What Are Liquid Pimple Patches & How Do They Work? We Asked An Esthetician

Waking up to angry acne is never pleasant, but pimple patches have forever changed the game for those of us with acne-prone skin. From star-shaped stickers to transparent dots, pimple patches are a super chic way to cover up zits while treating them simultaneously. As an added benefit, some styles are so cute you may even look forward to your next breakout. You've likely seen your fair share of the hydrocolloid bandage-style variety while perusing the skincare aisle, but perhaps you've noticed a new type of acne fighter dominating the shelves lately: liquid pimple patches. Unlike traditional hydrocolloid pimple patches, you can use liquid pimple patches under makeup without any telltale bumps or ridges — what a time to be alive!

Still, seamless makeup application isn't the only perk of this exciting new acne solution. Glam spoke to expert Gregory Dylan, a licensed esthetician with nearly three decades of experience in the skincare industry, to better understand how liquid pimple patches differ from regular pimple patches. Dylan, who also owns Gregory Dylan Skincare and Beauty in West Hollywood and Palm Springs, California, told us everything there is to know about liquid pimple patches versus their stick-on counterparts. Best of all, the skincare guru even gave us tips on how to find the best liquid pimple patch.

According to expert Gregory Dylan, liquid pimple patches aren't all that different from acne treatments of yesteryear. However, their improved formulation makes them far more cosmetically elegant than your ordinary zit cream. "Liquid pimple patches are gel or polymer-based treatment products that contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat and calm new blemishes," Dylan tells Glam exclusively. "They form a thin barrier on the skin to put the blemish under occlusion, which helps increase the delivery and penetration of the actives while maximizing healing." This beneficial barrier speeds up the pimple healing process — and that's not all. "[Liquid pimple patches] also have a near invisible dry down, which makes them ideal for use during the day and under makeup," says Dylan. At last, those struggling with persistent breakouts have a blemish-fighting way to wear makeup over active acne.

Not sure which type of patch to try? The choice between liquid and hydrocolloid pimple patches comes down to personal preference, as well as the status of your zit. "While both deliver ingredients to treat, calm, and heal blemishes, the general consensus is that liquid patches tend to be best used in treating newer blemishes that are just popping up," says Dylan. "The solid hydrocolloid patches are thought to be better for a blemish that has come to a head." Indeed, few things in life are more satisfying than slapping a hydrocolloid patch on a late-stage pimple.

Even the world's finest skincare products can fall flat without proper application, so we asked Gregory Dylan how to make your pimple patch even more effective. While you may be tempted to dab your pimple patch on in a hurry, Dylan stresses the importance of starting fresh-faced. "To maximize the benefits of using a liquid pimple patch, you'll want to make sure you're starting with clean skin ... [and] hands if using your fingers to apply the product." Beyond that, you'll need to allow the liquid pimple patch to dry completely if you plan on wearing makeup — and be careful not to overdo things. "Follow the brand's directions for usage, but a twice-daily application should suffice. And be sure to completely remove the liquid patch when cleansing at the end of the day," Dylan tells Glam.

Now that you know how to use liquid pimple patches correctly, you may wonder which product to try first. For most skin types, Dylan suggests starting with Kiehl's. "While several brands have recently launched a liquid pimple patch product, Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Invisible Pimple Patch has been a stand out with thousands of positive reviews," he says. "In addition to the 2% salicylic acid, it also features niacinamide to address discoloration and licorice root to soothe and calm redness." And if you're looking for a liquid pimple patch without salicylic acid, there are many types of pimple patches out there to suit your needs.

For more skincare tips and tricks from Gregory Dylan, follow him on Instagram at @GregoryDylanBeauty.