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In the past, having a pimple meant disguising layers of foundation, concealer, powder… or maybe just a strategically angled hairstyle. But now the game has changed: why hide a pimple when you can disguise it? No frantic mixing or pore-clogging products required. Today, we’re taking a radically different (and refreshingly low-key) approach to acne: slap a bright yellow star-shaped sticker on it and call it a day.
Welcome to the age of pimples, where blemishes are not embarrassing secrets to hide, but simply part of the human experience. While putting a literal sticker on a pimple may seem bold, it’s also an effective way to treat blemishes. Here, we dive into the science, benefits, and best ways to eliminate pimples. If you’re interested in skin science, be sure to check out our guides on How an LED Mask Works and the ancient history of snail mucin.
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table of Contents
- What is a pimple patch?
- How do hydrocolloid patches work?
- Our Favorite Pimple Patches
- Other localized treatments
- How often can hydrocolloid patches be used?
- Final Tips and Advice
What is a pimple patch?
In simpler terms, pimple patches are small adhesive stickers made to combat acne, one blemish at a time. These patches cover the pimple and absorb excess fluid, speeding up healing and preventing you from scratching your skin, which is no small feat. Pimple patches come in various formulas, with different ingredients for different breakouts, but the most popular are hydrocolloid patches.
How do hydrocolloid patches work?
Photography: Andrew Youngberg
Hydrocolloid patches are a type of wound dressing that helps retain moisture and create a moist, healing environment for pimples, burns, or blisters. “They are made of a water-attracting material that is attached to a very thin plastic film,” he says. cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong. “So if you have an open pimple, for example, it can suck out the pus.”
Although hydrocolloid has been used for wound care since the 1960s (originally developed in the 1930s by a dentist), it wasn’t until the early 2010s that pimple stains began appearing on grocery shelves. beauty and skin care products.
When applied to an inflamed pimple, usually one with liquid, the heat from the skin softens the sticker’s coating, helping it suck out impurities. It also acts as a small seal that protects the blemish from further irritation or spread. If you’ve ever removed a patch and found the bottom covered in a disgusting white substance, it’s a mixture of the hydrocolloid gel and drained oils extracted from the skin. This process also prevents you from picking at the pimple, a habit that can lead to longer healing times, infections, and scarring.
Our Favorite Pimple Patches
Other localized treatments
“Spot treatments (tend) to contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or witch hazel,” he writes Lindsey Zubritskyboard-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, in an email. “These are active ingredients; while they may work, they can also cause dryness and irritation.” Pure hydrocolloid patches, on the other hand, contain no active ingredients, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
How often can hydrocolloid patches be used?
(A GETTY IMAGE TO BREAK THIS UP WOULD BE NICE)
According to most dermatologists, you can use hydrocolloid patches as needed. Zubritsky (aka @dermguru on TikTok) suggests wearing them for up to 12 hours, ideally overnight. But they can also be used during the day. They are particularly effective on fluid-filled pimples, such as papules, pustules, or cysts.
“Hydrocolloid patches are considered safe and effective,” Zubritsky writes, “I simply would not recommend relying on them as the sole treatment for acne.” While they help treat individual blemishes, they do not prevent acne blemish breakouts or treat cystic acne or blackheads.
Wong adds that if you have oily skin, the patch may not adhere as well, although it’s usually not a major problem. Lastly, those with more melanin-rich skin may want to avoid daytime use, as UV exposure could cause hyperpigmentation where the patch was applied.
Final Tips and Advice
Always clean the blemish before applying a patch. Hydrocolloids seal everything underneath, so you want to start with clean skin. Also dry the area; They will not stick to a wet surface. Obviously, popping pimples is a no-no, but if one does break out, a hydrocolloid patch can also help heal open wounds. Some skin care brands add ingredients like tea tree oil or niacinamide to their patches, so be careful if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.