Everybody’s looking for a quick fix, especially when it comes to the pesky skin condition known as acne. This has made pimple patches, which are quick-fix solutions for breakouts, very popular throughout the world. And because they sound too good to be true, a lot of people can’t help but ask: do they really work?
Well, they do – but only on open or oozing surface-level zits. Sadly, they can’t do anything about cystic acne – a more severe form of breakouts.
What is a Pimple Patch?
A pimple patch is made of hydrocolloid, which is a type of wound dressing. This makes your patch a sort of dressing for the ‘wound’ (aka zit) you have on your face.
Patches often take the form of small translucent stickers, which are barely visible on the skin. This makes patches easy to ‘conceal’ with makeup. And, if you’re lucky to find a patch that matches your skin tone, you can run away with it with no makeup at all!
Although patches usually come in small circles, they are also available in more unique shapes such as hearts or stars. According to manufacturers, these designs help promote ‘acceptance’ – so that wearers feel more confident in their skin. After all, many pimple sufferers often experience low self-esteem and poor body image issues.
How Does a Pimple Patch Work?
The non-medicated patch’s hydrocolloid content works by absorbing moisture and the toxins out of your pimple. This absorbed material turns into a sort of gel that turns the patch white. Once this happens, it means that the patch has already ‘dried out’ your acne.
Patches provide more than just immediate gratification as they help promote healing as well. After all, it can protect your zit from bacteria, sunlight – even your undying urge to pop it!
While a pimple patch is nothing short of miraculous, it is important to note that it only works on open or oozing surface-level zits such as whiteheads and pus-filled pimples.
Unfortunately, patches won’t have any effect on deep-seated acne.
What to Look for in a Pimple Patch
It’s best to go for a product that contains any of these gold-star ingredients:
● Salicylic Acid. This penetrates your skin to remove the dead skin cells, bacteria, and other material that clog the pores.
● Benzoyl Peroxide. This helps shed the bacteria and dead skin cells that usually trigger breakouts.
If you’re looking for natural ingredients, you can go for patches that contain:
● Tea Tree Oil. This contains terpene, a substance that fights acne-causing bacteria.
● Niacinamide. This B vitamin helps reduce inflammation and oil (sebum) production.
While you may want to get a patch with microneedles because of its claims against severe acne, don’t. Experts believe this type to be a waste of money because they can’t penetrate the skin deep enough to treat cystic acne.
How to Use a Pimple Patch
First, you need to clean your face well and pat it dry. After doing so, apply the patch on top of your pimple and leave it on for about 24 hours.
Although the patch is best used overnight, you can remove it earlier if it has already become an opaque color. As mentioned, this is a sign that your patch has already absorbed the gunk out of your zit.
For best results, use your patch before sleeping. That way, it can work with the body’s rejuvenation actions at night.
True enough, pimple patches offer an inexpensive and instant treatment for stubborn pimples. So if you suffer from surface-level pimples, then you should try using these patches right away!
