How do pimple patches work? Again within the day, getting a zit meant caking on disguising layers of basis, concealer, powder … or perhaps only a strategically angled coiffure. However now, the sport has modified: Why conceal a pimple when you possibly can costume it up? No frantic mixing or pore-clogging merchandise are required. In the present day, we’re embracing a radically totally different (and refreshingly low-key) strategy to clogged pores: slapping a vibrant yellow star-shaped sticker on it and calling it a day.
Welcome to the period of the pimple patch, the place blemishes aren’t shameful secrets and techniques to hide however simply a part of the human expertise. Whereas placing a literal sticker on a zit could appear daring, it’s additionally an efficient technique to deal with blemishes. Right here, we dive into the science, advantages, and finest methods to rock a hydrocolloid pimple patch.
In the event you’re inquisitive about pores and skin science, remember to take a look at our guides to crimson mild remedy masks and LED units, exosome therapies, and the traditional historical past of snail mucin.
Desk of Contents
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Up to date November 2025: We’ve added Curology Emergency Spot Patch Holographic, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Goal Blemish Patches, Hero Cosmetics Micropoint for Darkish Spots, and Starface Hydrostar + Salicylic Acid as new picks. We’ve additionally added an FAQ part and up to date costs and hyperlinks.
What Is a Hydrocolloid Patch?
In easiest phrases, pimple patches are tiny, adhesive stickers made to sort out several types of pimples, one blemish at a time. These patches unclog pores and take in extra fluid, velocity up wound therapeutic, and hold you from selecting at your pores and skin—no small feat. Pimple patches are available in numerous formulation, with totally different elements for various breakouts, however the most well-liked are hydrocolloid pimples patches.
How Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work?
{Photograph}: Andrew Youngberg/Getty Photos
Hydrocolloid patches are a sort of wound dressing that helps retain moisture and create a moist, therapeutic setting for pimples, burns, or lesions. “They’re made of a water-attracting material, which is attached to a really thin plastic film,” says beauty chemist Michelle Wong. “So if you have an open pimple, for example, it can suck out the pus.”
Though hydrocolloid dressings has been used for wound care for the reason that Sixties (the dressings have been initially developed within the Thirties by a dentist), it wasn’t till the early 2010s that pimple patches began exhibiting up on skincare and sweetness cabinets.
When utilized to an infected pimple—sometimes one with fluid—the heat of your pores and skin softens the liner of the sticker, serving to it suck out the impurities and gunk. It additionally acts as a protecting barrier that shields the blemish from additional irritation or unfold. In the event you’ve ever pulled off a patch to search out the underside coated in an icky white substance, that’s a mixture of the hydrocolloid gel and the surplus oils pulled from the pores and skin. This therapeutic course of additionally prevents you from selecting on the pimple—a behavior that may result in longer therapeutic occasions, an infection, and scarring.
Our Favourite Pimple Patches
Curology
Emergency Spot Patch Holographic
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Goal Blemish Patches
CeraVe
Hydrocolloid Blemish Patches
Peach Slices
Zits Spot Dots
Cosrx
Zits Pimple Grasp Patch
Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch Unique Patch
Starface
Hydro-Star Pimple Patches
dearcloud
Miffy Hydrocolloid Blemish Patches
Different Spot Remedies
Hero Cosmetics
Micropoint for Darkish Spots
Starface
Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid
Ultimate Suggestions and Recommendation
At all times clear the affected space earlier than making use of a patch. Hydrocolloids seal in no matter’s underneath them, so that you need to begin with a cleanser. Dry the world as properly—they received’t follow a humid floor. Popping pimples is a no-no, but when one does occur to burst, a hydrocolloid patch can even assist heal open wounds. Some skincare merchandise’ formulations add acne-fighting elements like tea tree oil or niacinamide to their patches, so remember in case you have delicate pores and skin or recognized allergic reactions.
Continuously Requested Questions
How Usually Can You Use Pimple Patches?
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Do Pimple Patches Work on Unpopped Pimples?
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Pimple patches are significantly efficient on fluid-filled zits, corresponding to papules and pustules. “Hydrocolloid patches are considered safe and effective,” writes Zubritsky, “I just wouldn’t recommend relying on them as the sole acne treatment.” Whereas they assist deal with surface-level blemishes like whiteheads, they don’t stop outbreaks of pimples blemishes, they usually don’t deal with cystic pimples or blackheads.
Can Pimple Patches Assist Cut back Zits Scars?
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In the event you’re a routine pores and skin picker, pimple patches may help cut back pimples scars by stopping additional selecting and selling a greater therapeutic setting. Making use of a patch on a zit that hasn’t been correctly cleaned can lure micro organism and oil, probably resulting in scarring.
When Ought to You Not Use Pimple Patches?
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Wong says that in case you have oily pores and skin, the patch could not stick as properly, although that often isn’t a serious difficulty. Lastly, these with extra melanin-rich pores and skin tones could need to keep away from daytime use, as UV publicity might result in hyperpigmentation the place the patch was utilized.
What Are We Testing Subsequent?
AccordionItemContainerButtonAccordionItemContainerButtonMichelle Wong, a beauty chemist and educator at Lab Muffin in Sydney, Australia.Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Pores and skin Most cancers Middle in Ocean Springs, MS.
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