Put a Patch On It: Popping the Question About Pimple Patches

If you're looking to fight breakouts, pimple patches may be the answer for you.

Acne is a common skin condition that can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem and overall emotional well-being.

Fortunately, with the right acne treatments, it is possible to achieve smoother, clearer skin with products recommended by dermatologists, like pimple patches.

(This article is designed to be educational and informative. Please note that this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice.)

What are Pimple Patches?

Hydrocolloid patches, or simply Pimple patches are thin, adhesive stickers that are applied directly to the pimple and work to promote the acne healing process. Discover the power of pimple patches to encourage healing those irritating breakouts.

In this blog post, we'll be discussing the best pimple patches available, how to use them effectively, and their benefits. We will also take a look at various alternatives that encourage acne healing as well as the importance of consulting a professional when deciding on the best pimple patches for your individual needs.

Benefits of Using Pimple Patches in Treating Acne

Pimple patches offer several advantages in the effective treatment of acne. They provide a protective barrier over blemishes, preventing further contamination and keeping the area clean.

These patches can help extract excess fluid from pimples, reducing their size and redness, while also minimizing the risk of scarring. Pimple patches are discreet, making them a convenient and non-invasive solution for treating acne.

Pimple patches are easy to use, comfortable to wear, and can be applied almost anywhere on the face or body. They also come in a variety of different forms and sizes, allowing you to customize your treatment. An effective acne treatment, they also help you to stop picking your pimples!

They're so popular that some people even use them as a fashion statement, because let's be honest, a pimple patch is way cooler than a pimple! So if you're looking for an easy, mess-free solution to pimples, pimple patches are the way to go!

What You Need to Know About Pimple Patches

Your regimen must include the use of the best acne face products for optimal results. To ensure that you are using the best products for your skin, if you are not sure, you should consult with a professional.

We answer some common questions to clarify how to best use patches for acne.

photo by freepik

1. Do pimple patches work?

The short answer is yes! Pimple patches are an effective and affordable way to treat and heal minor pimples, lesions, and other skin irritations.

Hydrocolloid patches are an inexpensive spot treatment that can help speed up healing and reduce inflammation1.

While they may not be able to help with deeper lesions, closed wounds, and blackheads and whiteheads, they can help to reduce the size and redness of pimples. Pimple patches are an excellent way to help boost your self-confidence and give your skin an extra layer of protection.

They can also help to reduce the amount of time you spend worrying about your skin!

2. Do pimple patches work on un-popped pimples?

The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Hydrocolloid patches work best on open, oozing pimples, so if you have a deeper pimple, the patch may not be as effective.

However, regardless of what stage the pimple is in, hydrocolloid patches can still be a helpful tool for keeping you from picking or irritating the affected area.

In addition to keeping you from picking, pimple patches can also absorb some of the excess oil (sebum) from the spot and reduce inflammation. So, even if you have an un-popped spot, pimple patches may still be beneficial!

3. Do acne patches pull out pus?

Absolutely! Standard hydrocolloid stickers are a great way to treat formed zits, especially whiteheads, as they can help draw out the pus, oil and other impurities. It's an easy and simple way to keep your skin clear and healthy.

When dealing with pimples, it is important to absorb the liquid and cover the wound adequately. This prevents further swelling or inflammation of the affected area, and can be done with hydrocolloid pimple patches. Doing this can help heal open wounds, papules, cysts, and pustules, and put you on the path towards clearer skin.

What's more, these acne patches are also incredibly soothing and can help reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation. So don't be afraid to use acne patches to pull out pus – they may just be the perfect solution for you!

4. How do you draw out pimples?

Although it can be tempting to try and pop or squeeze a zit, this can lead to more redness, inflammation and even scarring. The best way to draw out especially cystic acne, is to use a warm compress.

To make a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in hot water; make sure the water isn't too hot to avoid burning your skin. Then, apply the warm compress to the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes.

Do this three to four times daily until the pimple releases pus. Now pop on the pimple patch and wait for it to heal.

