Besides providing a protective covering for the wound (a zit, in this case), hydrocolloid patches “pull excessive fluid out of the wound without sticking to the wound,” Del Campo explains. “Just like with wound healing, with acne you want to allow the skin to heal itself without adding to infection.”
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.
The Science Behind Acne Patches: Mechanisms Explained
As they absorb impurities, including pus, they help reduce the size of the pimple and draw out contaminants. These convenient, easy-to-use pads don't contain any active ingredients or harsh chemicals, making them less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
These spot treatments act as a bandage that prevents you from touching them and absorbs the fluid from the pimples, creating a moist environment for faster and improved healing. The patch won't stop the next pimple from appearing, but the pimple can be fixed more quickly. Don't pick of squeeze!
Pimple patches are made with hydrocolloid, a gummy polymer typically used in wound care to absorb fluid and promote healing. “Hydrocolloid helps draw out oil and pus from pimples, reducing inflammation,” Dr. Wong says.
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.
The patch will turn white in the center, indicating it has absorbed the pimple's exudate. Once this happens, it's time for you to remove and replace it!
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Cysts: These are pimples filled with a thick, yellow or white fluid composed of dead white blood cells, small pieces of tissue and bacteria (pus).
If you tried a Mighty Patch and it didn't change from transparent to opaque white, your pimple might not have been “mature” enough or the right type of blemish. If you have cystic acne, we recommend you see a doctor or dermatologist for professional treatment.
It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple won't necessarily get rid of the problem. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.
Can I pop a blind pimple? Never try to pop or squeeze a blind pimple. Doing so pushes the oil and bacteria deeper, causing more inflammation and increasing the risk of infection.
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.
Why do pimple patches turn white? The white stuff on pimple patches isn't pus, oils, or dirt. It's actually the hydrated hydrocolloid dressing.
Wash your face as normal, drying your skin well (which will help the sticker adhere). Apply the sticker to your pimple and wear it overnight or for as many hours as recommended on the package. If needed, you can keep it on for your shower, as they're waterproof. Remove the patch.
When you compare the condition of your pimple before and after applying a hydrocolloid acne patch, you should notice the blemish has at least somewhat reduced in size.
Apply the warm compress: Hold the warm compress on the blind pimple for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the application three to four times a day until the blind pimple comes to a head and releases the pus. Keep the affected area clean. Make sure the area around the pimple is kept clean, and avoid touching it.
Using a cloth or tissue, keep pressure on the blemish. After one to two minutes, the bleeding should stop. Try not to touch the open wound with your bare fingers. Body oils and dirt might make matters worse and prevent the pimple from going away as quickly as it should.
Toothpaste is not an effective treatment for pimples. If pimples are a regular problem for you, consider an acne treatment regimen. Over-the-counter acne products and prescription acne medications help to prevent pimples and heal existing ones. Using these treatments consistently can help keep your skin clear.