of users said that the results of Vice Reversa’s MicroMasking treatments were better than those of traditional creams. But unlike dermarollers and dermastampers, there’s no concerns about sterilising equipment or spreading infections. The patches are single use and stay in the one place on your skin. Hong, JY, Ko, EJ, Choi, SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of a novel, soluble microneedle patch for the improvement of facial wrinkle, J Cosmet Dermatol 2018, 17, 235–241. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12426 When crow’s feet, fine lines and spots aren’t responding to topical skincare routines, it’s makes sense to try a more targeted (and scientifically proven) solution.

Creams and serums, however advanced, have their limitations. Not only are active ingredients wasted as they are rubbed on with hands, but many of them remain outside of the skin’s natural barrier, never reaching the problem they’re designed to treat. The underlying cause of blind pimples is excess sebum on the skin, which is often triggered by hormones. As sebum mixes with bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells, pores become clogged, preventing pimples from reaching the surface and causing skin to become inflamed. By coupling anti-inflammatory ingredients - that open pores and reduce excessive sebum production - with innovative skincare solutions such as microneedle patches that reach deep-rooted spots, blind pimples can be treated effectively. ReferencesAlso referred to as a ‘papule’ or cystic acne, a blind pimple is acne developed beneath the skin’s surface. It typically shows as a raised lump that may be sensitive or painful to touch. Usually, blind pimples are slightly red in colour, particularly if the surrounding skin has become inflamed or infected. However not all blind pimples are visible. Hyaluronic acid: a humectant, water-holding ingredient that’s already present in your skin. It decreases as you age, which is partly why your skin looks less plump as you get older. Collagen: This is usually just a humectant moisturiser, since it can’t get through the stratum corneum, but because of the microneedles this is much less of an issue. Adding broken (hydrolysed) collagen to the skin can stimulate it to produce more collagen, which is how collagen supplements could potentially work. Madecassoside: also in the Pimple Patches. It’s anantioxidant and anti-inflammatory terpenoid extracted from Centella asiatica (from K-beauty “cica” products) that could help skin heal faster and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline): it’s a section of Botox, which could potentially relax wrinkles slightly

Dissolving microneedle patches have also been used in studies to deliver skincare ingredients like ascorbic acid, retinyl retinoate, and tretinoin ( 1, 2) Has an immediate hydration and firming effect, whilst delivering ingredients to help reduce long term wrinkles. The bacteria resting on the skin is known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, and has been positively associated with acne and skin infections [1]. When bacteria combine with dirt and oil under the skin, it can often become infected and inflamed. This then presents similar to cystic acne – as red, painful bumps under the skin. How do you pop a blind pimple? Using technology originally designed to vaccinate people without syringes or the need for trained injectors, Vice Reversa worked with k-beauty scientists and adapted the same technology to the targeted delivery of active skincare ingredients. Microneedles are a really clever way of increasing the delivery of skincare actives that can’t be done with conventional skincare products. The needles go through the skin barrier and create little tunnels for the ingredients to get through.