Understanding Pimple Patches: A Comprehensive Guide

Decoding Pimple Patches: What Exactly Are They?

Acne is a highly common skin condition. Virtually everyone at every age can find a pimple from time to time. And addressing pimples can take patience and care to achieve the best results. Pimple patches, also known as acne patches, are small, adhesive stickers designed to be placed directly on pimples to provide a targeted, convenient, and (hopefully) discreet way to address breakouts. These popular spot treatments typically look like little dots and can come in various sizes to cover (or hide) acne while helping treat it.

Composition and Appearance of Pimple Patches

Usually made with translucent or skin-toned materials, acne patches are made to be relatively unnoticeable, so they can be worn during the day and sometimes even under makeup. Some thicker patches, on the other hand, are designed to be worn at night and may provide more protection and deliver more active ingredients to help fight acne. Others are super thin and can be more easily concealed under makeup.

Key Active Components in Acne Patches

There are a variety of ingredients found in popular pimple patch options, depending on the type and what they’re used for. Some of the most common pimple patches include:

• Hydrocolloid acne pads are non-medicated pimple patches. Moisture-retentive hydrocolloid acne pads help absorb the excess fluid (including pus) from the pimple and keep the area clean and protected from external bacteria as well as irritation. The benefits of this common pimple patch ingredient are that it helps reduce inflammation, can help flatten pimples, and prevents you from picking. However, it doesn’t directly combat the bacteria that cause acne. So, hydrocolloid acne pads are recommended only for more surface-level pimples rather than deep cystic acne. 
• Salicylic acid is a well-known ingredient when it comes to fighting acne, so it’s often included in medicated patches. It works by exfoliating the skin, helping unclog pores, and reducing inflammation. It’s been found to be effective in the treatment of blackheads and whiteheads, as well as helping prevent future breakouts. However, salicylic acid can also cause skin dryness and irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. 
• Tea tree oil is a natural option included in some pimple patches to help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. While it is natural that doesn’t mean there are no side effects. Some people have allergic reactions. And, it may not be as effective for those with severe acne.
• A more recent advancement in acne patches are microneedling patches. These contain tiny needles that penetrate the skin to deliver active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or peptides directly into the pimple before dissolving. They’re often used for more severe or cystic acne as they can reach into deeper layers of the skin. However, they may cause some slight discomfort and, again, aren’t recommended for people with sensitive skin.

The Science Behind Acne Patches: Mechanisms Explained

How Do Pimple Patches Combat Acne?

Pimple patches work by creating a protective barrier over the affected areas, which helps combat acne in several different ways. For example, hydrocolloid acne pads can absorb excess fluids, including pus, from pimples to draw out impurities and decrease the size of the pimple. These convenient, easy-to-use pads don’t contain any active ingredients or harsh chemicals, so they’re less likely to irritate even the most sensitive skin.

Other patches contain medications like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which penetrate the skin and target the bacteria and clogged pores that cause acne.

In addition, patches cover the pimple, which prevents further irritation or exposure to dirt and bacteria that can make acne worse. Covering the pimple also helps prevent people from touching or picking at acne, which can lead to scarring.

By holding in moisture, patches may also help support the skin’s natural healing process by keeping the area hydrated. This is another way acne patches may help reduce the chances of developing scar tissue.

Different Types of Acne Patches

Knowing the type of acne you’re treating can help you decide which pimple patch may be best for your skin. For instance:

Non-medicated hydrocolloid variants are ideal for surface-level pimples that have already formed a head. These hydrocolloid acne pads absorb the fluid and pus and help flatten the pimple without any active ingredients needed.

Medicated options, such as those that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil, can more directly help address inflammation and bacteria for pimples in their early stages.

Microneedling patches can be used on deeper cystic pimples as the tiny needles are better able to deliver the active ingredients deeper into the pimple, directly providing a more potent solution.

Effective Usage: A Step-by-Step Guide for How to Use a Pimple Patch

No matter which type of pimple patch you use, how to use a pimple patch is generally the same.

Proper Application Techniques

Start by cleansing your skin well and patting it dry with a clean towel to ensure the patch adheres properly and to avoid trapping dirt, oil, or bacteria under the patch.

Choose an appropriately sized patch to cover the pimple. Then, gently press it onto the affected area, doing your best to ensure there are no (or minimal) air bubbles or wrinkles.

Leave the patch on for several hours or even overnight or throughout the day, as suggested by the manufacturer or your dermatologists. Most non-medicated patches are recommended to be left on until they turn white, which indicates they’ve absorbed the fluids.

Finally, gently peel off the patch from the edges. Then, clean the area with a mild cleanser to remove any debris or residue. Continue with your regular skincare routine, but avoid using any strong acne treatments directly on the freshly treated area to prevent irritation.

When to Avoid Using Pimple Patches

While acne patches can be highly effective, there are times when they might not be the best option. For instance, they should never be used on open wounds, including open or freshly popped pimples, as this can actually trap bacteria under the patch and slow the healing process.

Unless you’re using microneedling patches recommended by your dermatologist, regular pimple patches should be avoided for severe or cystic acne. They simply don’t penetrate deeply enough to treat these types of breakouts.

In addition, if you have sensitive skin or known allergies, ingredients like salicylic acid or even tea tree oil can be too harsh. Avoid using any medicated patches without first doing a patch test to ensure your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction.

Evaluating the Effectiveness: Do Acne Patches Deliver?

Pimple patches are an effective treatment for many people, but results can vary depending on the person, the type of acne, and the type of acne patch used. For instance, they can be a good solution for treating individual, surface-level pimples, helping reduce inflammation, and to prevent you from picking at pimples as they heal.

Unfortunately, though, they often can’t prevent future breakouts as they don’t address the underlying causes of acne. And they are only minimally effective when it comes to deeper or more severe acne.

Exploring Other Acne Treatment Alternatives

If you do experience more severe acne, pimple patches may not be effective for treatment, and it may be time to visit a trusted skin specialist or dermatologist. Dermatologists are trained in professional acne extraction to effectively remove blackheads and whiteheads without damaging the skin or increasing the risk of scarring.

In addition, doctors can prescribe Accutane or other medications along with a more comprehensive skincare routine to address severe or persistent acne. Accutane has been shown, for example, to normalize the sebaceous glands, which can not only clear the skin but can help prevent acne in the future. Acne patches, in contrast, are limited to more immediate, short-term results.

Your dermatologist may also be able to recommend specific herbal skincare products that can provide a more holistic and gentle approach to acne and help the skin look vibrant and smooth. Combined with other treatment alternatives, including the use of pimple patches, herbal products may provide a more comprehensive solution to address any immediate concerns as well as the root causes.

Final Takeaways on the Use of an Acne Patch

Dermatologists often recommend pimple patches as part of a broader acne treatment regimen. Yes, they can be helpful for treating occasional breakouts, covering up acne, and limiting the ability to pick at the skin, but they are not a cure-all and aren’t effective for all types of acne. It’s important to maintain a consistent skincare routine, to avoid trying pop or squeeze pimples, and to seek the advice of a professional dermatologist for persistent or severe acne.

Author: Don Mehrabi

Don Mehrabi, MD, FAAD, is LA’s leading board-certified dermatologist who treats patients, builds the BHSkin clinics, and raises three kids. This blog builds on medical studies combined with Dr. Mehrabi's first-hand experiences from practicing in Encino-Tarzana, Glendale, and online