Kelly Ripa references nipples in criticism of Gen Z pimple patch trend: 'A little modesty goes a long way'

Detective Kelly Ripa is absolutely on the case when it comes to sleuthing out those pimples on your face, thank you very much.

The Live cohost began Thursday morning's episode by announcing her firm stance against Gen Z's penchant for wearing colorful pimple patches to cover up unwanted acne — a move seen by many as a way to de-stigmatize and embrace an uncontrollable blemish.

"We've got a lot to unpack here. These pimple patches, anybody wearing any in the audience today? They're becoming the breakout fashion statement of the summer, and I'm here to say: No," the 53-year-old longtime talk show host told the audience as the crowd chuckled. "Don't get me wrong, I like a pimple patch, but now they're making them fashion statements. They're making stars and hearts!"

Ripa turned the experience inward, remembering that, "Back in the day, we used to go to great lengths to cover our pimples — to cover them. Ruin your day. You got a pimple? You had to get the cover-up. It's never a shade found in nature. Cover-up used to look like Wite-Out!"

The summit on pimple-covering mechanisms continued as Ripa's husband and fellow Live host Mark Consuelos looked on from her side.

"Now, it is in fashion to wear your pimples proudly and cover them with bright stars and hearts, you name it. And then, we're all supposed to look away and pretend we don't see the pimple patch," Ripa joked. "I think a little modesty goes a long way with your pimples, because pimples are like nipples!"

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Consuelos let the moment linger for a few seconds, before swiftly transitioning to the next topic — with the pimple patches never referenced again.

The speech came as the latest in Ripa's comical criticisms of worldly happenings, including when she started the July 10 broadcast with a stern warning about keeping reptiles in your trousers.

"I want to get right into it," Ripa said, before referencing a recent headline. "If you are traveling, please do not put 100 live snakes down your pants and try to sneak them through customs on an airplane, because I might be on that airplane."

Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for showtimes in your area.