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Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in found in many acne-fighting products.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, \"the comedolytic property of salicylic acid makes it a useful peeling agent for patients with acne.\"

\"Salicylic acid can be drying, but is incredibly effective for reducing inflammation associated with acne lesion,\" Dr. Bowe added.

Peace Out, Alba Botanica and Patchology make acne patches that contain salicylic acid as an active ingredient.

\"We would recommend salicylic acid patches for anyone with cystic acne or new pimples not yet turned into white heads,\" Chris Hobson, CEO and founder of Patchology told \"GMA.\"

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A post shared by Peace Out Skincare (@peaceoutskincare) on Nov 20, 2019 at 8:57am PST

Microdarts

Acne patches with microdarts are the latest spot treatment to hit shelves.

\"Dissolving microneedles are a very cutting edge delivery mechanisms to increase penetration of some ingredients through the stratum corneum into the deeper layers of the skin,\" Dr. Bowe said.

These patches are helpful for more stubborn breakouts that are deeper under the skin.

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A post shared by ZitSticka™ (@zitsticka) on Feb 4, 2020 at 8:48am PST

Some of the patches contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help heal breakouts.

As per the NCBI, \"because of its verifiable beneficial effects, niacinamide would be a suitable component in cosmetic products for use in disorders of epidermal barrier function, for ageing skin, for improving pigmentary disorders and for use on skin prone to acne.\"

ZitSticka, Dr. Jart and Hero Cosmetics have all implemented this type of microdart technology into their acne patches.

Ju Rhyu co-founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics says microdarts, \"help deliver active ingredients to the source of the pimple and helps treat early stage zits.\"

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A post shared by Dr.Jart+ North America (@drjart) on Nov 15, 2019 at 7:01am PST

The takeaway

Acne stickers are a great way to help with breakouts but should be used in conjunction with other treatments and you should always consult a dermatologist.

\"Pimple patches are only used to spot treat an active pimple and should be using alongside other acne products. An acne regimen should be followed for those with acne-prone and oily skin,\" Tawhanna Wood, senior manager of research and development at Alba Botanica told \"GMA.\"

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