Pimple Patches: Do They Actually Work?

Jun 26, 2024

Regardless of how amazingly effective skincare routines have become, even the best of them couldn’t prevent a pimple from appearing now and then. In fact, only one in five people are lucky enough to develop an occasional pimple in their lifetime - Yep, we’re jealous of that fact too!

Pimples and acne are caused when tiny openings in the skin, known as hair follicles, get clogged. While the use of cosmetics can often lead to this, even food intolerances, medications, hormones, and stress are known triggers.

We all know the cardinal rule for dealing with acne is primarily not picking at it, but oftentimes when you are faced with a big whitehead that’s decided to make its appearance a day before an important event or meeting, you find yourself taking matters into your own hand. That is when you are left with a not-so-pretty consequence and a whole lot of regret.

This is when pimple patches can save the day. They are small stickers made with a little gummy wound-healing gel called hydrocolloid, designed to help your skin heal faster. So if you have already picked at a pimple, a pimple patch can be a helpful healer. So yes, you need the pimple to pop before applying one of the patches. However, pimple patches can prove effective in drawing out pus from pimples that are just about to open too, especially patches that have pimple-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and/or tea tree oil in them.

What pimple patches do not work on are closed or deep lesions. They are most effective as spot treatments for active bumps only and are not preventative. So if you are struggling with cystic acne, large-scale breakouts, or blackheads, pimple patches won’t cut it.

That being said, they are a great addition to your skincare shelf for those unexpected acne flare-ups. The patch should be applied to dry, cleansed skin and can be worn overnight for better results.

Here are some of our tried and tested favourites at Raemona:

COSRX Acne Pimple Patch