Pimple Patch: How Long Should You Wear One?
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There's nothing worse than a giant pimple popping up out of nowhere. Before the invention of the pimple patch, the primary course of action when treating sudden pimples was slathering on some cream and impatiently waiting as it dries out—but with pimple patches, your zit can vanish in record time. There are a few things you should know about hydrocolloid patches before leaving them on your skin for hours on end, though.
Experts In This Article
- Brooke Jeffy, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of BTWN, a skin-care line specifically formulated for children, tweens, and teens
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified dermatologic surgeon based in New York City
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology
As long as you stick to a few basic rules, you'll be rocking your pimple patch worry-free. Ahead are some pimple patch best practices that dermatologists recommend, including the lowdown on how long you should wear an acne patch, how they help pimples heal, and which are the best pimple patches. Sorry, zits–you don't stand a chance!
What is a pimple patch?
A pimple patch is a facial sticker that is placed on top of a pimple for anywhere from six to 12 hours. Pimple patches work their magic due to the hydrocolloid's ability to attract the zit's fluid to the surface of your skin like a magnet (gross, yes, but totally satisfying).
Pimple patches come in many styles and shapes. While most pimple patches are simply made of hydrocolloid, a type of water-attracting wound dressing, some others come medicated with acne-fighting active ingredients like niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid.
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Pimple patches a derm recommends:
COSRX, Clear Fit Master Patch — $6.00
Ingredients: Liquid paraffin, red ginseng water
If you still want to wear makeup while donning a pimple patch, Dr. Yadav recommends this option from COSRX. Formulated with liquid paraffin, which relieves irritated skin, and red ginseng water, an anti-inflammatory agent, these super-thin patches sit flush with your skin.
“These are special because of their very thin, close-to-the-skin design,” says Dr. Yadav. “They’re thin enough that you can wear them under makeup if you wanted to, which will protect your pimple from further congestion while helping to heal the skin underneath.”
Hero Cosmetics, The Original Mighty Patch — $10.00
Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
Both Dr. Jeffy and Dr. Yadav recommend The Original Mighty Patch for treating pimples. Made of medical-grade hydrocolloid dressing and nothing more, these patches are simple, suited for all skin types, and clear, blending into all kinds of skin tones.
“These are great and very affordable,” says Dr. Yadav.
Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.
