If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed videos of people using pimple patches. These seemingly magical clear patches are placed on breakouts or whiteheads. After a few hours, the patch turns white and fills up with what appears to be gunk or discharge from a pimple. But what exactly are pimple patches? They’re made entirely out of one simple ingredient called Hydrocolloid, and if you’ve been wondering how these zit treatments work, then this blog post is for you. We’ll discuss where the idea of pimple patches came from, how they work, and how effective they are as an acne treatment. And we’ll introduce to you our newest product, the UH OH! Breakout Banish Pimple Patches - we know you’ll love these!

What is Hydrocolloid?

First, let’s start with the basics - what exactly is a pimple patch made of? The material is called hydrocolloid, and it’s actually been around for a long time. First used in the 1980s in medical care, hydrocolloid dressings or bandages are made up of a gel-like material derived from pectin, gelatin or cellulose (ours are plant-based and vegan!) The material is biodegradable and extremely breathable which is why it is a popular option for wound care. The bandages have been sold in stores for wound and blister care, and now they are also sold as pimple patches for the face and even the body.  But the basic and one sole ingredient in all of these is the same - Hydrocolloid.

The design of the hydrocolloid bandage helps to create a moist environment that promotes wound healing (or in the case of pimple patches, the healing of blemishes). The dressings absorb water and fluid, forming a gel. They also easily adhere to surfaces, almost like a second skin, without needing to use an adhesive to stick them.  Once the fluid is absorbed, the patches are easy to remove and change out for a new one. 

Somewhere along the way, someone realized that this material would make a great treatment for acne as well since pimples can be considered a wound of sorts. Now, pimple patches are available nearly everywhere and are very easily accessible to everyday consumers, in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are even infused with other notable skincare ingredients, however we like to keep it simple with 100% Hydrocolloid in our new patches. 

Do Pimple Patches Actually Work? 

The idea of pimple patches sounds almost magical - a clear, tiny, barely noticeable patch that you place on a breakout and it magically absorbs any gunk in the process. It almost sounds too good to be true, right? And you’re probably wondering - do they actually work?

Yes, pimple patches do work to help reduce the appearance of breakouts for a few different reasons. Not only do they help the affected area heal faster, but they also can help prevent scarring and bacteria from entering deeper into the surface.

The hydrocolloid material draws excessive fluid and pus to the surface, creating a gel - which is the white substance you may see on the pimple patch once you’ve had it on for a long period of time. Generally, once you see the white gel that forms, it means it’s time to take the patch off. Depending on how your pimple looks you can either replace it with a new one or let your skin be. The patches are breathable, so you need not worry about “suffocating” your skin with these patches - in fact, keeping the pimple covered will help avoid exposure to pollution in the air.

One of the reasons pimple patches are really beneficial to the skin is that they create a moist environment for healing, which helps speed up the skin’s healing process and prevent scarring. If you’ve ever had a huge breakout, the scars they leave behind can sometimes be worse than the pimple itself. So, if you struggle with post-breakout scarring, you should definitely introduce pimple patches into your skincare routine, especially if you ever have a big, angry breakout! Pimple patches might be a game-changer for those with acne-prone skin types.

Another reason pimple patches are so great is that they act as a second skin, protecting your pimple from you touching and picking at it while also keeping dirt and pollution out. Touching your skin with dirty hands can introduce bacteria to the surface which is a no-no for pimples. 

And since pimple patches are so thin, they can even be worn under makeup without being noticed. In fact, you’ve probably seen people wearing these pimple patches in public without even realizing it! Now, with the use of masks in our daily lives it is even easier to hide that you are wearing a patch in public! They’re a great daily “treatment” for acne, pimples, or even tiny wounds on the face.

Our New Pimple Patches

If you’re looking to try the wonderful benefits of hydrocolloid for yourself - you’ve got to check out our recently launched new product: the UH OH! Breakout Banish Pimple Patches. Woke up with a huge zit? No problem - just put one of these patches on and let them do all the work.

With multiple sizes to choose from, you can easily use them on your face or body breakouts.  These patches are made of 100% hydrocolloid so you’ll get all the skin healing benefits, too.  Since they go on clear and are very thin, you can even wear them during the day under makeup. Once they turn white, you’ll know it’s time to remove them. Just be sure to apply to freshly cleansed skin for best results. Your pimple is no match for these patches! You can check out videos of these patches in action on our Instagram. Consider us just a little bit obsessed with how well they work. Leave them on for up to 6 hours, or wear them overnight for the best results. 

Are hydrocolloid pimple patches already a part of your routine? Let us know how you use them in your skincare routine below. Bye Bye Breakouts!