These days there are two types of pimple patches battling it out for top spot in your beauty arsenal. But are Micro Dot or Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches Better?
Let's take a look.
The Problem
Pimples. Breakouts. Acne. Zits. Whatever you call them, we all get them and we all want them gone.
Pimple Patches works to treat the root cause of open pimples, simultaneously acting as a cover to prevent picking and scarring.
They’re one of K-Beauty’s best inventions but which product deserves the title of “best” pimple patch?
Let’s meet the contestants.

The Contestants
Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
These are popular products on the market and for good reason; they're cheap, cheerful and effective.
Hydrocolloid is actually a type of wound dressing; it feels similar to a hydrogel sheet mask in texture. Once stuck to your skin, hydrocolloid pimple patches treat breakouts by containing bacteria and absorbing debris. Because they don’t contain any active ingredients, you won’t experience any dryness or flaking of the surrounding skin. This makes them ideal for sensitive skin types.
One limitation is that they are designed to treat surface pimples only, and only work on pimples that have come to a head (whiteheads). They aren’t designed to treat deeper, cystic-type acne that has its root deep below the skin.

Subi Perfect Pimple Patch
STYLE STORY's best-selling product for 3 years running, "perfect" is in the name for a reason. Not only are they ultra thin and barely visible, they stick in place like nobody's business, not budging until the job is done.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
Beloved by beauty bloggers around the world, these hydrocolloid patches flatten acne and pimples with heads. They also help you to stop picking at spots.
With three differently sized patches in a pack, you can choose which one will cover your bases. Each pack contains 7mm x 10EA, 10mm x 5EA and 12mm x 9EA.
Verdict
So are micro dot or hydrocolloid pimple patches better?
We hate to be fence sitters but the truth is that these are two *very* different products. It’s hard to call either one an outright “winner”.
On the one hand, hydrocolloid patches contain no drugs – they only work using hydrocolloid. This is great for pimples that have come to a head and have pus to draw out.
On the other hand, microneedle patches are often medicated, meaning they contain ingredients, including salicylic acid and tea tree, which makes them better for deeper pimples and cysts. However, they also contain drying ingredients that won’t work on all skin types.
Which patch is better for you will depend on which type of acne you have, as well as how sensitive you are to any of the ingredients.
Let Us Know Your Favourite Patches In The Comments.
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