La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Blemish Patches 22 Patches

Hydrocolloid patches for a single spot rather than the whole face. Each one is a soft, near-invisible disc that sticks over a blemish, absorbs the oil and fluid coming out of it and puts a physical layer between the spot and the outside world, which also means it is no longer easy to pick at. La Roche-Posay makes the patch 420 microns thick and says the reinforced thickness is what optimises how much it draws out, and that the patches can be worn day or night and under makeup.

What is in it

• A hydrocolloid matrix rather than an active-led formula: the short ingredient list is hydrogenated poly(C6-20 olefin), cellulose gum, hydrogenated styrene/butadiene copolymer, paraffinum liquidum and pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate.
• Cellulose gum is the part that swells as it takes up fluid; the polymers around it are what keep the disc soft and sticking.
• No exfoliating acid, no benzoyl peroxide and no fragrance, which is why the brand puts it forward for blemish-prone skin that is also sensitive.
• Two sizes in the box so the patch can match the spot: 12 small at 10 mm and 10 medium at 12 mm.
• La Roche-Posay reports consumer testing in which 94 per cent agreed spots looked flattened and 96 per cent agreed they were protected and less visible.

How to use

• Start with clean, dry skin - a patch will not hold over moisturiser, oil or makeup.
• Peel the sheet along the dotted line and lift off one patch, choosing the size that covers the spot with a small margin.
• Press it flat over the blemish and leave it in place; the brand's instruction is morning and/or evening.
• Peel it off and use a fresh one rather than repositioning the same patch, and apply makeup over the top if you want to.

Good to know

La Roche-Posay says to avoid the eyes, the lips and the mouth, and not to use the patches on infected wounds or on severe or cystic acne, which is a case for a doctor rather than a patch. Stop using them and speak to a healthcare professional if the skin becomes irritated. Keep the sheet in its pack so the adhesive stays clean and dry, store away from direct heat, and keep out of reach of children. Anyone already on a prescribed acne treatment should check with a pharmacist or dermatologist before adding anything to the routine.