In partnership with Kiehls
If there's one thing I'm good for, it's advice on how to treat a breakout in a timely manner. I dealt with acne most of my early twenties, and still experience hormonal breakouts now that I'm 30. Anything acne-related (whether mild or severe) is more about prevention than treatment — and it's never straightforward — but that doesn't mean it's not a good idea to have fast-acting products on hand.
I've cycled through many emergency pimple products (drying lotions, OG pimple patches) and there's a lot to choose from. Everything has its place, but if you want something that's effective, quick, gentle and not glaringly obvious, I've got just the recommendation (because star-shaped hydrocolloids are cute, but I don't really want to wear them round the clock).
Skin-clearing tips incoming, but first, some breakout context.
What actually triggers a breakout?
This is a loaded question as every complexion is different, but pimples essentially form when sebum, bacteria and skin cells become trapped within a pore. This can be caused by a multitude of factors: genetics, hormonal fluctuations that influence oil production, lifestyle choices and inefficient shedding of dead skin cells.
In order to maintain clear skin, you need healthy cell turnover, balanced oil production, low levels of inflammation and a healthy microbiome to prevent the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. It's a delicate dance, but one I've become well-versed in.
How to treat a breakout in a matter of hours:
Despite doing all the things, you've broken out... it happens! Fortunately, the Kiehl's Truly Targeted Blemish Solution Liquid Patch is a skincare silver bullet. I've always loved pimple patches because they're gentle and work synergistically with the rest of your routine, but they're not always conducive to real life. Plus, they don't have any long-term skincare benefits. That's where the Liquid Pimple Patch shines. The formula works to form an invisible protective shield while also infusing skin-clearing actives. There's 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate and dissolve oil within the pore, 4% niacinamide to regulate sebum and promote healing, as well as 0.2% liquorice root to counteract discolouration.
The Liquid Patch also works quickly — you should notice a slight reduction in redness within a few hours, and reduced swelling by the following day. It's a smart way to spot treat, because not only does the formula accelerate healing, but it treats the pimple at its root cause while preventing lasting trauma (i.e. scarring).
How to use the Kiehl's Liquid Pimple Patch
Unlike a classic pimple patch that needs to be stuck onto clean skin, the Liquid Patch is best applied on top of skincare as the final step in your routine. You only need a tiny amount — just press it onto the treatment area, allowing a minute or so for it to dry. It's fine to use morning and evening — if you're using it in the morning, just apply your makeup on top. It can be used consecutively until the spot is healed, too. Noteworthy features: it doesn't pill, it dries down to nothing and it won't interrupt the rest of your skincare/makeup routine.
What about longer-term breakout prevention?
The Liquid Patch is all about (almost) instant gratification, but I have to give an honourable mention to the Expertly Clear Blemish-Targeting & Preventing Lotion. This works to treat existing breakouts, but it's also a long-term solution to promote clear, calm skin. There's 1.2% salicylic acid, 2% niacinamide, glycerin and post-biotics inside, meaning it exfoliates, decongests, hydrates and supports the microbiome all in one easy product. Think of it as your 'always on' clear skin formula, whereas the Liquid Patch is more of an SOS.
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Blemish Solution Liquid Patch
Kiehl's Expertly Clear Blemish-Targeting & Preventing Lotion
Learn more about the Kiehl's Truly Targeted Blemish Solution Liquid Patch, below.
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