The Miracle Of Pimple Patch

A pimple patch is a sort of hydrocolloid wound dressing that works well to cover pimples and hasten the healing process.

Additional substances that aid in healing may be included in certain acne patches.

If you have delicate skin, proceed with caution and just use hydrocolloid at first.

Acne is a widespread issue that has given rise to a whole industry of treatments that promise to solve it. The acne or pimple patch, a small circular or triangular hydrocolloid patch that makes promises to speed up the healing process for acne, is one of the most recent products to acquire popularity.

But do they really function? Uncertain yes is the response. The healing time is sped up by pimple patches, although maybe not for the reasons you would think.

How Do Acne Patches Function?

Pimple patches are essentially wound care at their most basic level. Traditional patches, which function by enclosing and shielding the lesion with a hydrocolloid membrane, and patches with extra substances or technology, including microneedles or topical medications like salicylic acid, are the two main types of patches.

Wound care is where hydrocolloid is really employed. It may extract fluid from the lesion and seal over damaged skin or moist objects. It takes out the sebum or pus from pimples and speeds up healing in a pimple setting.

Patches with extra substances may aid by hastening the process of exfoliation, which removes dead skin cells and sebum to expose healthy skin underneath. Although the other substances are helpful, shielding the incision from your own inquisitive fingers is the most crucial function.

Whether a patch contains active ingredients or not, one of the best benefits is that every time you go to touch that pimple, it is protected from your hands, any bacteria you may have under your nails, or anything else that could make it flare up.

How Successful Are Acne Patches?

According to a single-center, randomized clinical experiment completed by Johnson & Johnson in 2021, applying a pimple patch for one week to pimples that have been popped or left unpopped does enhance how they appear. The research also showed that applying hydrocolloid patches helped pop pimples heal more quickly than they would have otherwise.

Hydrocolloid patches alone don’t add any drying agents to the skin, but they do foster a healing environment. If you plan to apply a topical treatment underneath an acne patch, the occlusive nature of the patch will help that treatment penetrate deeper and more intensely. This is OK as long as the topical medication doesn’t irritate the skin; hence, topical clindamycin or azelaic acid are acceptable. However, topical treatments including retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide may cause irritation and inflammation of healthy skin.

When to Apply an Acne Patch

The optimal moment to begin applying a pimple patch, particularly if it includes active chemicals, is when a pimple first appears.

However, there are still advantages to applying a patch even if the pimple has completely developed. The damaged region will recover more quickly the less you touch it. Even if you’ve already burst the pimple, it’s still a good idea to cover it with a shield.

How to Pick the Best Acne Patch

Over the last several years, the selection of pimple patches has significantly expanded, giving consumers a wide range of alternatives. Here are some important factors to think about.

Price: The majority of pimple patches are sold in packs, with prices ranging from $6 for 24 patches of different sizes to $30 for larger packs.

Hydrocolloid is an active substance that aids in healing. However, a variety of chemicals, including salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, are included in certain patches. It could be better to start with hydrocolloid just if you have sensitive skin.

Size and shape: Some patches are available in a range of sizes or in a number of forms to suit various parts of the face.

Skin tone: Most patches come in transparent varieties, but if you want to wear them during the day, you should make sure they match your skin tone. Alternately, be daring and choose a patch that has a pattern on the surface.

Possibly Adverse Effects

Few adverse effects are associated with hydrocolloid patches since they just provide a protective environment; nonetheless, depending on your skin type, patches containing additional substances may result in sensitivity. Those with sensitive skin may have red marks where benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid patches were applied.

The Implications For You

Acne patches are like bandages for your skin. They work well to keep your pimple clean and clear of germs when used as directed. Start with a patch without any extra ingredients if you have sensitive skin to determine whether it works for you. They won’t eliminate acne overnight, but they could stop you from scratching at your skin and leaving scars.