Since the 2010s, hydrocolloid pimple patches have taken the world by storm, providing a gentle and painless way to quickly and effectively heal pimples. These small acne patch products are super effective at stopping you from succumbing to the urge to pick and make the whole problem worse.
The question is, do they do more than that? Beyond preventing your fingers from getting to the spot’s surface, do they offer any extra value to the user? That’s the subject of this article.
What Benefits Do Acne Patch Products Offer?
Basically, your typical hydrocolloid acne patch is manufactured out of a moisture-absorbing material that was originally developed in the medical field as a way to treat wounds. As such, the material in these patches offers a range of skin advantages over and above preventing picking. They include:
They Protect the Skin from Bacteria
One of the biggest advantages of hydrocolloid pimple patches is their ability to act as a barrier. By covering the pimple, the patch prevents outside bacteria, dirt, and other impurities from getting inside. This helps to reduce the chances of infection and more zits from appearing.
They Draw Out Impurities
A zit, comedone or pimple – or whatever you want to call it – is basically a blocked pore that’s become infected. Inside, you’ll find pus, dead skin and more nasties that need to be drawn out – something that your average hydrocolloid patch is particularly good at. That’s why it ends up turning white after being left in place for 6-8 hours.
They Help Prevent Scarring
By virtue of the fact that hydrocolloid patches stop you from picking, they also significantly lower the risk of scarring and post-acne marks. The sterile, healing environment they provide serves to improve the speed of healing, meaning that your skin ends up looking more even after your breakouts have gone.
They Make It Easier to Apply Makeup Over Acne
If you’ve ever tried applying makeup over an inflamed zit, you’ll know how difficult it can be to not make it look like you’re trying to cover up a pimple. However, hydrocolloid patches give your skin a smoother surface that makes makeup application far easier. Many patches are now ultra-thin and translucent, so they blend seamlessly under makeup.
They Stop Inadvertent Night Time Picking
While you might need to train yourself well to stop yourself from picking your pimples when you’re up and about during your day-to-day life, it’s not so easy to stop yourself while you’re asleep. However, you can’t pick your zits very well if they have patches over them, meaning that you won’t be able to damage your skin accidentally while you slumber.
A Typical Acne Patch Does a Lot For Your Breakouts
Hydrocolloid patches might seem simple, and they are great at stopping you from making things worse through picking. However, as we’ve covered, they do far more than simply prevent the damage that comes from doing so. They also protect the area and greatly assist the skin there to heal itself.
If you’re dealing with mild to moderate acne and you’re yet to use products like these, it’s time that you consider adding some to your skincare routine. Whether you’re using them to clear a breakout or prevent future skin issues, they represent a powerful tool that goes beyond the basics.
