What does a pimple patch actually do?
Hydrocolloid is a dressing material that absorbs fluid and forms a gel. A hydrocolloid dressing has an inner layer that absorbs fluid from the affected area and an outer layer that protects it. The dressing keeps the area moist while it heals, rather than simply drying it out. A pimple patch draws out fluid and puts a physical cover between the spot and your fingers, giving a sticker a more useful job than decorating a notebook.23
Which spots are worth covering?
| What the spot is like | What to expect from a patch |
|---|---|
| An open spot that is releasing fluid | The best match for absorbing fluid and protecting the area. |
| A closed surface pimple | Less useful, although some evidence suggests reduced size and redness. |
| A blackhead or deeper whitehead | Little help with clearing the blockage. |
| A deep, painful lump | A cover can protect the skin, but a patch will not treat the deep acne. |
Do not squeeze a spot to make it suitable for a patch. Picking and squeezing can cause scars. Deep acne nodules and cysts are lumps that develop beneath the skin; squeezing them increases the risk of infection, discoloration and scarring.45
How do you apply it?
- 1Wash the affected area gently. For everyday acne care, wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser rather than scrubbing.
- 2Dry the area thoroughly. Patch adhesive does not stick as well to wet skin.
- 3Apply the patch over the spot using the pack's directions.
- 4Leave the patch in place for the wear time printed on the pack. Many pimple patches are designed for overnight use.
- 5Remove the patch at the directed time. Follow the pack's instructions for whether and when to replace it.
Where does it fit with other skincare?
Keep the rest of an acne routine gentle, particularly if you use acne medicines. Many acne products cause dryness, so gentle cleansers and moisturizers have a practical role alongside them. Do not assume that instructions for applying an acne medicine also cover wearing that medicine beneath a patch; use each product's directions for that decision.3
How quickly should you expect a difference?
Most pimple patches need several hours of wear, and the spot may look smaller and less inflamed after removal. Do not turn that into a promise that one patch will erase a pimple overnight.1
Research on hydrocolloid patches for acne is promising but still limited. A small study involving 20 people found reduced acne severity and inflammation during days three to seven. Another study involving 41 people over 14 days found improvements in spot texture, redness, size and elevation with a gentle wash and hydrocolloid patches compared with a gentle wash alone. These are useful signs of benefit for hydrocolloid patches generally, not a countdown for an individual spot. Hydrocolloids have a much longer research history as wound dressings than as acne treatments, so the sticker has more experience covering a wound than running an entire skincare routine.2
Can patches stop new spots or remove scars?
Patches cannot prevent new acne or clear the clogged pores that lead to breakouts. Acne starts when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, and bacteria can then contribute to inflammation and pus. Recurring acne needs treatment aimed at those processes rather than just a cover for the latest spot. A pharmacist can help you choose an acne treatment; a doctor can offer prescription options when needed. Treat a patch as protection for an active spot, not as a way to remove an established acne scar.146
Who should be careful?
Be cautious with patches if you have sensitive skin or a known sensitivity to adhesive. Adhesive can aggravate the skin around a spot. Some patch formulas also contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or tea tree oil that can irritate the area, so check the Original Fit ingredient list rather than assuming every patch has the same formula. Stop using a patch if it irritates the surrounding skin.1
What if the pimple is deep and painful?
For a deep pimple, a warm, damp washcloth can help bring it closer to the surface. Apply a clean, comfortably warm washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three times daily, using a clean cloth each time. Do not pop the bump. A hydrocolloid patch can protect the skin, but it is not a substitute for treating the deeper inflammation. If the bump persists, or several deep, painful bumps develop, see a dermatologist.5
Inflamed acne can leave dark marks, and sun exposure increases that risk. Use shade, protective clothing and a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin. Some acne ingredients also increase sun sensitivity. Look for sunscreen labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores.5
When should you get medical help?
- See a doctor if acne is not improving with treatment you have tried yourself.
- Get help for numerous spots, deep or painful spots, or acne that is causing scars.
- Seek medical advice for signs of infection, including hot, swollen and red skin. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
- Get help if acne is affecting your mental health.
Where this answer comes from
- 1How Do Pimple Patches Work?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 2Narrative Review of the Use of Hydrocolloids in Dermatology: Applications and Benefitspmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Think that DIY acne trick is helping? Here’s what dermatologists want you to knowaad.org
- 4Acnenhs.uk
- 5How to treat a deep, painful pimple at homeaad.org
- 6Acnenhs.uk
