in TikTok videos, a woman sprays a clear solution onto tweezers as she prepares to remove a small circular bandage on the side of her nose. “I don’t know what this skin will look like,” she says. juicy”
When you peel off the patch, its underside is revealed, white and swollen, filled with fluid from the pimple. She holds her patch close to the camera, proudly showing off her goo.
it’s just one lots of videos online Percentage of people who claim their blemishes have healed or become smaller thanks to acne patches. However, you don’t need to go online to see them. Patches in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and formulations are easily found at drug stores. He might see a guy or a girlfriend wearing it in public.
But before you try a pimple patch for yourself, know that certain types of acne work better than others, according to dermatologists.
How do acne patches work?
A pimple patch is a bandage that is placed over a pimple. They are typically lined with hydrocolloid, an absorbable gel-forming material that medical professionals have used for decades as a wound dressing.
When applied to a wound, hydrocolloids absorb excess body fluids and form a gel, creating an environment that promotes healing. The patch itself prevents infection by protecting the skin from debris and bacteria.
In clinics and hospitals, larger versions of these patches are commonly applied to surgical wounds, minor burns, or bedsores. It is also a popular treatment for blisters and eczema.
Dr. John Barbieri, a dermatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, says that applying a patch to a pus-filled pimple “helps protect the pimple, create a healing environment, and remove gunk and oil.” says.
Dr. Zakia Rahman, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford University, said many people think that “wounds need air.” But “that’s not scientifically valid,” she said, adding that covering all types of blemishes, including acne, can help treat them.
Wound dressings used in the medical field are usually made solely of hydrocolloids, but some acne patches have medicated properties, such as benzoyl peroxide (which fights acne-causing bacteria) and salicylic acid. It also contains acne-fighting ingredients such as (reduces swelling and unclogs pores). ). Some patches also contain skin-soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera, or skin-drying ingredients like hemp seed oil.
Other versions include microneedles, or tiny spikes. pierce the skin Deliver these ingredients directly to acne.
Are some more effective than others?
Experts say hydrocolloid patches may improve age spots. However, dermatologists warn against the use of medicated versions.
Dr. Barbieri says some active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, can help treat acne, but they can also cause irritation, especially if they’re sealed into the skin under a patch. That’s it.
Even patches that contain ingredients that are advertised as “natural” and “comforting.” tea tree oil and aloeusing it this way can be frustrating.
Microneedle patches can penetrate the skin and deliver acne-fighting ingredients more effectively than other types of patches, but they can also be more irritating, says Dr. Leela Atariye, a dermatologist in Orange County, California. There is a possibility.
“There is some literature “While we cannot confirm the safety and efficacy of microneedle patches for acne, only time will tell how effective they are in the clinic,” said Dr. Atariye.
According to Dr. Barbieri, medicated patches and microneedle patches are probably not as effective as hydrocolloid-only versions. “Hydrocolloids are very effective on their own,” he said.
What is the best way to use acne patches?
Product instructions typically recommend cleaning and drying the affected area, applying the patch to the pimple, and then leaving it on for about 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
When the hydrocolloid absorbs oil, dead skin, and bacteria, the material turns white and swells slightly (this can cause irritation). satisfactory results).
There is little research on the effectiveness of acne patches. But even without clinical trials, many dermatologists recommend that patients use non-medicated versions for acne. Hydrocolloid-only patches are a gentler alternative to traditional spot treatment creams, which can be irritating to some people because of active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, Dr. Rahman said.
But the patch doesn’t work on all blemishes, says Dr. Atariye. It does not improve cystic or nodular acne, which causes acne to form deep within the skin. Also, it is not very effective against blackheads and whiteheads.
“The patch may draw some fluid out of these spots, but it’s only minimally effective,” Dr. Atariye said. “The ideal pimple for these patches is a succulent pustule or papule that is not too deep.”
Still, there’s no harm in using these patches for any acne, Dr. Rahman added. In fact, it can help prevent the habit of picking your skin, which often slows healing and causes scarring and bacterial contamination.
Dr. Atariye says to be careful when removing the patch, as removing it too quickly can cause abrasion, which can lead to scarring and discoloration. She recommended removing the patch while taking a warm shower or only when the adhesive is no longer strong.
What is the conclusion?
Hydrocolloid patches can help acne heal faster, but experts say they shouldn’t be your only acne care tool. A broader skin care approach may include applying topical over-the-counter or prescription medications in addition to using patches, Dr. Barbieri said.
“Is it worth the hype? Yes and no,” Dr. Atariye said. “These are great additions to a good skin care routine, but they can’t do everything.”