As a relentless trend tracker and chronic social media user, I’m calling it right now: 2023 is going to be about doing more with less—especially when it comes to skincare. That’s great and all if you already have an amazingly clear complexion and a perfectly balanced T-zone, but where are the multi-tasking skincare gems for flustered skin? Look no further than ZitSticka’s pimple patches. Yep! All four types benefit the skin in multiple ways: promoting an even skin tone, unclogging pores, and improving skin texture, just to name a few. But before we get into all the magic, let’s go back to basics. That’s right! We’re getting into how to use a pimple patch and what makes it so effective.
What is a pimple patch?
Pimple patches are small stickers that target and eliminate blemishes. They’re relatively new, but the science behind them is actually well established! Hydrocolloid—the stuff pimple patches are made of—has been commonly used since the 80s. Originally used as a wound dressing, it creates a moist environment to extract pimple goo and regenerate skin, fast. Most traditional pimple patches stop there: a simple hydrocolloid sticker that can be super effective on surface level zits or those that have come to an obvious head.
When designing all four patches, ZitSticka took this already-stellar hydrocolloid technology and added derm-backed active ingredients to the mix. Depending on the type of spot you’re dealing with, you could deliver a sucker punch of salicylic acid and oligopeptide-76 (for deep zits), or kojic acid and vitamin C (for dark spots) straight to the heart of your zit. Two of our patches, KILLA and HYPERFADE, have even more blemish-busting power thanks to their unique microdarts: tiny, pointy structures embedded into a pimple patch to deliver actives deeper than topicals can.
Types of pimple patches
1. Hydrocolloid patches
Let’s reiterate for those in the back! A hydrocolloid is a type of bandage that creates a moist and protected environment that works to quickly absorb fluids and extract pus. This gel-like material has been used to dress and heal wounds since it was first patented in 1967, and it’s beloved for its impermeability to contaminants. Hydrocolloid works best on zits with a visible head, but we won’t lie—some hydrocolloid patches are lacking because they contain zero active ingredients! GOO GETTER, our very own hydrocolloid patch, is packed with proven ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, vitamin C and tea tree to not only extract the contents of your zit, but also to accelerate skin clarity and renewal.
If you’re dealing with zit clusters or general skin congestion, there’s a fix for that too—it’s called FACE MAP, and it’s an active-infused, full-face hydrocolloid patch for your nose, chin, forehead, cheeks and jaw. Pro tip: ever get clusters of body breakouts? FACE MAP also works below the neck! Try cutting the patches to size if needed for a better fit.
2. Microdart patches
While hydrocolloid patches do work on surface-level zits, sometimes you need an extra boost when tackling hard-to-reach pimples that won’t come to a head. For those, we recommend the KILLA pimple patch thanks to its 24 self-dissolving microdarts. Microdarts are long, pointy structures that melt and release targeted ingredients like salicylic acid, oligopeptide-76 and niacinamide into skin. Step on up and don’t be shy—microdarts won’t hurt your skin!
Buuuut microdarts aren’t only amazing for active blemishes: they also work beautifully to target any skin discoloration that blemishes may leave behind! You’ll see microdarts in HYPERFADE, our patch that fades the appearance of dark spots after your zit is gone. Where KILLA has breakout-fighting ingredients, HYPERFADE has vitamin C, arbutin and kojic acid to slow melanin production and brighten skin.
What types of pimples should you put a pimple patch on?
The short answer: you can put pimple patches on any type of blemish! For superficial zits or those with visible whiteheads, we recommend GOO GETTER or FACE MAP, depending on the size of the drama you’re dealing with. For underground zits that don’t have a head, we recommend KILLA. And, for *the shadow of your zit* (i.e., dark spots that are left behind), try HYPERFADE.
Can you put a pimple patch on a popped zit?
Short answer: yes! When you pop a zit with your hands, oftentimes there’s still some gunk and debris to be extracted. And that’s not even to mention the redness that comes with picking at pimples! Try placing a GOO GETTER or FACE MAP on your popped pimple—they’ll suck up any remaining goo, and they’re both infused with niacinamide and vitamin C to block redness and help your red, irritated skin bounce back.
How long should you leave a pimple patch on?
To reap the full benefits of any pimple patch, we recommend leaving it on for 6+ hours. Overnight is even better! But, if you just can’t wait, you could see results from our microdart patches in as little as 2 hours—both KILLA and HYPERFADE are designed to self-dissolve and sink actives deep into the skin within 2 hours of application!
How to use a hydrocolloid patch
No matter the type of pimple patch (hydrocolloid or microdart), you’ll want to start with cleansed, dry skin. In your skincare routine, pimple patches should come after cleanser and before everything else. So, you’ll be adding your toner/moisturizer/serums/sunscreen after your patch. And! Make sure your hands are clean too! For hydrocolloids like GOO GETTER and FACE MAP, you’ll want to locate the site of your pimple drama, press on a patch, and leave it for 6+ hours.
How to use a microdart patch
When using HYPERFADE, start with clean, dry skin (of course!). Apply a patch onto your dark spot, press it in and leave it on for 6+ hours for the best results. KILLA works roughly the same way, but there’s an extra step: before applying your pimple patch, cleanse the area with our CLEANA wipe and allow the area to dry to ensure best adhesion and ingredient delivery. Apply a KILLA patch to your deep zit and leave it on for up to 8 hours for amazing breakout-busting results!
Wondering what else you can add to your routine to bust breakouts? Check out PORE VAC, our multi-tasking clay mask!
