Kelly Ripa has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and her recent take on the pimple patches trend is no exception. The talk show host sparked a debate after expressing her disdain for the increasingly popular acne treatment, calling for a little more “modesty” when it comes to breakouts.
During a July 17th episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, Ripa didn’t hold back on her feelings. “These pimple patches, they’re becoming the breakout fashion statement of the summer,” she remarked, according to Entertainment Weekly. “I’m here to say: No.”
Ripa’s comments come at a time when pimple patches have transitioned from a discreet skincare solution to a visible beauty statement, particularly among Gen Z. These adhesive patches, often infused with acne-fighting ingredients, are worn proudly in public, challenging the notion that blemishes need to be concealed.
The rise of “acne positivity” on social media has further normalized the visibility of breakouts. Celebrities like Millie Bobby Brown have openly embraced their skin imperfections, sharing makeup-free selfies and even sporting pimple patches on talk shows.
“I don’t like that social media has a lot to do with beauty perception,” Brown told Glamour in 2019. “Being someone else on social media is not healthy. I think it’s so important for other people to see the side of you where you have no makeup on and where you actually just woke up. That’s why I like to expose my pimples online, and be like, ‘Guys, look, it’s awful.’ It’s like, who cares? Everybody gets them. Social media should be a place to talk about real things—real situations—and I don’t think we should be hiding.”
Ripa, however, remains unconvinced. “Now, it is in fashion to wear your pimples proudly and cover them with bright stars and hearts, you name it,” she stated on her show. “And then, we’re all supposed to look away and pretend we don’t see the pimple patch.”
The differing perspectives of Ripa and Brown highlight a generational shift in attitudes toward beauty and self-acceptance. While Ripa recalled masking her own blemishes with heavy concealer, younger generations are challenging the pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards.
This begs the question: Are pimple patches a symbol of empowerment or simply a passing trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
