Isn’t it crazy for a pimple to pop up right before your big day? With so much already going on, a pimple could have you thinking: Should I pop it? Should I apply toothpaste or saliva on it? (Eww)
You may wish or pray for a magical instantaneous fix to the problem. As you desperately google a solution, you will likely come across the term ‘acne patches.’
What are acne patches? How do they help clear acne? Let’s find out.
What are Acne Patches?
Acne patches are like stickers – that may be invisible or visual – that are used to remove pimples and zits. This is a spot treatment method for whiteheads and pimples. It works on those pimples that may be formed due to clogged pores or cysts.
The acne patches provide on-site action on pimples and acne spots. However, these may not be the right treatment plan for you if you have widespread acne all over the face. Consult your dermatologist for a better treatment plan.
How Acne Patches Work
Acne patches work on the pimple and help the skin heal. They work in three ways to soothe the skin and take away the pimple, fast and actively.
- They Suck the Pus
Acne patches absorb excess fluids and other oils. These absorbed fluids make them spongy and give them a gel-like appearance.
Once these impurities are sucked up, they stay inside the patch, away from the skin. Hence, your skin stays clean and safe from bacteria and infection.
This way, the acne patches work to reduce inflammation and redness. Also, the pimple size decreases, and the infection is less likely to spread over the other parts of the face and body.
- They Prevent Probing
It may be tempting to touch the irritating pimple or zit on your face. But, with the acne patch stuck on it, the area won’t feel as itchy. So you feel less like scratching the area and keep your hands off it.
This way, you are less likely to live with leftover scars and the spread of the infection. In addition, the pimple heals faster when you don’t touch or pick on it.
- They Treat Blemishes
Many acne patches contain ingredients like salicylic acid that remove bacteria and other particles stuck inside the pores. This clears out the pores, giving you pimple-free skin that looks clear, fair, and fresh.
It also reduces the chances of further spread of pimples or a full-on acne attack.
Types of Acne Patches
There are three general types of acne patches. These are categorized according to the types of acne and their necessary treatment.
- Medicated Patches
These patches soothe the inflamed site and are composed of active ingredients. They are best for inflamed, nodular, or cystic acne. Usually, the key ingredients are salicylic acid and tea tree oil, which help reduce pain, inflammation, and redness.
- Non-Medicated Patches
These are the hydrocolloid patches, which provide fast action on acne and quick skin healing. They may be very thin or invisible and help prevent future skin infections and inflammations. The non-medicated patches are most effective on whiteheads and pimples.
- Microneedle Patches
These have very fine microneedles which dissolve in the skin. Don’t worry; they don’t cause any pain. The needles enable them to deliver the active ingredients much deeper into the skin than other patches.
These are most effective on deep cystic and nodular acne.
Where to Find Acne Patches
You can easily find acne patches across drugstores, pharmaceuticals, skincare stores, and websites of Beauty Devices.
Final Word
If you ever get stuck with acne or pimples, acne patches can be a lifesaver. These are easy to use and help remove all the dirt and acne-causing bacteria from the skin. For the best results, let them sit for a couple of hours or overnight (as per the instructions).
The right pimple patch is an instantaneous fix for acne-free skin. Just stick them up and relax; you’ll see visible results in a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still not sure how these acne patches work? Here are a few FAQs that’ll help.
How do Acne Patches Work on My Skin?
These patches are small-sized stickers with hydrocolloids. You just have to peel them off and stick them on the acne or pimples to protect the area from infection and unnecessary probing. The patch also absorbs the excess fluids around and inside the pimple.
As the area gets dry, the pimple slowly loses its turgid state and heals the skin without leaving a mark.
How do I Know it’s Time to Remove the Patch?
As a rule of thumb, remove the patch and replace it with a new one once it turns white. Since the patch has hydrocolloids, it absorbs the fluids and changes to a jelly-like substance. The hydrated hydrocolloid changes the color of the patch, making it appear whitish.
As it absorbs all the fluid, it turns completely, depicting that it needs a replacement.
How do I Use an Acne Patch?
The first thing you must do is clean your skin. Wash your face, dab it dry and then apply the acne patch. It will stick to the skin like a sticker.
Ensure you do not apply any moisturizer, lotion or other skin care products to the skin before applying the patch. The patches will not stick to oily or wet skin.
Use small acne patches for individual pimples or small acne-affected areas and large patches if you have widespread acne. Then allow the patch to sit for a few hours or overnight if the patch is large.
When the patch turns completely white, wash your hands and take it off. You will observe the acne will have gotten smaller or even completely disappeared.
Now you may cleanse, moisturize, or tone your skin as needed. Once done with your skincare routine, you may reapply the patch to clean, dried skin.
Can I Take a Shower with the Acne Patches On?
You may keep the acne patches on if they are waterproof. Make sure to read the instruction manual that comes with the product.
How Long Do Acne Patches Take to Work?
The acne patches are super fast. They start to work as soon as you put them on your skin. The first thing they do is provide a protective seal over the wound.
Next, they start absorbing the wound fluids, making the area dry and infection free.
Check for the right amount of time to keep the patches on the skin. The time varies per product type and design. For some products, allowing the patch to sit for a few hours may be good, while others may be required to be worn overnight.