Do you often get your breakouts just before one event? Have you ever used Pimple patches? What is these patches made of? Do they even work? Can they work for all types of pimples?
What are pimple patches?
These patches are hydrocolloid dressings which were traditionally used for treating acute or chronic wounds. They’ve also been used for the management of post surgical wounds.
Hydrocolloid are hydrophilic (water loving) substance composed of gelatin, pectin, carboxy-methylcellulose. As these substances are attracted to water, they are they can absorb water, and pus from the wounds and then forms a gel which provides a moist environment for the wound.
How do hydrocolloid help in wound healing?
How do hydrocolloid dressings work for acne?
Which type of acne are they best used for?
Single or limited acne
Perfect as an SOS solution for those pimple that always pop up before an event.
Acne which is inflamed (red, painful, with or without pus)
Pimple patches are not ideal for severe, cystic acne.
How to use pimple patches?
- Wash face clean before application
- Apply the patches over the acne on dry, clean skin
- The patches can be left overnight or longer (12-48hrs)
- Dispose used patches. Do not reuse them
- Skip using face serums, moisturisers oven the active acne before applying the patches
- The patches are transparent so they be used during the day.
These patches do not replace the regular acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide, adapalene etc. They serve as rescue treatment for those once in a while acne breakouts.
Are there any concerns regarding these patches?
Well as great as they seem in theory as the emergency acne rescue option, there have not been much research done for their use in acne. I would love to see more studies comparing these to spot application with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Some individuals may even be allergic to either the adhesives used in these patches or other ingredients.
So in conclusion:
If spot application of benzoyl peroxide works for you, continue it. There is no need to buy spend extra money on these patches. But if your skin gets too irritated or dry with actives such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or you’re the type that just can’t control picking on your acne, then these patches could be a great option for you.
Pimple patches available in the Indian market
Pimple patches are available as either pre cut patches or as single sheets for a customisable size. One can make heat shapes or star shapes or whichever fun shapes out of these sheets.
Some pimple patches also contains active anti acne ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree or cantella asiatica which helps in calming and soothing the skin.
Dr Naphisabet Wanniang 