DO PIMPLE PATCHES ACTUALLY WORK?
With so many skincare products and tools out there, more skincare treatment methods seem to be popping up on social media and popular magazines. The newest trend that I have seen are - pimple patches. As an esthetician, I have had a lot of client inquiries about them and their efficacy. So, I had to do some experimenting and research to find out for myself if they work or not.
What are pimple patches?
“Pimple patches” are commonly used on those with acne. In reality, they are hydrocolloid bandages pre-cut into small sizes that fit over blemishes. Hydrocolloid bandages are normally used for wound dressing.¹ They contain two layers; the first is a gel layer which helps to absorb wound drainage and keep the area moist to encourage healing. Moist environments facilitate healing processes by preventing dehydration and promoting cell regeneration.² The second layer is a film with an adhesive that seals the dressing, thus preventing bacteria or further trauma to the wound.
How does this affect acne?
There are videos of individuals that will put an entire 4x4 hydrocolloid bandage on their face expecting it to heal their acne. They will leave it on overnight and then yes, rip the bandage off in the morning - ouch. Eventually, smaller patches were made to fit onto individual blemishes. The issue with this, is that there are different types of acne (e.g. non-inflamed acne, inflamed acne, cystic acne, or pustular acne). As mentioned above, hydrocolloid bandages are more effective on wounds. Therefore, pimple patches will not work on inflamed/cystic acne, blackheads, or closed comedones (whiteheads).
The best way to use a hydrocolloid bandage (pimple patch) is on an inflamed pustular lesion that has either been picked at or popped on its own. This will prevent drainage and encourage a moist environment for healing. The patch will also help to prevent bacteria from entering the open wound which can cause the blemish to reform and become more inflamed. It is also important that you use proper skincare ingredients to clean and disinfect the area before applying the pimple patch to help facilitate healing. While some patches already have Salicylic Acid or Tea Tree Oil on them, these ingredients can be irritating and cause more inflammation. A sulfur spot treatment provided by an esthetician will be more effective.
Is it worth buying?
After using the patches on myself to test out its efficacy, I do believe that they are helpful at healing a blemish that has been opened. However, please keep in mind that this does not solve the root cause of acne.
Acne is an inflamed genetic disorder of the pores where we cannot properly shed dead skin cells. Our skin cells shed at an accelerated rate and are abnormally sticky, causing a clogged pore. The buildup of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells in the pore is where the P. Acnes bacteria proliferates, thus causing inflammation and formation of an acne lesion. Another important factor to keep in mind is that diet and lifestyle can greatly contribute to acne. Spicy, salty, or high sugar foods must be avoided and products with pore-clogging ingredients can be contributors. A holistic approach is required when treating acne since there is no “one-size fits all” cure. Slapping bandages on your skin will not fix the problem!
The best advice I can give is to go see an esthetician & acne specialist so that they can help you get down to the real source of your acne.
Citations:
¹ Barnes, H R. “Wound care: fact and fiction about hydrocolloid dressings.” Journal of gerontological nursing vol. 19,6 (1993): 23-6. doi:10.3928/0098-9134-19930601-08
² Junker, Johan P E et al. “Clinical Impact Upon Wound Healing and Inflammation in Moist, Wet, and Dry Environments.” Advances in wound care vol. 2,7 (2013): 348-356. doi:10.1089/wound.2012.0412
