Do Acne Patches Really Work?

Acne, pimples and whiteheads are on the top of the list of skin woes, for literally everyone. Imagine you have a big event and you wake up with a huge, ugly zit on your forehead – what do you do? Stick a pimple patch and go about your day! Confused? Let’s get a lowdown of what these little patches are, how they work and if they’re right for your acne type. 

What exactly are pimple patches? 

Pimple or zit patches are round tiny hydrocolloid bandages that doctors have used for decades to speed up wound healing. It’s a gel-like substance that traps in dirt, bacteria and impurities, making them an effective way to fight blemishes with a dose of acne-fighting ingredients. Plus, it stops you from spreading the bacteria to the rest of your face by preventing you from touching it repeatedly. 

Read Here: Sneaky Causes Of Acne And How To Get Rid Of It

How do pimple patches work? 

It can be a task to stop yourself from touching a zit over and over again. One advantage of a pimple patch is that it protects the zit from yourself. The other, of course, is the zit healing. Pimple patches work as they absorb the excess fluid from your pimple and prevent any more dirt or bacteria from finding their way in what is essentially an open wound. The hydrocolloid patch also keeps the area hydrated which aids in faster healing. 

Do they work on all kinds of pimples? 

Ah, no. One prerequisite is that the pimple must have a ‘head’ or must be oozing. They are typically helpful for superficial acne like whiteheads, blackheads and pus-filled bumps. These patches won’t do much for blind pimples or deep-seated cystic acne. However, a lot of pimple patches come with added acne-fighting properties, like the Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches, which contain glycolic and salicylic acids to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores and help heal the acne faster. It also contains soothing ingredients like cica and tea tree oil, as well as a gentle astringent, witch hazel, which reduces inflammation. This is essential as a lot of acne treatments leave the skin red, inflamed and flaky. 

So, if you feel a pimple coming on, quickly slap on a zit patch with such ingredients to prevent it from seeing the light of the day. 

Are they good for all skin types? 

If you’re a lucky duck and get a pimple once in a blue moon, then this is a great arsenal to have! However, if you suffer from hormonal or cystic acne, then you should make a trip to the dermatologist for stronger alternatives. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use these! If you have a big event coming up and wake up with a zit right in the middle of your face, cleanse, apply one of these bad boys and go about your day. The pimple patches will suck out all the dirt, impurities and pus and the pimple will be flattened in no time at all. 

Read Here: Here's What To Do When You Get A Pimple Before A Big Date!

How do I use these acne patches? 

It’s quite simple actually! Make sure you cleanse your face thoroughly. Pat dry. Now, using clean hands, peel off one acne patch that best matches your acne size. Apply it on the pimple so it covers it entirely. Let the patch sit for about 12 hours or until they turn opaque – that’s when you know they’ve sucked out all the nasties! Follow up with your regular skincare routine. 

Pro-tip: Apply these acne patches before going to bed, right after cleansing. You can apply your essence, ampoule or serum and moisturizer POST applying these patches. If you apply it after your skincare routine, they won’t work as well. You can apply them during the day as well – just cover them with light makeup and they won’t be visible! Life = hacked! 

One thing you should remember is that these pimple patches are quick fixes and do not address the root cause of acne. If you suffer from persistent acne and find yourself reaching for these little babies on a daily basis, then you should take a closer look at your skincare routine and maybe ask your dermatologist to prescribe you stronger, acne-fighting products.

If acne is your concern, make sure you use products suited to your skin type - dry, oily, combination or sensitive. If you want to see a difference in your skin, you need to stick to a consistent skincare routine and use products that are anti-acne. Remember, look for anti-acne ingredients in only 1 or 2 products in your skincare, don't go overboard! It's important to have healing, soothing products to ensure your skin gets enough nourishment to keep the skin barrier healthy and happy!