Chances are you've either used or at least heard of pimple patches before. If you’ve somehow missed out on hearing about this revolutionary development in skincare, don’t worry bestie, we’re here to give you the 411.
What are pimple patches?
The tech behind these stems from hydrocolloid bandages, which have traditionally been used within the medical field to draw out fluid from wounds while helping to retain moisture, which in turn speeds up the healing process.
Pimple patches are small, adhesive stickers that sit on top of a pimple to help it heal faster, and also help keep your fingers from picking at it – because we all know how hard that is not to do! They’re a popular choice for dealing with acne because they’re easy to use and can be very effective at speeding up the healing process. But how often should you actually use pimple patches? And what should you do after removing one? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more to help you get the most out of your pimple patches.
If you’re still not convinced about the magic powers of pimple patches and want to find out a bit more about how to use them, read more here.
Can you use pimple patches every day?
The short answer is yes, you can normally use a pimple patch every day if needed. It's generally recommended to apply a pimple patch as soon as you notice a breakout starting to form - the minute you feel that familiar tingle under the skin, it’s time to apply. It’s important to note that while most pimple patches include acne-healing ingredients in them, they don’t replace your regular skincare products. So keeping on top of your regular routine is a must while using these so that you’re constantly cleansing your full face.
How often should you use pimple patches?
To look further into it, let's talk about how often you should be using pimple patches. There’s no real ‘rule’ on how frequently you should be applying a pimple patch, they can really be used whenever needed. The frequency of use will also depend on your individual skin type and the severity of the breakouts you’re experiencing.
It's important to keep in mind that using a pimple patch every day may dry out the area it’s being applied to. This can sometimes cause irritation, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, so it's always a good idea to use a moisturiser along with it. Might we suggest the tbh thirst trap? No bias of course *wink wink*, it really is just the best option for acne-prone skin.
How long should you wear pimple patches?
In general, it's best to wear a pimple patch for as long as possible to give it enough time to work its magic. We would recommend leaving your patch on for a minimum of six hours to get the best results, and they can be the most effective for up to twelve hours. However, if the patch becomes loose or falls off, it's okay to remove it and apply a fresh one. Just make sure to cleanse your face before applying a new patch to ensure that it adheres properly.
A general rule of thumb is to keep the patch on until it has turned white. This is the patch's way of showing you that it’s done its job of extracting the impurities and can now be removed or switched out for a fresh patch to achieve the best results. It's important to keep an eye on your skin and remove the patch if any irritation or redness occurs.
Can you wear pimple patches overnight?
Yes, you can definitely wear pimple patches overnight. Did you know, we’ve actually got a pack of pimple patches fully dedicated for overnight wear and they even glow in the dark… so you can surprise your partner when you go to bed! The material of the patch is designed to absorb excess oil and impurities from the pimple, helping to speed up the healing process. Wearing the patch overnight also allows it to work for a longer period of time.
If you do decide to wear a pimple patch overnight, it's a good idea to cleanse your face and apply the patch just before going to bed. This will give the patch plenty of time to work its magic while you sleep. Just make sure to remove the patch in the morning and follow your regular skincare routine.
What to do after removing the pimple patch?
Now let's talk about what to do after removing a pimple patch. After you remove the patch, you should gently wash your face with the anti-bacterial cleanser to remove any residue. You should then go ahead and apply any remaining skincare products in your routine as follows:
- Wash your face with the anti-bacterial cleanser to remove any residue and to keep your skin free from any lingering bacteria.
- Follow up with the acne hack cream, applying it as a spot treatment to any active breakouts. We suggest applying the cream at night and waiting five minutes between applying the acne cream and adding any other products on top, to allow it to fully absorb into the skin.
- Next, go in with the thirst trap moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated.
- Then our favourite barrier support, rebound serum! Give your skin the love it deserves and support your skin’s delicate barrier by applying the rebound serum, morning and night, bestie!
- Finally, SPF – you’re definitely going to want to apply skin shady SPF50+. The correct amount of product is two fingers’ lengths, so make sure you’re applying enough at a time for full coverage.
- Bonus step, if you don’t trust yourself not to pick at your breakout, you can always apply another pimple patch after you’ve allowed your products to sink into your skin.
It's also a good idea to avoid picking at or squeezing the pimple after removing the patch. Picking at a pimple can cause it to become infected or leave a scar, so it's best to let the patch do its job and let the pimple heal on its own.
Ingredients in pimple patches
Pimple patches come in different formulations. You’ll find that some are just plain hydrocolloid, like the overnight glow in the dark patches, and others will pack in extra ingredients to have added healing powers. The tbh everyday pimple patches include ingredients such as ascorbic acid, which helps to correct post-breakout pigmentation, niacinamide to soothe damaged skin, salicylic acid - which we’re all familiar with as it removes congestion - and tea tree oil, to reduce redness and swelling. These ingredients, combined with hydrocolloid's ability to absorb pus and oil, can result in a flattened and less inflamed pimple. The dream!
In short, pimple patches are a very effective solution for dealing with acne, and should definitely be part of your pimple-fighting toolkit. They are small, easy to use, and effectively help you to resist the urge to pick or squeeze breakouts, which as we know can be very hard to resist. They’re our little miracle workers assisting with the healing process of the breakouts, and well worth a try.
