The Usefulness of Pimple Patches: How Do Pimple Patches Work?

By: Angelina W. and Ciana M.

Pimple patches are the easiest way to reduce the redness and appearance of the pimples.

1. What are pimple patches?

Pimple patches are stickers that you can put directly on your pimple to reduce breakouts. Instead of popping a pimple and allowing dirty bacteria to go inside your face, you can choose to use the safer and cleaner way of placing a pimple patch. To deal with acne on your face, pimple patches are the easiest way to reduce the redness and appearance of the pimples. The popularity of pimple patches has grown over the years as a variety of brands promoted their reliability and accessibility. The use of pimple patches is a very affordable form of acne treatment, allowing many people to easily purchase and use it. 

Accessibility:

It is common for us to go inside a convenience store and see the aisle of cosmetic goods. Many different types of pimple patches are available in store;  whenever we have an acne emergency, pimple patches are there to help us!

Reliability:

The effectiveness of pimple patches has been proven throughout the years. Although its efficacy may be different for certain skin types or brands, pimple patches are generally useful for extracting whiteheads and pimples from a person’s face or body. Instead of running to the dermatologist (skin doctor) whenever a pimple unexpectedly grows on your face, you can take the pimple patch shortcut (should your pimples appear abnormal, please always seek a professional physician’s help beforehand)! 

2. How do pimple patches work?

Pimple patches have hydrocolloid, a wound-healing gel, in the sticker. This is the gummy-like texture on the sticky side of the patch. You can think of this as a bandage for your pimple; it helps heal your skin faster. A pimple patch can soak up any discharge from the pimple and cover the pimple to prevent additional scarring or picking. Simply put, they draw up the gunk from your pimple in a more hygienic and noninvasive way. 

Instead of designing them to blend with a person’s skin color and be translucent, brands such as Star Face used bright colors and star-shaped designs to spread the idea that pimples are not something to be embarrassed about. 

3. Debunked!

Addressing some misconceptions about pimple patches:

1. Pimple patches work instantly: even though pimple patches are very effective in getting rid of excess oil and reducing redness, they do not work instantly. In order for the pimple patches to do their job, you will need to wait hours or even days to see the results.  Don’t be too discouraged when you peel off your pimple patch and see nothing on it!

2. Pimple patches are useless: Pimple patches are not entirely useless, as they help reduce breakouts. However, it is important to understand that pimple patches may have different effects on different skin types. Take the time to find the best pimple patch that works for your skin type.

3. Pimple patches make your pimples more noticeable: This may be one of the biggest concerns that people have when it comes to applying pimple patches on their faces. They are afraid that the pimple patches may be too apparent and that everyone will judge about it. Pimple patch brands have been trying hard to produce patches that address this issue and as a result, multiple types of pimple patches have been created. In recent years, pimple patches have become a fashion statement. Instead of designing them to blend with a person’s skin color and be translucent, brands such as Star Face used bright colors and star-shaped designs to spread the idea that pimples are not something to be embarrassed about. 

4. Recommendations!!

For medicinal purposes: Pimple patches that do well in concealing your pimple while healing and extracting excess oil and sebum from pustules. 

• OMO Acne Patch: A Korean pimple patch brand that is available at most Watsons and Poya 

• Mentholatum Acne Patch: Available for purchase even at convenience stores in Taiwan

• Derma Angel Pimple Patches: A Taiwanese brand available at Poya and Watsons. 

For appearance: These pimple patches keep the pimple concealed and add a fun pop of color. 

• Starface pimple patches

• Although they are not the most effective in healing the pimple, they certainly work well in keeping outside bacteria from affecting your pimple and making it worse. 

• They have become a fun way of concealing your pimple while keeping it clean.

• These pimple patches are only available through online purchase as they are an American-based brand. 

Acne is merely a biological reaction that our body has. There is nothing to be ashamed of or scared of! We all experience having pimples on our faces at some point in life, and instead of covering them up with makeup or popping them, try placing pimple patches on them. 

Works Cited

“Do Pimple Patches Actually Work?” Cleveland Clinic. 7 Sept. 2021. health.clevelandclinic.org/how-do-pimple-patches-work