What are Pimple Patches?
Pimple patches include several different types of products that are designed as over-the-counter spot treatments for acne. Many pimple patches are made with hydrocolloid, which can absorb excess fluid, like pus, from the skin. You may also find stickers with salicylic acid, which can get deep into pores and exfoliate dead skin, as well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for treating acne.
Many pimple patches come in small, transparent stickers, while other brands have created fun shapes and bright colors.
While they won’t cure acne, pimple patches may effectively reduce pus and inflammation as an acne spot treatment.
Do Pimple Patches Work?
Yes… and no. It depends on the patch and the acne you are looking to treat. Some people may find that pimple patches help minimize their whiteheads quickly, while they may do little to nothing for other users. These products can help clear out a stubborn whitehead, but they may not be effective on blackheads or cystic acne.
However, pimple patches are really effective at one thing: helping acne wounds heal. By placing one of these stickers over your acne spots, they can better product the area from being touched or picked at, which can lead to scabs or introduce bacteria to the area.
When are Zit Stickers Most Effective?
No matter their main ingredients, pimple patches are the most effective at clearing out whiteheads.
“The most two common types of patches are either ones that are simply made of hydrocolloid, a material that absorbs fluid, or ones that feature active ingredients like salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates the pore to exfoliate dead skin that can cause breakouts,” explained Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “Either way, these pimples are most effective on whiteheads; the hydrocolloid helps to drain the pus while the salicylic acid clears out the pore.”
Most zit stickers will need to stick to the area for about 6 to 8 hours for best results, or overnight. But they shouldn’t be left on too long or placed all over the face, which can cause irritation.
Even if they don’t thoroughly clear out pus from a pimple, zit stickers are helpful at protecting the area from bacteria and may keep you from picking at the area.
When Do Acne Patches Not Work?
While your zit stickers might work on whiteheads, most people will find they aren’t a great solution for blackheads, nor are they going to help for bigger or recurring breakouts. Pimple patches are also not a preventative for future breakouts.
“These patches can reduce the size of one to two big pimples, but would not prevent the next acne breakout,” said Dr. Yoram Harth, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne. “Thus, if you want to treat your acne, you need to start an effective medical-grade topical or oral acne treatment.”
Alternatives to Pimple Patches
Many types of acne may respond better to other treatments, and it’s best to consult your dermatologist for the best options for your skin.