5. What do I do to clear my pimples for sensitive skin?

Hydrocolloid patches are the ultimate solution for those with sensitive skin. These products are made of medical-grade hydrocolloid, a fluid-absorbing gel that is free of any harsh chemicals and is specifically designed for those with sensitive skin.


Alternatives to Use to clear out Pop-up Pimples

You can try alternative acne treatments that are available over-the counter if you have persistent cystic acne or sensitive skin. Be sure that they contain any one or a combination of these ingredients:

Salicylic Acid:

It is available in cleansers and topicals. This beta hydroxy acid helps exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and remove excess sebum from clogged pores. Many remedies for breakouts may combine salicylic acid with other active ingredients such as tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid.

Photo by Jocelyn Morales / Unsplash

Use caution though, since paired together, not to dry out the skin with overuse of tea-tree oil and salicylic acid.

Benzoyl Peroxide:

Is another effective active ingredient in some pimple patches. It helps kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and clear up blemishes and to prevent future breakouts.

Retinol: If you have sensitive skin, then retinol is an amazing option to consider that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as help clear out pores and improve uneven skin tone and texture.

Glycolic Acid:

Is a powerful skincare ingredient that can be used to help treat breakouts. It's a naturally occurring acid derived from sugar cane and works by breaking down the accumulated dead skin cells, which can block pores and cause breakouts. It can also help reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne, as well as reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Apply an acne spot treatment:

Spot treatment is a quick and easy way to target and treat your acne breakouts. Apply an acne spot treatment to any visible blemishes to help clear and prevent further breakouts.

Photo by Freepik

Acne spot treatments come in a variety of forms, such as gels, creams, or ointments, and can be found over-the-counter or by prescription. However, it is important to note that spot treatments can be harsh and can potentially dry out or irritate the skin, so use them sparingly and according to the instructions on the package.


Product Review

Best Pimple Patches

We reviewed the top patches for hormonal cysts, perfect for those with sensitive skin, great to wear under your make-up, those providing vegan fast-acting relief and those for the overall best overall pimple patches!


#1. Best patches for hormonal acne

ZitSticka Killa Kit

Buy on Amazon

What it is

ZitSticka Killa Kit | Self-Dissolving Microdart Acne Pimple Zit Patch, Spot Targeting Stickers for Face and Skin (8 Pack)

How they work

Do you know the feeling of monthly hormonal cysts making an unwelcome visit to your face? ZitSticka patches are here to help with these temporary but painful inflamed pimples! Its hydrocolloid top layer combats breakouts so it doesn't have a chance to fully develop, while its micro-darts deliver active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid deeply into your skin to clear acne within days, not weeks!


#2. Best no-latex pimple patches

PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot

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What it is

PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches, Advanced Hydrocolloid Healing Technology, Fragrance Free, 40 Count


How they work

Take advantage of the natural healing power of his hydrocolloid gentle yet powerful solution for fast healing, even overnight. Its no-latex, protective barrier draws out pus and fluids to help speed up the healing process. Suitable for all skin types and ages, it's the perfect natural spot treatment for any irritation.


#3.Best pimple patches under your make-up

Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

Buy on Amazon

What it is

Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots | Clear Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch for Zits and Breakouts | Treats, Drains, and Shrinks Blemishes | Vegan and Cruelty-Free | Three Sizes 7mm, 10mm, 12mm (30 Count)

How they work

These amazing and fast-acting acne patches are here to help your blemish become visibly smaller in less than 24 hours. ! Translucent and sticker-like, they actively absorb a developing blemish or an already-present pimple they help reduce inflammation quickly and efficiently. These fast-acting patches are drug-free, non-drying, and absorb secretions for faster healing of spots, whiteheads, and blackheads for normal, dry, or oily skin. They are strong enough to stay on through the night and can be worn under makeup.


