Back in the day, getting a zit meant applying hidden layers of foundation, concealer, powder… or maybe just a strategically angled hairstyle. But now, the game has changed: Why hide a pimple when you can decorate it? No intense blending or pore-clogging products required. Today, we're taking a totally different (and refreshingly low-key) approach to acne: slapping a bright yellow star-shaped sticker on it and calling it quits.
Welcome to the age of the pimple patch, where blemishes aren't shameful secrets to hide, but part of the human experience. Although applying literal stickers to scars may seem bold, it is also an effective way to treat blemishes. Here, we will learn about the science, benefits, and best ways to heal pimple patches. If you're interested in dermatology, be sure to check out our guides How does LED mask work and ancient history of snail mucin,
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table of contents
- What is a pimple patch?
- How do hydrocolloid patches work?
- Our Favorite Pimple Patches
- Other spot treatments
- How often can you use hydrocolloid patches?
- Final Tips and Advice
What is a pimple patch?
In simple terms, pimple patches are small, adhesive stickers that are designed to deal with one blemish at a time. These patches cover the pimple and absorb excess fluid, speeding healing, and keeping you from scratching your skin – no small feat. Pimple patches come in a variety of formulas, containing different ingredients for different breakouts, but the most popular are hydrocolloid patches.
How do hydrocolloid patches work?
Photograph: Andrew Youngberg
Hydrocolloid patches are a type of wound dressing that helps retain moisture and create a moist, healing environment for pimples, burns or blisters. “They are made of water-attracting material, attached to a very thin plastic film,” says Cosmetic Chemist Michelle Wong“For example, if you have an open pimple, it may suck out pus.”
Although hydrocolloids have been used for wound care since the 1960s (originally developed by a dentist in the 1930s), they did not appear on skin care and beauty shelves until the early 2010s. The spots had not yet started appearing.
When applied to an inflamed rash – usually with fluid – the warmth of your skin softens the sticker layer, allowing it to draw out impurities. It also acts as a small seal that prevents the stain from becoming further irritated or spread. If you've ever removed a patch and found the underside coated in a sticky white substance, it's a mixture of hydrocolloid gel and dried oil extracted from the skin. This process also prevents you from picking the pimple – a habit that can lead to longer healing times, infection, and scarring.
Our Favorite Pimple Patches
Other spot treatments
“Spot treatment [tend] to include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or witch hazel,” writes Lindsay ZubritskyA board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, in an email. “These are active ingredients – although they may work, they can also potentially cause dryness and irritation.” Pure hydrocolloid patches, on the other hand, do not contain active ingredients, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
How often can you use hydrocolloid patches?
[A GETTY IMAGE TO BREAK THIS UP WOULD BE GOOD]
According to most dermatologists, you can use hydrocolloid patches as needed. Zubritsky (aka @dermguru on TikTok) suggests wearing them for up to 12 hours, ideally overnight. But they can be worn during the day also. They are especially effective on fluid-filled pimples, such as papules, pustules, or cysts.
“Hydrocolloid patches are considered safe and effective,” writes Zubritsky, “I would not recommend relying on them as the sole treatment for acne.” Although they help treat individual blemishes, they do not prevent outbreaks of acne scars, and they do not treat cystic acne or blackheads.
Wong says if you have oily skin, the patch may not stick, though this isn't usually a big problem. Finally, people with skin containing more melanin may want to avoid daytime use, as UV exposure may cause hyperpigmentation where the patch was applied.
Final Tips and Advice
Always clean the stain before applying the patch. Hydrocolloids seal whatever is underneath them, so you want to start with clean skin. Dry the area as well—they won't stick to a damp surface. Obviously, popping pimples is a no-no, but if pimples do pop, hydrocolloid patches can also help heal open wounds. Some skin care brands add ingredients like tea tree oil or niacinamide to their patches, so be careful if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.