Pimple Patches 101: Everything You Need to Know About Acne Stickers

Back in the day, your acne routine likely consisted of slapping on a thick layer of spot treatment before bed. You probably woke up with hopes of your breakout magically disappearing overnight. Much to your dismay, it was still very much there when the sun rose. And your potent spot treatment in all likelihood left its mark on your pillow to boot. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Luckily, the world of skin care has evolved and you have more options than ever for dealing with pesky zits. One of the biggest to take off of late? Pimple patches. Here’s a deep dive into the trendiest way to heal your breakouts.

What is a Pimple Patch?

Before you can get into the benefits and use cases for pimple patches, it’s first important to understand what they are. In short, pimple patches are an acne treatment option. Most are hydrocolloid bandages with an adhesive to adhere to the skin. You simply select your pimple patch and remove it from the sticker sheet it comes on. Apply it directly to your breakout and leave it to work its magic for roughly eight hours.

When you remove it, you’ll notice the sticker likely changed color or got thicker. That means it worked! The white residue or fullness of the patch is from the gunk and pus of your breakout. Admittedly gross, but also satisfying. Naturally, the more bacteria you can remove from your breakout, the faster it will heal.

All of that sounds great, right? They’re easy-to-use, mess-free spot treatments that can help show your acne to the door. And they’re not too good to be true. Pimple patches are an evolution of medical bandages that help pull fluid from wounds. They’re proven effective, making them a great addition to your updated breakout routine.

Which Zit Sticker is Best for Your Acne?

It’d be great if you could apply a pimple patch to any old zit and watch it disappear instantly. Unfortunately, there’s more of a science to it than simply throwing it on your breakout and hoping for the best. It all starts with identifying the type of breakout you’re dealing with. From there, you can strategically choose the right pimple patch to use.

Most of the patches on the market are hydrocolloid-based and are meant to be used on whiteheads. They may come in an invisible form that can be better for when you’re on the go or be thicker for nighttime. But they do the same thing: gently extract pus and bacteria from whiteheads. You may need to use a few for a day or so to get all of the gunk out. Once you do, your skin will be well on its way to healing.

There are also more intense versions of pimple patches you may not be as familiar with. These are typically labeled as microneedle patches and are meant for deeper set breakouts. So, if you struggle with beneath-the-skin or cystic acne, this formula will be your best bet. They work by penetrating deeper into your pores to deliver acne-fighting ingredients directly to your zit. While they’re more expensive, the micro-needle patches are a game-changer for those struggling with breakouts that just won’t budge.

What are the Benefits of Covering Breakouts?

Pimple patches are great because their benefits go beyond helping your skin heal faster. They also create a protective layer over your skin when it needs it most.

You see, an uncovered zit is just asking for bacteria to be introduced. From touching your face and wearing makeup, there’s no shortage of opportunities for more irritation to occur. But when you apply a pimple patch, you’re getting a two-in-one benefit for your skin. While the sticker works to extract pus and gunk from your zit, it also prevents additional bacteria from getting in.

If you’re an avid skin-picker, covering your breakout can prevent the skin trauma poking and prodding can cause. Plus, there’s no mess with zit stickers, making them a convenient option to wear overnight or on the go. Of course, all of these benefits are in addition to the work the patches can do to help heal your skin. Talk about a no-brainer.

What Size Options of Patches Are Available?

Traditional pimple patches are circular and a bit smaller than a dime in size. However, those aren’t the only options available. Because they’re not reusable, it’s important to pick carefully for the size, shape, and location of your breakout.

To select the right patch for your skin, start by looking at your breakout. Is it a singular whitehead in one spot of your face or a cluster of a few breakouts close to one another? If it’s the former, a traditional pimple patch should do the trick. If it’s the latter, you may need to explore other sizes available.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of variations to choose from. You can get a bandage-sized patch that can absorb bacteria from multiple zits at a time. Or you can proactively apply a face mask of patches to remove excess sebum from your entire face at once. Soon enough, you’ll find your preferred size and shape that helps you enjoy clearer skin.

Find Your Patch

Now, the only thing to do is decide which brands to test out. You can opt for a bold sticker-like design that stands out from the crowd. Or you can go the subdued route with invisible patches that blend in seamlessly.

Try different options until you find the one that works best for you. No matter where you land, know that you’re making a great decision for your skin. Then, you can sit back, relax, and relish how far your skin care routine has come over the years.