Where To Apply A Patch

Most patch problems are application problems, and nearly all of them are avoidable.

CHOOSE THE SITE. Upper arm, shoulder and upper back are the most reliable areas. They are relatively flat, have manageable hair coverage and move less than joints or the torso during training. Avoid anywhere clothing rubs constantly, and avoid areas that fold.

PREPARE THE SKIN. Clean, dry and free of lotion or oil. Moisturiser is the most common cause of a patch lifting within the hour. If you have just showered, make sure the skin is genuinely dry rather than nearly dry.

HAIR. Hair-free or close to it. You do not need to shave specially, but a hairy site will not hold and removal will be unpleasant.

PRESS PROPERLY. Ten to fifteen seconds of firm, even pressure across the whole patch, edges included. Most people press for two seconds and wonder why the corner lifts.

ROTATE. Move the site every day. Repeatedly applying to the same patch of skin is the single most common cause of irritation, and rotation prevents almost all of it.

REMOVE ON TIME. Each formula has a stated wear window on its product page. Caffeine formulas in particular should come off well before bed.

Do not apply to broken, irritated or sunburnt skin, and discontinue use if irritation develops.