Also known as zit stickers, hydrocolloid patches for pimples represent something of a staple for many in their skincare routines. These tiny, yet highly effective dressings are designed to protect blemishes when they appear and encourage healing. As popular as they are, however, not everyone gets the results that these products are supposed to provide.
In this blog, we take a gander at some of the facts that are behind their efficacy for some and ineffectiveness for others. It starts by understanding what they are for exactly.
Understanding Patches for Pimples
When talking about zit stickers, they’re more than just a protective covering for your spots. That’s because patches for pimples also contain a hydrocolloid gel that soothes and promotes healing – much as their larger forms have done in hospital medicine for decades.
Another benefit of these little healing wonders is the ability to absorb the fluid that’s found within spots, such as oil and pus. So, why is it that some people don’t enjoy everything they offer? Here’s a few reasons behind these outcomes.
- Using them on the wrong kind of acne – Pimple patches work best on certain types of pimples, particularly those that are pus-filled or have come to a head. However, they are less effective (sometimes completely ineffective) on cystic or hormonal acne, which occurs deeper in the skin. When spots are too deep, they’re not going to do much.
- Not preparing the skin properly – Before applying a patch, the skin must be clean and dry – meaning also that there’s no cream, oil or makeup on the surface. If there is, it can
prevent the patch from adhering properly and reduce its effectiveness.
- Not leaving it in place for long enough – If you read the label, you’ll see that pimple patches need to be left in situ for around 6 hours or so – it’s why many choose to put them on just before bet. It’s also essential to choose the right size of patch so that the whole spot is covered.
- Understanding what to expect – if you think that your spot patches are going to work immediately and give you clear skin, you’re going to be disappointed. While they can significantly reduce the appearance of blemishes, they are not an instant cure, so you need to be patient and adjust your expectations.
- Choosing low-quality spot patches – while it would be nice if weren’t so, not all spot patches are of the same quality. As such, if you’re not getting the results you want, think of switching to a reputable brand that’s known for producing effective treatments.
Patches for Pimples Are Great at What They Do
If you want to get the very best outcomes from using spot patches, it’s essential that you use them correctly and apply them to clean, dry skin. Also, spot patches are there to heal existing blemishes – not clear up your breakouts for you.
As such, it’s important to know what these products are designed for – or you will end up feeling you’ve been short-changed. A little knowledge goes a long way and we hope that you can see now where the value of these patches lies and what it can/can’t do for you.
These nifty little soothing circles can be a game-changer, however, only as a supplement for your acne-fighting routine. Remember that and you’ll get full value from your investment.
