, lactic acid, and glycerin to help absorb oil and pus and extract any ingrown hairs while brightening and exfoliating skin for a smooth, even surface. Just press one on before bed and gently peel off the next morning — you’ll likely see the hair on the patch! One caveat: If the hair is deep, you may need two to three applications.

PanOxyl’s Blemish Aftercare Brightening Patches

The dark or red spots left behind after a pimple has healed can be almost as unflattering as the pimple itself. Post-breakout, stick on this patch which contains skin-lightening and brightening niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and Vitamin C.  That cocktail of ingredients helps fade discoloration and improve skin texture. Bonus: They’re vegan and latex-free.

Wrinkles Schminkles Forehead Wrinkle Patch

These patches went viral on TikTok for their amazing brow-smoothing ability. Made from 100% medical-grade silicone which smooths wrinkles by pulling the skin taut and trapping moisture into the area, they stimulate blood flow and boost hydration and collagen production while preventing the movement that causes wrinkling — especially as you sleep. Plus, each one can be used about 20 times. I’ve been using them every night for the last few weeks and my furrows are less noticeable.

Hanhoo Custom Blemish Patch

For those times when you have a cluster of pimples you want to reach all at once, or you’ve got one that is larger than what the standard circle patches cover, these are the perfect option. The box comes with two large hydrocolloid blemish sheets that can be cut into any shape to fit your needs.

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Patch

Dry, dehydrated skin can feel tight, itchy, and uncomfortable. These moisturizing patches are formulated with skin-hydrating ingredients such as panthenol beta-glucan and oligopeptide. The cream sits on your skin and delivers a surge of hydration for as long as you leave the patch on and the cool, creamy sensation is so soothing on wind-burned skin.

All Golden 360° Firming Eye Patches

My biggest gripe when it comes to eye patches is that most are only made to go below the eyes. Sure, I want to get rid of undereye shadows and swelling, but my upper lids tend to get just as dark and puffy. These patches, while on the pricier side, come in a C-shape to hit both at once and offer ingredients that firm and lift droopy upper lids as well. Win-win!

Featured Image Credit: sergey kolesnikov/ Shutterstock