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Forget that sticky zit cream you used to apply whenever you had a pimple – there’s something new on the market that seems to be a favorite of A-list celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Addison Rae, and Florence Pugh.
Pimple patches are a must-have accessory these days, appearing on people’s faces in a variety of fun colors and even adorable shapes like hearts, flowers, and stars that look like stickers.
Shameful acne blemish-removing creams and pastes have been left behind, and instead, these popular patches crowd the shelves of beauty giants Sephora and Ulta.
Kim Kardashian and her 11-year-old daughter, North West, even raved about the product and put some on their faces in a recent video posted to their joint website. TikTok account.
But before you spend money on them, what exactly do these acne patches do? And are they really good for your skin?
To find out more about this trendy, must-have skincare product, FEMAIL consulted two leading dermatologists to find out what’s really going on beneath that star-shaped layer.
Pimple patches have become a must-have accessory for celebrities like Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey, but are they good for your skin?
Don’t Worry Darling actress Florence Pugh also seems to be a fan of the colorful patches, which are made by the brand Starface.
Embarrassing acne blemish creams and pastes have been left behind, and instead these popular patches line the shelves of beauty giants Sephora and Ulta.
What are acne patches and what do they do?
According to a Rhode Island dermatologist Dr. Tiffany LibbyMost acne patches are made of something called hydrocolloid.
She explained to DailyMail.com that hydrocolloid is simply “a material that retains moisture and creates a moist environment to promote healing.”
And, curiously, it is not something new either (although its marketing may be).
“These types of dressings, called hydrocolloid dressings, have been used in medical settings for wound care for years,” said Dr. Libby.
The dermatologist shared that the patches, which are intended to lighten skin blemishes, provide two “main” benefits: absorption and protection.
“These patches absorb excess fluid, such as pus and oil from the pimple, which helps flatten it and reduce inflammation,” Dr. Libby said.
Additionally, they will help protect the pimple from any external bacteria, dirt, and from touching or pinching it.
FEMAIL consulted with leading dermatologists Dr. Tiffany Libby (left) and Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (right) to find out whether acne patches are good for your skin or not.
Dr. Libby shared that the patches, which are meant to lighten skin blemishes, provide two “main” benefits: absorption and protection.
Are acne patches good for your skin and when should you use them?
The good news is that acne patches are beneficial for your skin, as long as they are applied to clean skin, according to Dr. Libby.
Mississippi Based Dermatologist Dr. Lindsay Zubritsky, The person who goes by the handle @dermguru on social media agreed.
“Depending on how acne patches are made and what ingredients they contain, they can be very effective at reducing the size and healing time of a pimple,” Dr Zubritsky explained to DailyMail.com.
And it doesn’t matter what time of day you choose to put it on, but it’s generally recommended to leave it on for at least 12 to 24 hours, Dr. Zubritsky said.
They can be effective at any time of the day, whether morning, evening or even afternoon.
“In the morning, you can apply the patch and then apply makeup on top, and at night it helps provide a barrier and protection against inadvertent nighttime picking,” Dr. Libby suggested.
It doesn’t matter what time of day you choose to put it on, but it’s generally recommended to keep it on for at least 12 to 24 hours, Dr. Zubritsky said (file image)
What type of pimples will these patches work best on?
While pimple patches may be perfectly fine for everyday blemishes, you may want to be careful about placing them on any cystic pimples that may appear on your skin.
Cystic pimples are a type of inflammatory acne that forms deep blemishes on the skin, Cleveland Clinicand can be extremely painful.
These spots can appear when bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells become trapped deep within the hair follicles.
And unfortunately, when it comes to cystic pimples, a cloud-shaped or neon patch may not be the answer to your problem.
“I’m not a big fan of using patches for cystic acne,” Dr. Zubritsky admitted.
“Cystic acne is deep and under the skin, so a superficial pimple patch won’t significantly address this type of pimple or make a big difference,” she said.
However, the dermatologist noted that if the cystic pimple has a lot of fluid, the hydrocolloid may help.
It’s also an effective way to keep your hands away from the area, Dr. Libby added, as touching cystic acne can cause scarring.
But if you have blackheads or whiteheads on your face, which can appear due to clogged pores and hair follicles, pimple patches may be the solution.
Both dermatologists recommended using a medicated acne patch that contains acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid, to treat these bumps.
Salicylic acid can help keep pores clean and clear, and exfoliates the skin, Health line.
When to Ditch Acne Patches and See a Doctor Instead
While these acne stickers may work for some of your blemishes, it’s important to know when to throw them away and consult a doctor.
“If over-the-counter patches and topical products don’t work to clear acne or prevent breakouts, see a board-certified dermatologist, as more aggressive treatment, such as prescription topical products and/or oral medications, may be necessary,” Dr. Libby told DailyMail.com.
‘Don’t wait to treat your acne, as acne scars can appear due to persistent acne and are much more difficult, expensive and complicated to treat in the long run.’
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