The Dos and Don’ts of Pimple Patches
With rapid healing properties and unbeatable convenience, you’ll find pimple patches in any beauty buff’s medicine cabinet. When a blemish rears its head, there’s no simpler way to jump-start the healing process and ensure your skin is well cared for.
This acne remedy may be ultra-simple, but we have a few pimple patch dos and don’ts to maximize the benefits of each application. Read on for our top tips!
How Do Pimple Patches Work?
Before exploring the best ways to use a hydrocolloid pimple patch, let’s review exactly how they work.
Hydrocolloid patches create a moist, protective environment that allows pimples to heal. The hydrocolloid material soothes inflammation while accelerating the skin’s natural recovery process. Simultaneously, the patch absorbs excess sebum and other impurities, causing the pimple to shrink.
Over the course of six to 12 hours, hydrocolloid patches keep the pimple protected against bacteria and external irritants, all while encouraging healing. For mild to moderate acne, this results in smaller, if not fully healed, blemishes. Keep in mind that for severely inflamed, cystic breakouts, you may need personalized treatments from a dermatologist for complete healing.
The Dos and Don’ts of Using Pimple Patches
Pimple patches are ready to come to your acne’s rescue. But, before popping on one of our healing Bloomies, let’s read up on dos and don’ts to ensure each little patch pays off for your skin.
Do: Leave Pimple Patches On for at Least 6 Hours.
Pimple patches take at least six hours to make a difference in your skin. Over these hours, the patch will be working hard to soothe inflammation, absorb impurities, and ramp up the healing process.
If you have a hectic daytime schedule, it’s likely easier to apply a pimple patch before going to bed. This way, the patch will get to work while you rest and recharge for the day ahead.
Don’t: Reuse Pimple Patches.
Pimple patches are single-use. The hydrocolloid material soaks up excess oils and bacteria from your skin to shrink the blemish. If you reuse an acne patch, you’ll be sealing the impurities over the pimple, prolonging the healing process and increasing the risk of irritation. Plus, after you’ve already used a patch, it’s unlikely to re-adhere to the skin.
Do: Use a Brand-New Patch for Every Blemish.
To keep skin healthy and clear, use a brand-new patch for each and every pimple – no exceptions. Each blemish deserves a clean, powerful patch. After all, the last thing a new pimple needs is exposure to impurities from yesterday’s spot!
Don’t: Apply a Pimple Patch At the End of Your Skincare Routine.
After cleansing, hydrocolloid acne patches should be the first thing you apply to your skin. This is because serums, creams, and moisturizers will keep the patch from adhering properly. Additionally, depending on the product, it could dry out and irritate the pimple, affecting the patch’s ability to heal your breakout.
Do: Cleanse and Dry Your Skin Before Applying a Patch.
Hydrocolloid acne patches are designed to be applied to clean, dry skin. Here’s why:
- Any lingering oils on unwashed skin will keep the patch from adhering properly.
- Any oils, bacteria, and impurities on the skin will be sealed over the pimple, compromising the patch’s effectiveness.
So, wash your face with your favorite cleanser and gently pat the skin dry before applying your acne patch. Then, apply the rest of your skincare routine around the patch. This is the best way to ensure all-day or all-night wear while allowing your patch to do its thing.
Don’t: Apply a Pimple Patch with Unwashed Hands.
So, you’ve cleansed your face, patted it dry, and are ready to move on with your skincare routine. Before applying your pimple patch, pause and make sure your hands are truly clean.
Did you apply hair product after washing your face? Perhaps you picked up your phone and took a quick scroll through Instagram. In either case, your fingers picked up bacteria that will transfer to the patch – then to the blemish you’re trying to erase!
Do: Wash Your Hands Before Using Acne Patches.
Don’t let bacteria get trapped on your pimple patch before it even reaches your skin! Give your hands a thorough cleanse before each application. Even if you just washed your face, consider whether or not you’ve checked your phone in the meantime – the typical phone is home to tens of thousands of bacteria!
Don’t: Apply a Zit Patch to a Bleeding Pimple.
While you can apply pimple patches to a popped pimple, it’s best to keep them away from bleeding pimples. If you have a blemish that’s actively bleeding, try to curb the flow of blood by applying gentle pressure with a tissue for a few minutes.
If this doesn’t stop the bleeding, cover an ice cube with a cloth and apply it to the spot for another few minutes. This restricts blood vessels in the area to limit bleeding.
Once the pimple has fully stopped bleeding, cleanse and dry the area to wash away any remaining impurities. Now, it’s finally time to apply your acne patch!
Do: Remove Patches Gently.
When it’s time to remove your pimple patch, do so gently. Take the edge and lightly pull it back to prevent any form of skin irritation. Especially for sensitive, acne-prone skin, gentle is best!
Do: Love Your Pimple Patches.
With an elegant floral design and the Bloom Bouquet case for touch-ups on the go, Bloomies are pimple patches that you can fall in love with. Time to say “I do” to Bloomies!