

5 Acne Patches That Actually Work For Breakouts
I have to admit that I'm a creature of habit. My skincare routine rarely changes, my hair is almost always the same, and experimenting for me looks like trying out a new lipstick or a sheet mask packed with ingredients I already know and love. I like routine, especially when it comes to beauty — the predictability offering me something the rest of life can't. Which is to say, I was slow to adopt pimple patches, the hydrocolloid-filled stickers designed to sit atop your pimple and sort of magically make them disappear. It felt like an elevated version of the bandaid trick (you know, the one where you just stick one on soaked in tea tree oil until it goes away), but simultaneously seemed to good to be true. Until I tried it. And it actually worked.
I've since turned into a pimple patch evangelist, recommending them to anyone who will listen, whether their pimple is buried deep beneath the surface or itching to pop (which you should never do, by the way). See the most effective pimple patches ahead, so you can stock up for your next breakout.
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1.Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Anthropologie
Available in four variations for a range of needs, Mighty Patch is one of the OG pimple patch brands and doesn't disappoint. There are larger acne patches for bigger areas — called Surface — and invisible ones that practically melt into the skin so you can wear them throughout the day. A pack will run you anywhere from $12.99 for the micro-point patches for early stage blemishes to $17.99 for the Surface patches. Better yet, you can buy them at Target and toss them in your cart alongside other things you definitely don't need.
2.ZitSticka KILLA Kit Pimple Patches
When it comes to pimples buried deep beneath the skin, ZitSticka is unmatched in its ability to target and get rid of them. The genius is in the microdart technology, which penetrates the zit and injects targeted ingredients that clears up your skin before it can make its way to the surface.
3.Starface Hydro-Stars
Hypebae
If you find yourself sticking rhinestones on your face just for fun, then these star-shaped pimple patches might be the answer to your blemish woes. The spot treatment stars both dress up and address your pimple and help to stop you from picking at your skin while the patch does its thing.
4.Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Peace Out Skincare
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots takes a holistic approach to zapping your zit, using a blend of Vitamin A to prevent clogged pores, salicylic acid to help congested pores, and aloe vera to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
5.COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Soko Glam
One of the most popular pimple patch options out there, COSRX offers waterproof patches that extract while also hydrating the skin.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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From Monogamy To Polyamory: 'I'm In An Asexual Poly Marriage With My Husband Of 7 Years'
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be asexual and in an open marriage? Relationship Coach Mikki Bey shared her first-hand experience with us as well as answered some of our burning questions.
Like a lot of people, Mikki met her now husband, Raheem Ali, online. As soon as they met, they instantly fell in love and got engaged on their first date. Just 90 days after they met, the couple tied the knot and have now been married for seven years. Raheem and Mikki aren’t your typical married couple, and despite being married for almost a decade, their marriage is anything but traditional. Mikki and Raheem have what she calls an "asexual polyamorous marriage."
Defining Her Sexuality
It wasn't until last summer that Mikki found the language to define her sexuality. "I didn't have the language for it until last summer," she explained to xoNecole. "Looking back, I just thought sex wasn't my thing. It was never enjoyable for me, and I'd go years without even noticing.”
Mikki always thought she was broken because she had no interest in sex. Mikki noticed after her friends came to visit and started discussing their sexual fantasies that she realized something was different about her. “At that point, I knew something was definitely different about me since I do not have sexual fantasies at all. It was truly news to me that people are at work thinking about sex! That was not my experience.” This led to Mikki researching asexuality, which she soon realized fit her to a T. “It felt like breathing new air when I was able to call it by name," said Mikki.
"Looking back, I just thought sex wasn't my thing. It was never enjoyable for me, and I'd go years without even noticing it."
Asexuality refers to people who experience little or no sexual attraction, experience attraction without acting on it sexually, or experience sexual attraction differently based on other factors. Like most things, asexuality falls on a spectrum and encompasses many other identities. It's important to remember, however, that attraction and action are not always synonymous: some asexuals may reject the idea of sexual contact, but others may be sex-neutral and engage in sexual activity.
It's possible that some asexuals will have sex with someone else despite not having a libido or masturbating, but others will have sex with a partner because it brings a sense of connection.
From a Traditional Marriage to Kitchen Table Polyamory
Although Mikki never really had a high sex drive, it wasn’t until after the birth of her son, that she noticed her sex drive took a real nosedive. “I never had a high sex drive, but about a year after my son was born, I realized I had zero desire. My husband has a high sex drive, and I knew that it would not be sustainable to not have sex in our marriage at that time.”
She was determined to find an alternative to divorce and stumbled upon a polyamory conversation on Clubhouse. Upon doing her own research, she brought up the idea to their husband, who was receptive. “It’s so interesting to me that people weigh sex so heavily in relationships when even if you are having a ton of sex, it’s still a very small percentage of the relationship activity," Mikki shared.
They chose polyamory because Mikki still wanted to be married, but she also wanted to make sure that Raheem was getting his individual needs and desires met, even if that meant meeting them with someone else. “I think that we have been programmed to think that our spouses need to be our 'everything.' We do not operate like that. There is no one way that fits all when it comes to relationships, despite what society may try to tell you. Their path to doing this thing called life together may be different from yours, but they found what works for them. We have chosen to design a marriage that works for us,” Mikki explained.
"We have chosen to design a marriage that works for us. We both consent to each of us having everything from casual sex partners to lifetime partners if it should go there. We believe love is abundant and do not limit ourselves or each other on how we express it."
She continued, “We both consent to each of us having everything from casual sexual partners to lifetime partners if it should get there. We believe love is abundant and do not limit ourselves or each other on how we express it. Our dynamic is parallel with kitchen table poly aspirations.”
Kitchen table polyamory (KTP) is a polyamorous relationship in which all participants are on friendly terms enough to share a meal at the kitchen table. Basically, it means you have some form of relationship with your partner’s other partner, whether as a group or individually. A lot of times, KTP relationships are highly personal and rooted in mutual respect, communication, and friendship.
Intimacy in an Asexual Polyamorous Marriage
Mikki says she and her husband, Raheem, still share intimate moments despite being in a polyamorous marriage. “Our intimacy is emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical, although non-sexual. We are intentional about date nights weekly, surprising and delighting each other daily, and most of all, we communicate our needs regularly. In my opinion, our intimacy is top-tier! I give my husband full-body massages, mani-pedis and make sure I am giving him small physical touches/kisses throughout the day. He is also very intentional about showing me his love and affection.”
Raheem and Mikki now use their lives as examples for others. On their website, thepolycouplenextdoor.com, they coach people interested in learning how to be consensually non-monogamous. “We are both relationship coaches. I specialized in emotional regulation, and Raheem specializes in communication and conflict resolution. The same tools we use in our marriage help our clients succeed in polyamory."
Mikki advises people who may be asexual or seeking non-monogamy to communicate their needs openly and to consider seeking sex therapy or intimacy coaching. Building a strong relationship with a non-sexual partner requires both empathy and compassion.
For more of Mikki, follow her on Instagram @getmikkibey. Follow the couple's platform on Instagram @thepolycouplenextdoor.
Featured image by skynesher/Getty Images