Struggling with adult acne? These little stickers could be your saviour

Sadly, acne isn't just something that affects us in our teenage years; it's something that also persists in adulthood. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what's best for your skin and how to keep it pimple-free.

Thanks to advancements in skincare technology, there's now an easy way to cover and clear them up. And it's not a magic cream with an expensive price tag; it's simply a pack of clear stickers that can cost as little as $7. Yep, we're talking about the very helpful pimple patch.

Michael Porter is the co-founder of cult pimple patch brand, Skin Control. The brand was born from Porter's determination to bring effective and affordable skincare to the Australian market, after years of suffering from acne breakouts and struggling to combat problem skin with the expensive remedies offered by pharmacies.

They may look Gen Z, but they're for everyone: "Breakouts don't have an age limit," Porter says. "Adult acne usually shows up due to hormones, stress, busy lifestyles, and environmental factors like pollution".

Fortunately for those of us who struggle with pesky breakouts, pimple patches can provide some help. They work their magic by gently drawing out whiteheads and excess fluid using hydrocolloid technology. Confused? Porter explains, "Think of it as a clever gel-forming adhesive that pulls out oil and pus while keeping the area moist, perfect for speeding up healing," while the patch also helps protect against the temptation to squeeze (guilty).

No two spots are the same, which is why the new category has a few varieties. From AM-PM-specific patches to fast-action patches and patches that focus on pimple pigmentation, brands like Skin Control which are playing in this accessible skincare space, have developed a diverse range to combat every sort of breakout.

The top tip is simple: "Always apply pimple patches to clean, dry skin so they stick properly. Once on, you can continue with your regular skincare routine," Porter adds.

"Exfoliating beforehand can help the patch absorb more gunk," if you want to supercharge the results. "[It sounds] gross, but strangely satisfying when it comes off."

Want to add pimple patches to your skincare arsenal? Shop this lot.

Skin Control Pimple Patch AM

$7 | Skin Control$7.99 | Priceline

Skin Control Pimple Patch Micro Dart

$13 | Skin Control

Skin Control Dark Spot Fade Patch

$13 | Skin Control

Skin Control Pimple Patch Glossy Pack

Skin Control | $9

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

$7.90 | Adore Beauty$17 | Amazon 4 pack

MCoBeauty Ultimate Gentle Blemish Patches Bulk Pack

$12 | MCoBeauty$12 | Woolworths

The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

$17 | Sephora$26.96 | Amazon

Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots

$58 | Sephora

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