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| - Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that using a pimple patch can prevent pimples and result in clearer skin by the next day. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram account posted a video saying a pimple patch can prevent pimples in a day. The claimant demonstrated the claim in his video. While there’s some truth to this, it leaves out important details.
Fact Check
Do pimple-patches really work to treat pimples?
Yes, but not in a way you might expect. Pimple-patches can certainly help with pimples, but their benefits are often misunderstood. These patches are designed to work primarily by creating a barrier over the pimple. This prevents you from touching or picking at it, which can sometimes lead to further irritation or scarring. They typically contain ingredients like hydrocolloid or salicylic acid, both of which have proven benefits for acne. However, while they help the healing process, they do not magically clear up pimples in one day.
What is the science behind pimple-patches?
Hydrocolloid patches, the most common type, are often used in wound healing. When applied to a pimple, they absorb excess fluid and pus from the pimple, which helps reduce swelling. This can make a pimple look smaller and less inflamed after some time. However, it’s essential to note that hydrocolloid patches don’t zap the bacteria or instantly eliminate the cause of the pimple. They help to keep the area clean and may promote faster healing over a few days, not overnight.
Salicylic acid patches are designed to help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, which could help reduce acne over time, but again, they’re not going to deliver miraculous results in a day. It may take longer for the acne to fully heal.
How quickly can you expect results from pimple-patches?
It can take more than a day. Although some people report seeing improvements after just one night, the timeline for noticeable results varies depending on the type of pimple. Cystic pimples, which are deeper and larger, might not show much improvement in a single day. A pimple-patch could reduce the redness and swelling, but it won’t make a deep, inflamed pimple and scar disappear overnight or like the way it showed in the video. Smaller pimples, on the other hand, may respond faster to the treatment.
Generally, expect to see clearer skin within a couple of days. Hydrocolloid patches tend to flatten pimples over time rather than giving you instant results.
Can pimple-patches prevent new pimples from forming?
When asked Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant based in Lucknow, says “Not necessarily.”
Pimple-patches are great for dealing with existing pimples, but they don’t prevent future breakouts. If you’re prone to acne, a pimple patch can help with individual pimples, but it won’t address the root causes of acne like hormonal imbalances, excess oil production, or clogged pores. To prevent new pimples, a more comprehensive skincare routine is needed, one that addresses acne prevention rather than just treating existing blemishes.
Dr Sachin Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, says,” Pimple patches are excellent for treating active pimples, but they won’t prevent new breakouts. If you’re looking to stop pimples before they form, you should focus on a complete skincare routine that targets oil control and unclogging pores.”
Do pimple-patches work on all types of pimples?
No, they are more effective on certain types of acne. Pimple patches work best on surface-level acne, such as whiteheads or pustules. These types of pimples contain pus that can be absorbed by the hydrocolloid material. For deeper, cystic acne, pimple patches are less effective. Cystic acne is located deep under the skin, so the patch’s ability to absorb fluid is limited. In these cases, the patch may help reduce swelling and protect the pimple from further irritation, but it won’t significantly reduce the size or severity overnight.
For inflammatory acne or blackheads, pimple-patches also have limited use. A patch is not going to extract a blackhead or treat the underlying causes of inflammation. In these cases, it may help with surface-level calming but isn’t a cure-all.
How do pimple-patches compare to other acne treatments?
They can complement other treatments, but they’re not a substitute.
While pimple patches can help, they are not a substitute for more established acne treatments like topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid treatments. These treatments work by addressing the underlying causes of acne, such as excess sebum production or clogged pores. Pimple patches don’t treat the root causes of acne; they only offer a temporary solution for individual pimples.
Pimple-patches can be a valuable addition to an acne treatment routine, but relying on them alone won’t provide long-term acne management. For the best results, combining pimple patches with a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type and acne needs is essential.
Dr Ekansh further elaborates, “It’s fine to use pimple patches with other acne treatments, but be cautious. If you’re using strong active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, layering them with pimple patches could increase the risk of irritation. I’d recommend applying the patch on clean, dry skin, after your other treatments have been absorbed.”
What’s the best way to use a pimple-patch for better results?
Follow the instructions carefully and remain patient. Don’t get overwhelmed by the claimant’s video, where they deceive viewers by showcasing a filtered, flawless complexion.
For best results, make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the pimple patch. Apply the patch directly over the pimple, pressing gently to make sure it adheres well. Leave it on for as long as recommended—usually around 6-8 hours or overnight. Don’t try to remove the patch before it’s had time to work, as it needs to absorb the excess fluid from the pimple to be most effective.
Remember, while a pimple patch can make a pimple less noticeable and help speed up the healing process, it’s not a one-day miracle. You’ll likely see results over the course of 2-3 days, especially with deeper pimples.
Conclusion
Pimple-patches can certainly play a role in managing pimples, but they are not a quick-fix solution that will make a pimple disappear overnight. They help by reducing inflammation, absorbing excess fluid, and creating a barrier to prevent picking, but they need time to work. For significant acne concerns, a more comprehensive diet and treatment plan is necessary. When used in combination with other acne treatments, pimple patches can help improve the appearance of pimples and speed up healing, but they won’t offer an instant fix.
So, while they may help you achieve clearer skin over time, expecting a pimple to vanish in one day is unrealistic. Patience is key in skincare, and pimple patches are just one tool in your acne-fighting toolbox.
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