Despite the fact that the cardinal rule of acne is “Don’t pick,” when you’re confronted with a whitehead that appears to have its own zip code, logic can sometimes be thrown out the window. It’s possible that you’ll be left with a gory aftermath if you’ve broken the rules (and gone against dermatologists’ advice) by treating your acne on your own. You could have an open wound that’s leaking pus, oil, and possibly even blood.
Then there are pimple patches, also known as zit stickers, which may be able to help soothe your skin when you’re in a tight spot.
What Are Pimple Patches and How Do They Work?
A blemish patch is a small “sticker” that can be placed on breakouts to help absorb the pimple’s contents and encourage the spot to heal more quickly and effectively. Most of the time, they’re constructed of a gel-based hydrocolloid inner layer (which we’ll discuss in more detail later), with a flexible but impermeable silicone outer layer. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small patches designed to target individual blemishes to large sheets designed to target larger problem areas.
Instructions on how to use pimple patches
Most pimple patches need to be worn for a few hours in order to be effective, so you may want to apply yours before bed to maximise the effectiveness of your treatment. Some of the designs are also intended to be inconspicuous enough to be worn during the daytime hours.
Before you apply your pimple patch, make sure your skin is completely dry, as the patches will not adhere as well to wet skin as they will to dry skin. Ensure that the spot where your newly picked pimple is leaking or oozing is thoroughly cleansed before applying the product.
Using a pimple patch, simply place it over your zit (remember, they only work on open wounds) and leave it on for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer (which varies by product). You may notice that your blemish is smaller and less inflamed after you peel it off.
What Is the Mechanism of Action of Hydrocolloid Patches?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two acne-fighting ingredients that are commonly found in hydrocolloid bandages but are not required. In other words, they do not aid in the healing of the blemish by combating it. When applied to a problem area, such as a pimple, the patch accomplishes two tasks. First and foremost, it aids in the protection of the spot by creating a moist (and clean) environment. In addition, the patch’s outer layer assists in keeping the area clean by preventing microbes, such as infection-causing bacteria, from entering the blemish.
The hydrocolloid pimple patches, on the other hand, aid in the absorption of oil and bacteria from within the pimple. Hydrocolloid bandages have been around since the late 1960s, but it wasn’t until recently that they became popular as a way to treat breakouts at home with the help of a dermatologist.