February 2, 2021 

“Acne patches offer an air-tight seal from the environment and its contaminants, while drawing out impurities from the skin and suspending it in the gel-like matrix of the patch,” dermatologist Melanie Palm told Allure. “Some of the patches offer the power-packed punch of active ingredients such as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, or anti-acne ingredients to soothe and treat acne blemishes.”

For consumers struggling with surface-level acne like blackheads, whiteheads, or other bumps, pimple patches formulated with glycolic acid offer a fast, effective, and affordable solution.

Pimple patches are essentially hydrocolloid bandages or dressings. Used in medicine to facilitate wound healing, hydrocolloid bandages are stuck onto the skin. Then, the bandages create a seal over the damaged area and absorb excess fluid.

Pimple patches serve as miniature hydrocolloid bandages. The patches are typically small and circular and can completely cover a blemish.  Once a pimple patch is stuck to the skin, the patch creates a protective film over the pimple. After a few hours, the pimple patch helps to absorb the excess fluid from the blemish. This helps to dry out the blemish.

While some pimple patches are merely hydrocolloid bandages, many of the most popular options contain active, acne-fighting ingredients like glycolic acid.

“Be on the lookout for products that contain AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. These can minimize the pimple’s size and redness by increasing cell turnover and soothing inflammation,” explained Isabella Sarlija in Coveteur.

The biggest benefit of a pimple patch is that the stickers can quickly reduce the size of an acne blemish. By absorbing excess fluid, pimple patches help to minimize and shrink blackheads, whiteheads, and other bumpy blemishes. 

Additionally, pimple patches help speed the healing of the skin. By creating a protective film across the top of the skin, pimple patches facilitate faster healing by protecting the injured, damaged skin of a blemish from more bacteria, other irritants, or stressors like sunlight.

Third, pimple patches discourage picking or touching blemishes.

“Sporting a pimple patch rather than scratching a pimple off is beneficial because picking acne increases inflammation, healing time, and the risk of infection, discoloration and scarring,” explains Nicole Saunders in TODAY.

Finally, many customers also love that pimple patches can help to reduce the shame of acne. While many pimple patches are clear and hard to see on the skin, some brands embrace fun colors and shapes for an acne-positive, Instagram-friendly vibe.

Glycolic acid is an especially effective ingredient to use in formulating pimple patches, because it is a top ingredient for combatting blemishes.

Glycolic acid targets acne by breaking down and sloughing away the dead skin cells, sebum, and debris that comprise a blemish. 

“When applied to the skin, glycolic acid works to break the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells, and the next skin cell layer. This creates a peeling effect that can make the skin appear smoother and more even,” explains Healthline.

Glycolic acid is also beneficial for acne treatments like pimple patches because it spurs collagen production. Collagen is a key protein for healthy, firm skin and also encourages new cell growth. By helping to boost collagen production, glycolic acid can promote faster wound healing.

Finally, glycolic acid pimple patches can help reduce the redness and discoloration associated with a breakout.

Pimple patches are a trendy, affordable, and effective option to target acne. Pimple patches formulated with glycolic acid can help to flatten blemishes, minimize breakouts, and reduce redness and hyperpigmentation post-breakout.

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