All About Pimple Patches

Written by: Zobiana Dillsworth

Image Source: Hero Cosmetcs

Pimple patches are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the release of new designs and shapes from many companies. While pimple patches seem to be a convenient fix to a common problem, the average customer does not know much about them. So, how do pimple patches work?

Pimple patches are small stickers that contain hydrocolloids (1). Hydrocolloids were created to heal open wounds by pulling out the pus and other liquids. Once the liquid is out, the hydrocolloid becomes a gel-like substance (2). Some patches contain additional ingredients, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide (3). Salicylic acid is an ingredient that is able to go through several skin layers to fight acne. Once in the skin, the acid is an anti-inflammatory and dissolves debris. Products with salicylic acid work best on blackheads and whiteheads (4). Similar to salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide also removes oil and dead skin. Benzoyl peroxide is great for healing pus-filled pimples (5). These ingredients have different advantages, so they are often used in different pimple patches.

An important thing to note when using pimple patches is that they only work on open wounds. Pimple patches do not work on unpopped pimples (1), but they can still be worn to prevent more bacteria from getting in and worsening the pimple (3). Each company has its own patch, meaning ingredients and directions vary. Ensure you read the directions, preferably before buying, to make sure they are being used correctly. Many patches need to be worn for several hours at a time to work properly, so choose a time that is more convenient for you (1). Find the patch that works best for you, your acne, and your skin.

If you are interested in purchasing pimple patches, review this recommendation list from CNN: Best Pimple Patches-CNN.

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. “Do Pimple Patches Actually Work? – Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, 8 September 2021, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-do-pimple-patches-work/.

2. Hero Cosmetics. “What Are Hydrocolloid Acne Patches and How Do They Work?” Hero Cosmetics, 11 November 2017, https://www.herocosmetics.us/blogs/news/what-are-hydrocolloid-acne-patches-and-how do-they-work.

3. Akers, Whitney. “Do Those Pimple Stickers Actually Work?” Healthline, 29 February 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/do-those-pimple-stickers-actually-work.

4. Dancer, Rebecca, and Renee Jacques. “What Is Salicylic Acid and How Does It Benefit Skin?” Allure, 4 August 2023, https://www.allure.com/story/what-does-salicylic-acid-do.

5. Cobb, Cynthia, and Kristeen Cherney. “Salicylic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide: Use, Benefits, Side Effects & More.” Healthline, N.d., https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/salicylic-acid-vs-benzoyl-peroxide#_ noHeaderPrefixedContent.

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