Dermatologists often recommend pimple patches as part of a broader acne treatment regimen. Yes, they can be helpful for treating occasional breakouts, covering up acne, and limiting the ability to pick at the skin, but they are not a cure-all and aren't effective for all types of acne.
Dermatologist Leona Yip says patches can be a "good idea". "It's just selecting the right type of spot that would benefit." Dr Yip says pimple patches are best for "that pesky spot that won't go away" or "smaller acne spots", and they're not going to work on cystic or extensive acne.
“They work best on surface-level breakouts but aren't effective for deeper acne like blackheads, cystic acne or nodules, which require more comprehensive treatments. For more severe acne, it's best to see a dermatologist,” suggests Dr. Wong.
“I often recommend pimple patches to patients for treating surface-level acne because they can prevent picking, which helps avoid scarring,” Dr. Kopelman said. “However, they shouldn't replace your usual acne treatments.”
If your breakout hasn't been popped, a pimple patch can act as a helpful barrier to stop you from picking. Keep in mind that hydrocolloid patches are designed to work on open lesions, however, they can still prove effective at drawing out gunk from pimples that aren't open.
When to Avoid Using Pimple Patches. While acne patches can be highly effective, there are times when they might not be the best option. For instance, they should never be used on open wounds, including open or freshly popped pimples, as this can actually trap bacteria under the patch and slow the healing process.
You may also try applying a small amount of tea tree oil to the blind pimple twice a day. Tea tree oil reduces inflammation. Use topical creams and gels: Antibiotic creams, retinoids, salicylic acid and other lotions, cleansers and serums can reduce bacteria or dry out pimples.
Home remedies, such as cleansing the skin, applying ice, and using benzoyl peroxide, can help shrink a cystic pimple. However, in some cases, cystic acne may require dermatological help. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that causes large bumps to form under the skin.
Hydrocolloid is made of gel forming agents like pectin or gelatin (most commonly used) that create a moist environment with the body to promote healing. It draws out the fluids and pus and then forms a soft gel. If you've used Mighty Patch before, you'll notice this as the white stuff that gets sucked out!
A: If you can feel a deep-rooted inflammatory or cystic pimple coming on, hate to break it to you, but no sticker in town is going to stop that cystic pimple from forming. You're better off dabbing on some maximum-strength benzoyl peroxide.
Apply a warm, damp washcloth to try to bring a pimple to a head. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, then apply the warm, damp washcloth to your pimple for 10-15 minutes, three times daily. This will help the deep pimple move closer to your skin's surface so it can heal.
Prolonged use of acne patches might lead to hyperpigmentation or other skin discolorations if the patches are applied incorrectly or left on for too long.
Bowe explained in her Tiktok, the white spots you see after wearing patches overnight are not pus. “They're actually the hydrocolloid material absorbing fluid, extra moisture, extra water, which thickens the hydrocolloid material and just makes it look a little bit whiter in those spots,” the doctor said.
Using the patch as an overnight treatment can also tap into the natural process of skin regeneration, which happens while we sleep.
Don't pop a pimple before applying the patch, as this will aggravate inflammation and increase the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation. 3. Don't rely solely on patches as they're a temporary solution. A consistent skincare routine is essential for treating breakouts.
But patches are not equally effective for all kinds of pimples. “They're great for pus pimples or red, angry pimples,” Zeichner says. And “they work on early-stage pimples by stopping their progression,” Mitchell says. They aren't as effective for blackheads or deep, cystic pimples.
According to our dermatology providers, using toothpaste as an acne spot treatment can cause dryness and irritation and might even worsen breakouts. So, if you're wondering, “how long should I leave toothpaste on my pimple?”—don't!
Q: Do Pimple Patches Really Work? A: Yes! Hydrocolloid pimple patches can help to flatten active breakouts to promote faster healing, creating a protective barrier over the affected area. Pimple patches can also help to minimize the appearance of blemishes.
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.
Avoid picking or squeezing the popped breakout to let your skin heal naturally. If you notice any signs of potential infection like redness, increased pain, pus, or inflammation surrounding the blemish, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Pustules are a type of pimple that contains yellowish pus. They are larger than whiteheads and blackheads. Home remedies and over-the-counter creams may help treat pustules. Pustules appear either as red bumps with white centers or as white bumps that are hard and often tender to the touch.