What are pimple patches? And how do you use them?

If you’ve wandered onto social media recently then you may have seen pimple patches.

Whether you’ve seen girlies just wearing patches on their faces. Or you may have seen them doing “the peel” AKA when they remove the pimple patches.

In fact, earlier this year, Stranger Things actor Millie Bobby Brown appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show sans makeup wearing pimple patches.

But what exactly are pimple patches? And how do we use them?

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A post shared by The Drew Barrymore Show (@thedrewbarrymoreshow)

What are pimple patches?

A pimple patch or an acne patch looks like a sticker. They are made from a substance called hydrocolloid, which is a wound-healing gel.

The patch acts like a bandage which creates a protective seal over the skin and absorbs excess fluids like oil and dirt from your pimple.

As it dries out the spot it will also pull out the impurities of the blemish.

How do you use a pimple patch?

It’s really easy!

First things first, you need to make sure that your skin is clean and dry – especially if you have just popped the spot.

It’s best to apply it like a bandage or sticker before you go to bed. Pimple patches are meant to stay on for several hours so if you want to get the best use out of them, when you’re asleep is best.

@xxpushinpretty Replying to @Agobokwe Heres another 😘 #acne #acnejourney #pimplepatchremoval #blackgirlwithacne #xxpushinpretty #herocosmetics ♬ lovergirl – saturra

Can pimple patches be used on all spots?

While we’re big fans of pimple patches, they can’t be used on all pimples or breakouts.

The best spots to use it on are :

Small, pus-filled bumps that have just formed
Whiteheads
Just after the pimple has popped
Mild, superficial breakouts

Unfortunately, they don’t tend to work on cystic acne, blackheads or deeper lesions.

Why should you use a pimple patch?

Pimple patches help decrease inflammation as well as give your blemish the time needed for your skin to heal.

Hydrocolloid acne patches can also block bacteria from entering the pimple, this will prevent even more redness and inflammation.

The patch will prevent you from physically picking at the spot which will make sure that you don’t lead to any more scarring or hyperpigmentation.

Pimple patches are more gentle on the skin than other acne treatments!

@dr.mamina Hydrocolloid patches are here to stay. They were first used for wounds because of their ability to draw in fluid and create a sealed moisture barrier. I don’t think hydrocolloid patches work on all forms of acne, but it can be good for a juicy one that is inflamed or if you just want to hide the bump 🤷🏻‍♀️ #acne #acnepatch #hydrocolloidpatch #acnetreatment #dermatologist #drmamina #acnemarks #pimplepopping #satisfying ♬ original sound – Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD

What ingredients should you look out for?

Of course, acne patches aren’t just stickers that you put on. They also feature some really important ingredients that will help your skin!

So what ingredients should we be looking for?

Well hydrocolloid is usually the only ingredient in patches and that ingredient works wonders on pulling out impurities.

You can also look for patches with Tea Tree Oil, which helps dry out the pimple. If you want to ease redness and inflammation look out for Salicylic acid. Meanwhile, Niacinamide can improve the texture and tone of your skin.