You’ve likely seen pimple patches or stickers on TikTok or even on your friends’ faces. Like many people, you might wonder whether these patches are purely decorative accessories for the face or if they truly work. If you deal with occasional pimples and do not have full-blown acne, you may not understand how effective these patches are to a young person’s mental and emotional well-being.
What Are Pimple Patches?
Acne, zit or pimple patches are small stickers made with a soothing gel called hydrocolloid which typically adheres to the skin and works by absorbing skin excess oil and dirt from pimples and covering it to prevent further trauma such as scars. If you’re fond of touching your pimples in an attempt to pop them, it also works by preventing this. These patches work best on open, draining, healing pustules, papules, and cysts.
Some pimple patches come as small, translucent stickers that match the skin tone of your face hence, making it discreet, others come in bright, primary colors and are often in fun shapes e.g. stars and flower shapes.
How Do You Use Pimple Patches?
The simplicity of these acne fighters is that they typically come glued to a sheet of transparent plastic film so you can easily peel it and paste on your face. Before you do that though, there are a couple of steps you need to take so as to make sure the patches work effectively.
The steps:
Step 1: Cleanse the Affected Area
Just like you would do before applying your skincare to your face, gently cleanse the pimple or blemish area with a mild cleanser. Make sure the skin is dry before moving on to step 2.
Step 2: Choose the Right Patch Size
Many pimple patches come in different sizes. Opt for a patch that’ll fully cover the pimple without overlapping onto your unaffected skin.
Step 3: Apply to Dry Skin
Peel the patch from its backing (plastic film) and apply it directly to the pimple. Make sure the skin is dry so that the patch can stick properly.
Step 4: Leave It On
Pimple patches work best when left on the affected area for several hours or even overnight. They work by absorbing excess oil, pus, and impurities from the pimple.
Step 5: Replace as Needed
If the patch becomes saturated or starts to lose its stickiness, replace it with a fresh one. Some patches turn white when they’ve adsorbed impurities so keep an eye out for that sign.
Step 6: Avoid Touching
Stop yourself from touching or picking at the pimple while the patch is on. Simply let it do its job.
Pimple Patch Recommendations
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch: These thin, transparent patches adhere well to the skin and work wonders on whiteheads and inflamed pimples. They’re discreet and can be worn during the day or overnight.
Neutrogena’s Stubborn Acne® Ultra-Thin Blemish Patches: are designed to help reduce the size of popped pimples in just one day while reducing the risk of post acne marks.
Pro-tip
Always keep in mind that pimple patches are not a magical solution. If you have any specific concerns or allergies, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice, tailored to your skin’s needs/problems.