#4. Best Vegan Fast-acting pimple patches

Avarelle Pimple Patches

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What it is

Avarelle Pimple Patches (40 Count) Hydrocolloid Acne Cover Patches | Zit Patches for Blemishes, Zits and Breakouts with Tea Tree, Calendula and Cica Oil for Face | Vegan, Cruelty Free Certified, Carbonfree Certified (40 PATCHES)

How they work

Say goodbye to those pesky zits with ultra-thin and transparent patches are made with high-grade hydrocolloid, tea-tree , calendula and cica oil, so they won’t yellow during use or be noticed on any skin-tone. They work overnight to reduce zits and suck out all the gunk, so you can speed up the process of getting rid of those pimples.


#5. Best Pimple Patches for Stubborn Pimples

Mighty Patch Original by Hero Cosmetics

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What it is

72 Medical grade Hydrocolloid transparent pimple patch for covering stubborn zits and blemishes, Pimple stickers for face, Vegan-friendly | Not Tested on Animals

How they work

The Original Award-Winning Patch, Mighty Patches are a great pimple sticker for taking on those pesky blemishes overnight. Not only are they transparent and designed but designed whisper-thin to blend with a variety of skin tones, they are also made of hydrocolloid which is gentle on sensitive skin.

Alternative Acne Treatment

Over-the counter to treat spots!

At times, stubborn breakouts require a more potent solution, and that's where alternative spot treatments come into play. These treatments offer an extra level of efficacy and are readily available over-the-counter.

They can help target specific blemishes with active ingredients designed to combat acne, offering a versatile approach to managing breakouts and achieving clearer skin.

Whether it's a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, having these options at your disposal ensures you're prepared to tackle blemishes effectively when they arise!

Differin Gel

An amazing spot treatment that works deep in the pores to clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. Its unique formula helps restore your skin's texture and tone, contains Adapalene retinoid has superior tolerability for sensitive skin.

Buy on Amazon

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Treatment Gel

This powerful gel to clear spots, with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, is clinically proven to give you beautiful, clear complexion in just 2 hours. It quickly reduces the size and redness of stubborn breakouts

Buy on Amazon

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

CeraVe's Acne Treatment Gel Infused with Salicylic, Glycolic, and Lactic Acids for Clearing and Controlling Breakouts

Buy on Amazon

Tips: Skincare Regimen to Minimize or Avoid Acne

Manage breakouts.

Don't let pimples undermine your self-assurance. With the right skincare routine and treatment, you can take control of your skin's health and appearance, boosting your confidence in the process.

Remember, everyone experiences occasional breakouts (whether more or less), and they don't define your worth or beauty. Include these steps in your skincare regimen and enjoy your life!

Cleanse your face thoroughly

Cleansing your face thoroughly is the first for acne-prone skin.

Avoid using harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can irritate the your pimples and make it worse. The cleanser should contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, Vitamin C, glycolic acid, or some combination of these ingredients.

Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare program for fighting those breakouts! Exfoliate two to three times a week to help you to remove dead surface layer cells and dirt that can build up and clog pores, leading to breakouts.

Use cleanser with acne fighting ingredients

Using a cleanser with acne fighting ingredients as mentioned or even alpha hydroxy acids to remove sebum for unclogged pores and to reduce bacteria, and reduce inflammation.

Use a moisturizer or oil-free moisturizer

After cleansing, make sure to use a moisturizer that is oil-free or non-comedogenic, so that it does not clog your pores. Moisturizers that contain aloe, Aloe Vera, cucumber or chamomile are gentle and soothing. Avoid heavy, greasy creams, as they can clog pores and worsen your skin's condition.

Use a topical acne treatment

One of the most important steps in an effective acne treatment regimen is to use the best face wash and topical treatments that are applied directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and clear up your breakouts.

Talk to your dermatologist about your options

Talking to a dermatologist can be a great way to find the right advice on how to improve your skincare routine and to know what lifestyle changes for different skin types help reduce breakouts.

Additionally, they may be able to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your breakouts and prescribe you with prescription medications if needed.


Last Words

In conclusion, most pimple patches are great treatments and a good skincare routine recommended by dermatologists. Choosing the best products for your skin type is essential to manage breakouts for improved confidence.


References

Kristen Fischer. WebMD. What Are Hydrocolloid Patches for Pimples? https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/what-are-hydrocolloid-patches-for-pimples. Accessed 3.11.2023